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May St. Cafe Reviews List
May St. Cafe
contemporary seasonal cooking featuring Mexican and Puerto Rican,
Traditional foods with a modern twist. All beef, pork and lamb products come from Allen Brothers - "The Great Steakhouse Steaks."
best housemade margaritas in town excelent boutique wine list
Enjoy the warm summer weather while dining alfresco on May St. Cafe's outdoor patio. available for private parties and catering try our patio for your private party and our new mayst mini latenight menu small plates and latin inspired fresh cocktails watch special events and chicagos teams win on our large flat screen tv with out the distraction of sound and at the same time dining in style
See more May St. Cafe details
Traditional foods with a modern twist. All beef, pork and lamb products come from Allen Brothers - "The Great Steakhouse Steaks."
best housemade margaritas in town excelent boutique wine list
Enjoy the warm summer weather while dining alfresco on May St. Cafe's outdoor patio. available for private parties and catering try our patio for your private party and our new mayst mini latenight menu small plates and latin inspired fresh cocktails watch special events and chicagos teams win on our large flat screen tv with out the distraction of sound and at the same time dining in style
56 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
Rating Breakdown 56 reviews
5 stars
(22)
4 stars
(20)
3 stars
(9)
2 stars
(3)
1 star
(2)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.6
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(30)
- fit for foodies(26)
- romantic(23)
- special occasion(19)
- good for groups(8)
- great for outdoor dining(7)
May St. Cafe Reviews List
Review 1 for May St. Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Plate cleaning food.
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/18/2013
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food was excellent. One of my guests, who seldom cleans her plate, ate it all. White flan was outstanding. Chef Mario always comes out to greet the guests, a definite plus."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, romantic, special occasion
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Review 2 for May St. Cafe
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Disappointing at best.
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I'd to the May St. Cafe before and thought it was excellent and well worth the price. My visit this time was the exact opposite. I wanted my mother to try the food so I took here there for mothers day. The restaurant decided to do a mothers day "brunch" buffet. The place barely has enough room for seating, so a buffet was not the best idea. Only two people could make their way through the buffet at a time. There was no place to put the lids for the warming trays which made serving yourself difficult. The "brunch" was just breakfast food and some pastries. It was incredibly generic, the only Latin style food they had were eggs and they were bland, and the pancakes tasted of flour. I had to ask the staff to clear the table and for the check."
Dined on 5/12/2013
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Review 3 for May St. Cafe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great Ceviche! All the food
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great Ceviche! All the food was great. My only complaint is because of the small size of the restaurant the tables are way to close together. Service was impeccable."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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Review 4 for May St. Cafe
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Had a very nice time. The
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Had a very nice time. The food was solid. The ceviche and guacamole were fantastic!!! Their margaritas were also very good. Main dishes were good, did not blow my mind, but I was very satisfied. We had the Lechon Asado (slow cooked pork) and the Paella. Both were tasty & satisfying. I was happy with our meals, but wasn't blown away. I would definitely come back for their margaritas and appetizers! It is a tiny dining room, so be prepared to be in tight quarters & the wait staff sometimes do bumb into you - it's all part of the atmosphere, was not bothersome as I knew going in."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2003
Special Features: good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 5 for May St. Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
WOW!!The food,drinks,and service
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"WOW!!The food,drinks,and service is GREAT.you can taste the Love."
Dined on 04/18/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 6 for May St. Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
One of my favorites!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I love this place! The food is always phenomenal, the service is wonderful and did I mention the food is phenomenal?"
Dined on 04/09/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 7 for May St. Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We went as a result of seeing
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We went as a result of seeing them on the Chicago's Best's show and it looked interesting. The pork dish that was shown on the show was one of the things we got. It was amazing. We also got the lamb chops with penne pesto pasta. Everything was wonderful. We will be going back and taking new people with us. Unique Latin gem. Very good margaritas."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2010
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 8 for May St. Cafe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
ranjeet51
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Went for a Romantic date night out with my wife on a Wednesday we were there from 6 to 7:15 and it was a quieter night - only half full. probably a slow staff night but it was nice to be left alone. I can only imagine they have more people during the weekends. my jalepeno / cilantro margarita was an outstanding recommendation! the Empanadas which are baked take time but were delish and so was the Salmon entrée I had that was cooked on a plank. overall my wife was pleased with the selection and I had been meaning to come here for years. next time I would come back on a Friday or Saturday night with friends when it would be more lively :)"
Dined on 04/03/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 9 for May St. Cafe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Excellent pork dishes! Great
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Excellent pork dishes! Great guacamole. Good margaritas. The place is postage-stamp size so prepare to be close. I don't recommend taking a group of more than 4, and make reservations!"
Dined on 03/23/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 10 for May St. Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I absolutely was surprised
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I absolutely was surprised when I steeped into this place, not what I pictured. The ambience was so nice, it's a romantic place. The service was great and the food, the food was GREAT. I loved it, and will definitely be coming back again."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 11 for May St. Cafe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Pearl in an oyster shell
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"When my wife's boss reported that May Street was good, that opinion put it on our radar. Investigating further we discovered the "Check Please" review. When some of the bad reviews started popping up online, rather than abandon the idea we proceeded with caution and are glad we did. The food was delicious, the service attentive and the ambiance appealing. We will be back and bring friends."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 12 for May St. Cafe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
May St Cafe looks terrible
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"May St Cafe looks terrible from the outside and we considered not even going in. once we got in, wewere plleasantly surprised! It looks great on the inside, but I imagine loses alot of business due to the outside. The food was tasty...a bit pricey especially for the outside view, but overall it is a good restaurant."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 13 for May St. Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Best spot in Pilsen
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Amazing cuisine and a great atmosphere. I like that it is smaller and more laid back, gives it a great personality. The owner is an extremely nice guy and bought my wife and I a shot and had the chef make us a lava cake for our anniversary. Really made the evening for us."
Dined on 03/21/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 14 for May St. Cafe
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Cozy setting, great service,
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Cozy setting, great service, interesting menu options. Only negative aspects were the rice was much too salty and shrimp diabolo was completely lacking in spice/heat."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2008
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Review 15 for May St. Cafe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food great but a little too
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Food great but a little too dark and too noisy (they turned down the lighting and cranked up the music after we arrived). We were with a group of 8 and you couldn't hear the people at the other end of the table. Red snapper and lechon asado were great. Cilantro and jalapeño margaritas surprisingly refreshing."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 16 for May St. Cafe
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Very disappointed! I went
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Very disappointed! I went here to celebrate my husband's birthday and drove 30 miles to specifically have their famous Lechon Asado. Get to the restaurant, place my order, and then find out 10 minutes later that they're out and it's only 8pm on a Saturday. Now I had to order a dish that I could have gotten anywhere else."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2013
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 17 for May St. Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Give your review a title (optional)
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This place was recommended and all I can say is don't judge a book by its cover. This place is very small, but intimate, the service and food were both amazing- as were the margaritas. I highly recommend making reservations as I think this place only seats about 40. It's great for foodies or a more romantic date! I will definitely be back."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 18 for May St. Cafe
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
We made reservations and arrived
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We made reservations and arrived a few minutes early. We were seated promptly and waitress was friendly. Fifteen minutes after our arrival we ordered from the menu and our drinks did arrived. An hour and fifteen minutes into our romantic dinner, the food we ordered has not arrived. The waitress informs us that there was a mishap with our order and it will be out as soon as possible. Needless to say, the did cover our drinks (good mojitos) and the desert that we did not order."
Dined on 02/13/2013
2013
Special Features: romantic
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Review 19 for May St. Cafe
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Great food, but a tight squeeze
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Everything was great except the space between tables. Very crammed even when there were available tables. Also, the chef came out and only spoke to certain patrons."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2009
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 20 for May St. Cafe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
very good guacamole, braised
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"very good guacamole, braised pork, margaritas. great service. seating is a little tight. would generally recommend, but probably not for a big group."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2013
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Review 21 for May St. Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Again, we were pleased with
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Again, we were pleased with May Street Cafe. Generous portions, great margaritas, great service."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
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Review 22 for May St. Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Amazing food, all of the flavors
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Amazing food, all of the flavors and how fresh everything is....first class."
Dined on 02/13/2013
2013
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Review 23 for May St. Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
White chocolate Flan highly
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
"White chocolate Flan highly recommend"
Dined on 02/09/2013
2013
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Review 24 for May St. Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The first time we went there,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The first time we went there, many years ago, it was a little breakfast/lunch hole in the wall, but great nonetheless. Today, it has come a long way from that little place with the kitchen in the dining area, like a diner. It isn't much bigger but it is now very elegant. The food is excellent and the jalapeno-cilantro margarita is incredible. Service is as good as the food. We liked it so much that we are going back this week-end."
Dined on 02/07/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 25 for May St. Cafe
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
I had high hopes for this
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I had high hopes for this place. Food was average , but service was not so good to say the least . We waited at least 20 minutes for waitress to take our order. Then we waited additional mre time for her to come back with the check . Would not return back ,,"
Dined on 02/07/2013
2013
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Review 26 for May St. Cafe
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
We promptly arrived for our
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We promptly arrived for our reservation. The restaurant was already full,there was only 1 table open in the dining room. It felt a little crammed, as my chair would be bumped by anyone utilizing the aisle behind me. We opted to move to the bar for dinner service. They were out of almost everything we ordered...Mark West Pinot Noir by the glass, The Prisoner by the Bottle , Lechon Asado, & arroz con gandules. WOW! We realize we came at 8pm during Restaurant Week, but to be out of all these items left me with a bitter taste in my mouth. The Chef, however won us over by bringing out a little taste of the infamous Lechon Asado, which we specifically came in to try. We will be back...but perhaps at an earlier time and not on a Saturday."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2006
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Review 27 for May St. Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This was our first time to
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This was our first time to May St and we were not disappointed. Service was warm and attentive. Loved Latin jazz type music playing. Food was fabulous- fresh, well prepared and delicious. We loved it and will be back."
Dined on 02/01/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 28 for May St. Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
So glad we stayed!!!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We went to May St. Cafe after seeing it on Chicago's Best. We were hoping to have the pork dish that featured on the show but it was unavailable for order at the time. We stayed to see what else they had to offer and I'm sooo glad we did. I have the shrimp diablo and my husband had the beef skewers. Both dishes were wonderful!!! The service was great too! Overall it was a wonderful experience and we will be returning very soon."
Dined on 02/01/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 29 for May St. Cafe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great Spinash food
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"My husband and I went here On a Wednesday night for our anniversary. We were a little resistant at first glance because the restaurant doesn't look like much on the outside. Once we got on the inside it was a whole new world. I ordered the Puerto Rican paella, it was very delicious. My husband ordered the 8 oz steak which was nice and juicy. It was romantic the people were very friendly and the food was great. The only thing I didn't like was that it was a little cold besides that we will didn't return for dinner soon"
Dined on 01/23/2013
2011
Special Features: late-night find, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 30 for May St. Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We had a awesome experience.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We had a awesome experience. I highly recommend this hot spot.... I didn't want to leave.. But will come back again before I got back to Seattle!!"
Dined on 01/19/2013
2011
Special Features: good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, hot spot
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Ratings-Only Reviews for May St. Cafe
Based on the average of (26) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
4
/
5
4 out of 4 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate