Welcome to Cafe 20
At Cafe 20, located in Marengo, Illinois, the culinary journey is rooted in a vibrant blend of Italian and American pizza traditions. This charming eatery is celebrated for its delectable offerings, ranging from broasted chicken to homemade soups, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Diners rave about the warm, welcoming atmosphere and the attentive service, underscoring the restaurant's commitment to hospitality. With a diverse menu that features crowd-pleasers like chicken wings and feature-rich salads, Cafe 20 has earned a reputation as a hidden gem. Each visit promises fresh flavors and generous portions, enticing customers to return for more.
- 756 E Grant Hwy, Marengo, IL 60152 Hotline: (815) 568-5653
Welcome to Cafe 20, a charming gem nestled in the heart of Marengo, Illinois, located at 756 E Grant Hwy. This delightful eatery specializes in a blend of Italian and American flavors, focusing primarily on mouthwatering pizzas and a variety of other dishes that cater to all palates. Whether you’re in the mood for comforting Italian classics or American favorites, Cafe 20 has something to satisfy your cravings.
Upon entering Cafe 20, you’ll immediately feel a warm and inviting atmosphere. The no-frills approach ensures that the main focus is on the food and service, both of which have received rave reviews from locals and visitors alike. Customer Rick W. describes Cafe 20 as "one of the best restaurants around," praising its broasted chicken and excellent pasta dishes. This love for their menu is echoed by others, like John K., who appreciates the generous portions and the intimate atmosphere reminiscent of a Wisconsin supper club.
- Signature Dishes: The menu features a variety of tantalizing options, including:
- Broasted Chicken: Renowned for its amazing flavor, tender meat, and perfectly seasoned skin.
- Chicken Wraps: Choices like Mediterranean and Southwest Ranch are sure to please.
- Appetizers: Don’t miss out on the Caprese Appetizer, Firecracker Shrimp, and the Giant Bavarian Pretzel.
- Pasta Specials: Homemade pasta dishes often have diners coming back for more.
- Customer Experience: Patrons like Crystal M. highlight not just the taste, but also the attentive service provided by staff such as Anna, who goes above and beyond to accommodate guests.
Cafe 20 prides itself on its homemade offerings, including soups and salads. The homemade soups have garnered compliments, and delightful options like the Caprese Salad offer a fresh start to any meal. As Jason K. notes, the extensive menu ensures there’s something for everyone, making it a great stop for families or groups.
Whether you’re a longstanding fan or new to Cafe 20, the blend of quality food, exceptional service, and welcoming environment makes it a must-visit. With accolades echoing from satisfied diners and a menu loaded with tantalizing selections, it's clear that Cafe 20 is committed to delivering a memorable dining experience. So next time you find yourself near Marengo, don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in the flavors that make Cafe 20 a delightful destination!

Cafe 20 is one of the best restaurants around . The broasted chicken is the best I've ever had. Pasta dishes are excellent. Soups are homemade. Service is excellent, a no frills restaurant with great food.

I have been here a few times. The good is good, larger menu with plenty of options for everyone in our group.

I heard how good the food was here, listening to talk radio station WRMN 1410AM in Elgin, Il. So I stopped by for lunch today, the service was friendly and professional (Natalya), the food was tasty (Rueben with waffle fries), the place was very clean and quiet. Highly recommended. Five stars...

Best Oktoberfest in the Midwest. Always love seeing Johnny Wagner and his band. The food is also some of the best in the area.

**Good Service, Decent Food, But Expected More** We stopped by Café 20 in Marengo after a busy day for a quick dinner. I decided on the Saturday night broasted 4-piece chicken special, while my wife had the chicken wrap with waffle fries. The service was very good, but the food was just decent--we were hoping for a bit more in terms of flavor. Overall, not a bad stop, but it didn't quite live up to our expectations.

This is a hidden gem. The wait staff was fabulous and the food was TOP notch. We will be back. Thanks for a great evening!!!

Dinner on a Saturday night and was not disappointed. Great food and a small restaurant had the partial feel is a Wisconsin supper club and a downstate cafe. Portions were plentiful and the service spot on and it made a great choice for a simple date night.

Stopped here on a whim, and we're glad we did!!! Service was excellent, food was fresh & tasty. Big portions and fairly priced! We will not hesitate to stop here again! I didn't get a pic of the hubby's walleye sandwich it it was insane! Huge piece of walleye folded on the bun with lettuce, tomato and tartar sauce. He kept raving about how it was so good & was glad we stopped here!

Went in for dinner with the family today. We had the broasted chicken and ribs. The chicken was amazing, everyone loved it! Flavorful, tender, seasoned well and not oily. The ribs were good. Typical slow roasted, tender and flavorful as well. The table favorite was the chicken and waffle fries. My daughter has a severe dairy and egg allergy and they accommodated her by making her a grilled chicken breast and fries. Anna took care of us and she was amazing! She had a good spirit and was very hospitable. Will return!