Best Coffee Shops & Cafes In Chicago

First Time at Serai? Here’s Exactly What to Order (A Local’s Cheat Sheet)

Walking into a new cafe with a full menu board can be a little overwhelming — coffee options on one side, sandwiches and subs on the other, and a friend behind you waiting to order too. If it’s your first time at Serai Cafe & Deli, here’s the cheat sheet regulars wish someone had handed them on day one.

If You Just Want a Solid Coffee

Keep it simple. Our Classic, Americano, or Cappuccino cover the basics — hot, reliable, and exactly what you’d expect from a proper cafe. If it’s warm out, the Cold Brew is the move.

Order this if: you’re grabbing coffee on your way somewhere and don’t want to overthink it.

If You’re Actually Hungry

Skip the light stuff and go straight for something filling.

● The Serai Burger (The Thinker) — beef patty, American cheese, onion, and our house Serai sauces on a special bun. This is the one people come back for specifically.

● The Reuben — rye bread, pastrami, sauerkraut, provolone, and Thousand Island. A proper deli classic done right.

● Serai Signature Subs — the house favorite, built our way.

Order this if: you skipped breakfast, or lunch is the main event today.

If You Want Something Lighter

● Caprese Panini — fresh mozzarella, tomato, baby arugula, spinach, and pesto mayo on warm pressed bread. Fully vegetarian and genuinely satisfying.

● Tuna Salad or Tuna Club — a lighter option that still holds you over. Order this if: you want something that won’t leave you sluggish for the rest of the day.

If You Want Something Cold and Fun

Our Refreshers menu is a favorite for a reason — Peach Dragonfruit and Mango Carvan are the two people ask for by name once they’ve tried them.

Order this if: it’s a warm day, or you just want something other than coffee.

The “I Can’t Decide” Combo

Half a Panini or Sub, paired with a Refresher or Cold Brew. It gives you a taste of both worlds without committing to one giant order — a common move for first-timers who want to try a little of everything.