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Meli Cafe restaurant in Chicago
Marcus Plumpe · Google Places

Meli Cafe

Meli Cafe has a separate gluten-free menu section.

GF·CoeliacA
VeganB
VegB
NutC
DairyC
EggC
Address500 S Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60605, USA
CuisineGreek · Brunch · Cafe
Price€⁠€
Hours
Mon7:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Tue7:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Wed7:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Thu7:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Fri7:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Sat7:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Sun7:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Last verified

Per-allergen evidence

Coeliac · Gluten-free

A
confidence 70%
Strongly trusted ·what tier A means

Meli Cafe has a separate gluten-free menu section. It includes items such as French toast, crepes, pancakes, and toast. Multiple recent coeliac diners have reported no symptoms and found the staff knowledgeable. The kitchen is not dedicated gluten-free, and the possibility of cross-contamination is acknowledged. Some older reviews from 7-9 years ago describe glutening incidents. Recent positive reports from coeliac diners, however, now dominate. Some reviewers mention a dedicated toaster and a dedicated fryer, though not consistently across all locations or shifts.

dedicated fryermarked menustaff trained
Cited references

[1] Aggregator Meli Cafe & Juice Bar - Gluten-Free Cafe in Chicago, FindMeGlutenFree

The FindMeGlutenFree listing for 500 S Dearborn St has 17 recent ratings, a marked gluten-free menu, dedicated toaster and fryer reported by some, knowledgeable staff, and some older glutening reports.fetched May 15, 2026

[2] Aggregator Gluten-Free at Meli Cafe & Juice Bar - Gluten-Free Menu, FindMeGlutenFree

FindMeGlutenFree's chain page for Meli Cafe lists 54 ratings, a marked gluten-free menu, reports of a dedicated kitchen space and toaster, and knowledgeable staff.fetched May 15, 2026

[3] Aggregator Best Gluten-Free Restaurants in Little Italy, Chicago - 2026, FindMeGlutenFree

A FindMeGlutenFree search for Little Italy lists Meli Cafe & Juice Bar at 301 South Halsted Street, noting a gluten-free menu and gluten-free bread and buns.fetched May 15, 2026

[4] Aggregator Meli Cafe & Juice Bar - Gluten-Free Cafe in Chicago, FindMeGlutenFree

The FindMeGlutenFree listing for 540 N Wells St includes 8 recent ratings, a marked gluten-free menu, reported dedicated fryer and toaster, and notes some staff knowledge issues.fetched May 15, 2026

[5] Aggregator Gluten-Free Vegetarian Friendly Places in Fulton Market District, Chicago - 2026, FindMeGlutenFree

A FindMeGlutenFree search for vegetarian options in the Fulton Market area lists Meli Cafe at 301 South Halsted Street, with a gluten-free menu and gluten-free bread or buns.fetched May 15, 2026

[6] Verified blog Meli Cafe - Gluten-Free Restaurant in Chicago, atly.com

The Atly listing for 540 N Wells Street describes the venue as 'accommodating gluten-free' with trained staff and notes some risk of cross-contamination.fetched May 15, 2026

Nut-free

C
confidence 30%
Best effort ·what tier C means

A 10-year-old review on FindMeGlutenFree mentions a child with a tree nut allergy felt unwell after eating here. No recent information on nut-free protocols is available. Accommodation would be on request with caution.

Egg-free

C
confidence 30%
Best effort ·what tier C means
Reminder

Always confirm with venue staff before ordering. Tiers and accreditations are guides, not guarantees.

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