We are inundated constantly with negative stories and images creating a cesspool of defeat and apathy that impacts our interactions with one another as well as the world. It's always exciting and uplifting to find people and places, especially close to where you reside, bringing an alternative to what many have excepted as the norm. This is one place: A non-profit Coffee House named Kusanya right in the heart of Englewood, known to the world as once the murder capital of Chicago (that title has now been handed to Austin, a community on the west side of town). It's cool upbeat progressive rustic chill vibe is welcomed in an area that has steadily over the last decade fallen into major decay. It's community owned and operated and offers a safe haven for many in the community who would like a place closer to home to interact with like minded people. We need more places like this in the communities to take over and "Change The Narrative".

I loved my time at Kusanya Cafe! Where can you get a full unique meal for under $10 at a coffee shop or cafe in the city and find a comfortable space to work at the same time? Kusanya Cafe provided that and more. From the mango turmeric iced tea to the veggie wrap to the attentive staff, this space should be on everyone’s place to visit especially if vegetarian/plant based! I will return with more people!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Chance the Veggie Wrap, Sandwich
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free street parking

What a gem! I stumbled upon this cafe by accident as I Google searched “cafes nearby” but it was divine intervention because this is easily one of the best neighborhood cafes that I’ve been in. The decor gives you all the feels. I had a big payback sandwich. It was perfect & just as described. And I had a mango blueberry frozen drink and it was also perfect. I sat and happily ate lunch and by the time I had taken in all the art and read all the things on the ways… I was so smitten by the space, that I bought a t-shirt! Try this cafe! Support the mission. Enjoy

Second time there, the coffee is spectacular- no really. I am super picky - tasted fresh roasted and was. Looked for a local coffee shop dropping my kid off at his south side baseball school and found this place. Did not have the Lupe Fiasco sandwich this time but last time that was very good also. They need more muffins and breakfast grab and gos but that coffee!
Service
Take out
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10
Features
Dine in: Yes
Outdoor seating: No
Takeout: Yes
Delivery: Not sure
Curbside pickup: Not sure

Arrived at Work and Nasty Burger King was closed But I knew that I needed to eat something so I went to the Cafe on the corner JEEESUS!!! When I tell you the Lupe Tobasco breakfast sandwich was sooooo delicious and The Coffee ☕️ God......it's amazing and everyone knows how I feel about my coffee....I've been working near the cafe for months and had never eaten anything from it boy was I sleeping If you are ever in #Englewood stop by #KusanyaCafe it will bless you.... Great customer service and food!!!! Now I'm happy

Great Cafe. Great food and great prices. Friendly atmosphere. Plenty of tables to sit. You must try the oatmeal with fruit. To die for. I will be back. Great coffee.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Breakfast Burrito, Lupe Tobasco w O Turkey & Ham, Muffin, Sandwich
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free street parking
Parking
Ample parking in front of the cafe

Where else can you get a tall white mocha (double pour) and a donut for $4.50 that's not Dunkin Yucknuts... This awesome Community Connection Coffee Shop... THEY EVEN ROAST THE BEANS ON SITE! in the community space called the Roasting Room where they hold an open mic and weekly yoga... And the menu offerings are delish with such fun names Lupe Tabasco, Bernie Mac and cheese... Can't say enough!!!
Vegetarian options
They can now make all their sandwiches as a vegetarian option.

I love exploring coffee shops around the city. I have to say this is one of my faves! Great interior feel to it, cozy, inviting, welcoming with a hint of vintage. The best part is the quality of both the drinks and the food for an excellent price. Which is something you def do not come across anymore. It's an ideal place for getting work done, for meetings or simply to chitchat. If I didn't live far from this place I'd def be here every day!

An absolute must visit cafe in Chicago. They have great coffee, which they make in their own roastery (you can also buy 1 lb bags). They have really good food: muffins, pastries, sandwiches with names like Mozz Def and Ham Master Jay, and dishes like Bernie Mac and Cheese. The staff is incredible - friendly and good service. Plenty of seating with some outlets for plugging in. And always good music lightly playing in the background.

Amazing crowd. A gem in Englewood. Staff is helpful and very knowledgeable about their menu. Events are held in the roasting room due east of the location where there is enough space for a small party or art showing. The owner is very respectful and will do everything in their power to make you comfortable in their establishment. If I'm driving down Halsted, I'm stopping her for an Americana. And definitely the ambience.

I am SO GLAD my work day brought me to this neck of the woods and gave me an opportunity to check out Kusanya! Everything from the food to the coffee to the baristas is awesome. Hoping to find another excuse soon to come here!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Chance the Veggie Wrap

This is a warm and cosy location with an addicting charm. Walk into establishment and be teleported to a peaceful and serene headspace.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Baked Oatmeal French Toast and a Chicken Wrap for My Son

Cute little coffee shop with very reasonable prices! 2 sandwiches and 1 large coffee for only $10. I highly recommend the Lupe Tobasco!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$1–10
Features
Dine in: Yes
Outdoor seating: Not sure
Takeout: Yes
Delivery: Not sure
Curbside pickup: Not sure

I've used Kusanya Cafe catering on numerous occasions and it has always been exceptional. Great sandwiches and salads. Vegetarian and vegan options available. The shop itself is warm, inviting and filled with natural light. It's clearly a gathering place for people to work, meet and socialize. Highly recommend it.

Such a great atmosphere. I work construction in the seemingly hopeless neighborhood and I went in for a cup of coffee and learned so much I didn’t know. The quality and the atmosphere are something you just can’t find in the suburbs. I’ve been here 4 times since I found the place. A great Non-profit atmosphere

Perfect place for a sandwich and coffee. Service was impeccable. I absolutely love the location- englewood needed this gem. My only problem is that I didn't take anything to go.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Such a great place. It has a very calming vibe, so laid back. Yummy delights and coffee. Comfortable seating. Always nice to give new life to beautiful old Chicago buildings, as well as bringing something fresh and fun to neighborhood! The staff is super friendly and the service is quick & accurate.

I really liked this place. I stopped for coffee while I was out making deliveries on the south side. The breakfast sandwich on ciabatta with spinach and tomato added was like $3 and soooooooo dang goood. The coffee was hot and tasty. People were chilling here. The energy was low key and good.

Had the pleasure of stopping by today. Not only is this a beautifully crafted space, but the staff is so incredibly warm and welcoming. Great conversationalists! & the food and drinks are awesome— so full of flavor! Will certainly be making this my regular morning spot. More

A hidden coffee cafe gem on the south side. I had a white chocolate coffee that was absolutely perfect. If you love a good cup of coffee, you must stop by.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

We love this Café. I stop in every chance I get!!! Coffee and donuts mostly ...it's Better than Starbuck. Try the pay it forward it's Puts the icing on the cake:-), or mayby its theTake a book Leave a book ...anyway it goes, this place is just Awesome !!!!

This was our first time here, my husband, son & I was satisfied with the energy from the greeting, and the food was amazing… especially the baked oatmeal. If you need help with your digestive track get the baked oatmeal it does a body good.

An authentic community cafe. You can't get this from Starbucks. Tile floors, rustic wood for the counter work area, brick walls, and nice approachable and sustainable aesthetic. This is the type of place that comes to mind when I need to

Talk about a beautiful space with a fantastic back story. While I have heard countless stories about Kusanya Cafe, today, I was able to visit. The food delivered on everything I've heard! The service was even better, and the environment

This is a Hidden Gem in the Englewood Community.... delicious/affordable food, peaceful vibes and friendly service. Englewood needs more places like Kusanya!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$1–10

Kasana Cafe has a great menu the food is tasty is not expensive I like the sign to say you are beautiful across the street from it and big white letters it's quiet peaceful cozy the staff is very friendly and doing yoga it's cool

One of the best chai lattes I’ve had! Plus, the staff were so welcoming, and I appreciate that this is a community space. Really great place all around.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10

Great mission for the community. Food is great. Drinks are wonderful. Staff members are friendly helpful. They're getting ready to celebrate their 10th anniversary! 9/9/2023
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

This is my favorite breakfast and lunch spot on the southside. The prices are unbelievably affordable. The staff is super kind, helpful and professional. Also, the sandwiches are named after music artist. It's truly a vibe.

I absolutely love this place for breakfast or lunch. Kusanya has everything that you could want from a very filling breakfast sandwich to a tasty pizza for lunch. .. did I mention the cheese grill is to die for !

Great place in a little corner of Englewood that serves up legit delicious coffee drinks. It’s a non-profit that puts money back into the community. Check it out, grab a drink and a donut or something to eat.

Such lovely concept, the barista are the friendliest and kindest you will encounter. Everything is very much priced to make it affordable to the community so you get a huge bargain compared to city prices.

Kinda on the pricey side but it's decent. I love to support black owned.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5

Fantastic coffee. We also enjoyed our oatmeal and a breakfast sandwich. The prices are very reasonable, and the service was fantastic. If we were local, we would be here regularly. Truly a hidden gem.

I love the atmosphere. Its so laid back n relaxing spot to eat and chill n even catch with a friend with nice conversation or be by yourself. I wish it had more space but for a small place it's nice.

I love this place, but when the owner isn't present, everything runs slowly. I need the same consistency. Food shouldnt be done before coffee. Otherwise, keep up the good work! Food is always tasty!

This is a cafe that is community driven. It caters to create a space for collaboration over coffee and food. It serves breakfast and lunch in a rustic atmosphere. The staff were helpful and kind.

Love love love the Lupe Fiasco (I know its not called that but they still take my phone orders when I call it that) great sandwich excellent price. The atmosphere is quirky and I love it. …

WOW! Love the breakfast bagel sandwich and the oatmeal. I've been looking for a good breakfast bagel and now I've found it! I would have included a picture, but it just went too fast. So good!

Now how can you go wrong with a place that has this as a menu!?!? I adore this place. They're mocha coffee was the perfect pick me up but it's their oven baked oatmeal that has me coming back!

I attended 2 events where they used Kusanya for catering, and the sandwiches and salad were fresh and absolutely delicious. Looking forward to going back to try the breakfast and the coffee.

Friendly, helpful staff and cute decor- a perfect place to sit and sip your coffee. I had the Lupe Tobasco on a croissant with veggies, but you can add meat as well. Very reasonably priced!

Quite Mixture of Nice people's who can Wi-Fi Computers and Phones Nice Music Ginger Tea all kinds Coffee Homemade Cookies Donutes Varieties Sandwich 4 Stars all day Wonderful people.

Place is great for working on laptop or simply enjoying some calm space for a cup of coffee or a bite to eat. My mango summer salad was great and the sandwiches are flavorful.

Very beautiful in there! Beautiful vibes. They played Outkast the whole time we were there.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$1–10

Good coffee, good food, good music. Always-friendly staff. Easy parking. Anytime you've found the place where the local cops hang out, you know you've found good chow.

The baked oatmeal was so good, we ordered a second one to go! The staff are kind and make excellent cappuccinos. Highly recommend going just for the baked oatmeal.

The best coffee house on the south side of Chicago. Phil and staff are phenomenal! The best part is they are non- profit to best serve the Englewood neighborhood.

Very attentive and pleasant staff, I noticed that the baristas were friendly with the regulars and they're neighbors. Kusanya Cafe is very good for the community

Amazing coffee in a really, really big mug:) Worth the trek if you don't live in the area, and a daily staple if you do. Get your caffeine on for a good cause.

Tasty food, friendly staff and wifi. What more could you ask for? Try the breakfast sandwich and add bacon, sausage, spinach, and onion for a tasty AF sandwich

Great coffee and sandwiches. Used to go here passing by on the way to a job. I wish I still passed it. Workers are hard-working, highly skilled, and friendly.

One of my local favorites! Delicious oatmeal! Bomb Lupe Tabasco breakfast sandwich! Muffin right out the oven! You can’t go wrong with any of the menu items!

Excellent ambience, food, and super cool people! The pizza is amazing for the price and great sandwhiches and smoothies. This is a diamond in the rough!

Cozy coffee speak eazy, where a person can have a close conversation, with friends, business associates or a laptop. Oh! The food is good too... ❤

Phil and his staff are friendly and knowledgeable. The caramel latte is really good and I had a potato lentil soup......and man was it awesome.

Everything so far is delicious! The baked oatmeal is really good.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$1–10

Had not been in a while, I forgot how great the coffee is. Still in love with the Cafe.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Small local owned cafe. Their breakfast and lunch options are small, but mighty. Good coffee selection,as it's their own chosing of brand.

One of the best breakfast spots in the Chicago area! The staff is amazing the food is literally spot on I highly recommend this place.

Great mocha, ham sandwich and service. Insane how good it was.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Love this place! Good (and cheap) food, comfortable environment, free wifi. I only wish they were open later.

I love this place. Great service and great service.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

The tuna was really good. The lemonade needed more lemon flavor.
Service…
More

Relaxed and cozy place. Good coffee and kind staff.
Service
Take out…
More

Absolutely wonderful... really enjoyed the atmosphere!!!

Perfect coffee drinks. Tasty eats. Very friendly staff.

The people and coffee are good. The Vibe is dope.

One of my favorite breakfast places great coffee

Great atmosphere, great coffee!