In the Loop, two options can solve lunch without turning it into a long sit-down meal: a pressed Cuban sandwich at Cafecito or an Indian and Nepalese buffet at Chicago Curry House, in the South Loop. The first is inside the neighbourhood and prioritises speed; the second requires a walk south but lets you try different curries, rice, naan and other dishes for a published price. They are different formats: your appetite, schedule and how much you want to eat will determine which suits you.
Cafecito is beside HI Chicago and draws people looking for a Cubano, chivito, ropa vieja sandwich or Cuban coffee before heading back out. The listing checked showed 4.5/5 from 2,399 opinions; comments often praise the toasted bread, Cuban iced coffee and portions. Queues and seating can become tight during office lunch hours, so takeaway is a practical alternative. Its hours extend from breakfast into the evening, with an earlier closing time at weekends.
Chicago Curry House lists a daily buffet from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.: US$18.95 Monday to Friday and US$21.95 at weekends; the website notes that holiday prices may differ. The listing checked showed 4.5/5 from 3,041 reviews. Diners mention the variety, naan and Nepalese dishes such as momo; some comments warn that the dining room can be busy. Ask what is available and check ingredients if you have allergies. The set price helps with budgeting, although ordering one dish from the menu may suit a smaller appetite better.
Cafecito is at 26 E Congress Parkway and opens from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and until 6 p.m. at weekends. Chicago Curry House is at 899 S Plymouth Court, opens daily until 9:30 p.m. and sits outside the Loop in the South Loop; the buffet ends at 3:30 p.m. From Millennium Park, Cafecito is the more direct stop; the buffet requires a walk several blocks south. Choose the sandwich if you have a short break between sights, and the buffet if you want to sit down and sample several dishes for a set price.
Check current details and choose according to your budget, time and way of travelling.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
Cafecito handles breakfast and lunch at the pace of a Cuban coffeehouse: espresso, chilled drinks and pressed sandwiches moving quickly from the counter. The menu includes a Cubano, chivito and slow-cooked meat fillings, as well as salads, plates and shakes. The listing checked showed 4.5/5 from 2,3
Pressed Cuban sandwiches, Cuban coffee, salads, Latin plates and shakes in a casual café beside HI Chicago.
Chicago Curry House - Indian - Nepali Cuisine
899 S Plymouth Court, Chicago, IL 60605
Chicago Curry House is in the South Loop, a few blocks south of the central business district, and turns lunch into a table of Indian and Nepalese flavours. The buffet brings together curries, rice, naan and dishes inspired by Himalayan cooking; the menu also includes momo, dal-bhaat and vegetarian
Indian and Nepalese buffet with curries, rice, naan, momo and vegetarian choices; in the South Loop, south of the central district.
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website of Cafecito ↗
Primary source
Cafecito, sitio oficial · Accessed October 2, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Chicago Curry House - Indian - Nepali Cuisine ↗
Primary source
Chicago Curry House, sitio oficial · Accessed October 2, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Sitio oficial · Accessed October 2, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Sitio oficial · Accessed October 2, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Comentarios de comensales ↗
Secondary source
Wanderlog, reseñas agregadas · Accessed October 2, 2026
La ficha consultada mostraba 4.5/5 en 2,399 opiniones; los clientes destacan sándwiches cubanos, café frío cubano y porciones, con esperas en horas concurridas. Tripadvisor aparecía con 4.5/5 en 323 reseñas. Consultado el 2/10/2026.
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Experiencias de clientes y datos de reseñas ↗
Secondary source
Birdeye, agregador de reseñas · Accessed October 2, 2026
La ficha mostraba 4.5/5 en 3,041 reseñas agregadas de Google; se repiten menciones a buffet, variedad, naan, momo y servicio. Consultado el 2/10/2026.
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Comentarios de comensales ↗
Secondary source
Wanderlog · Accessed October 2, 2026
Reseñas sobre los sándwiches, el café, las porciones y el servicio en Cafecito. Consultado el 2/10/2026.