Cafe

The Cafe, in honor of Mahalia Jackson, offers coffee, seasonal pastries, sandwiches, and delectable snacks made fresh. This elevated fast casual spot offers a delightful selection of quick bites and drinks to keep you energized for your day at the Obama Presidential Center.
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Menu Highlights

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  • Obama Family Chili

    Taste an  Obama Family classic. This homey chili features ground turkey, spices, red wine vinegar, tomatoes, beans, cheddar cheese, and sour cream, all served with a side of cornbread. 

  • Eleanor Garden Salad

    Dig into this fresh salad inspired by our very own Eleanor Roosevelt Fruit and Vegetable Garden, featuring crisp lettuce, seasonal vegetables, and a bright champagne vinaigrette.

  • Tuna Salad Sandwich

    Refuel with a timeless favorite made with tuna salad, cheddar cheese, lettuce, and ripe tomato on hearty multigrain bread.

Things To Explore Near The Cafe   

  • The Weary Blues

    Discover The Weary Blues , an art installation located outside of the Cafe, by Chicago artist Lindsay Adams. The piece draws inspiration from Langston Hughes’s famous poem of the same name and features floating flowers against a moody blue field brought together to explore themes of resilience, rest, and the enduring power of Black creative expression.

  • Our Story Atrium

    Relax and take a breather in the Our Story Atrium, located between the Cafe and the Museum. The Our Story Atrium invites visitors to examine how we share our experiences, listen to others, and engage across difference. The Atrium also features City of the Big Shoulders , a three-story painting by artist Mark Bradford that draws on Chicago’s history of ownership, power, and place. 

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Cafe FAQs

Plan Your Visit

  • Getting to the Campus

    Map out your route to our campus before you visit.

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  • Museum

    Explore the remarkable story of President Obama and Michelle Obama and those who inspired their journey.

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  • Accessibility

    Check out all of the accessibility options across our campus.

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  • Sky Room

    Head to the top of the Museum and take in stunning views of the West and South Sides of Chicago. 

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  • The Shop

    Shop with purpose at the Obama Presidential Center store, where every purchase of curated merchandise and local artisan goods helps to inspire, empower, and connect people to change their world.

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  • Programs and Events

    Take a look at the performances, activities, and classes happening across the campus.

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