Cafe 53, Chicago

It's no small feat to summarize Cafe 53 in one sentence. It's better to evoke a series of experiences: a cup of coffee and a book in the shade of a tree; a shared bowl of gelato in a quiet courtyard; a steaming hot chicken pesto sandwich with a side of homemade chai. Combine all these together and place it in the heart of Hyde Park, and only then does it become obvious why this café is a favorite among University of Chicago students. But those images still just brush the surface, because Cafe 53 has a full espresso bar, an exhaustive list of vegan sandwiches, and a distinctly Mediterranean leaning. And best of all for Muslim diners: the entire menu is halal.