Café 251

251 N Illinois St, Indianapolis, IN 46204, United States
+1 317-237-2690
$$$ Cafe
(112 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Welcome to Café 251, your delightful retreat nestled in the heart of downtown Indianapolis at 251 N Illinois St. This charming café is more than just a place to grab a bite; it’s a community hub where friendly faces greet you, and a vibrant atmosphere envelops you as you take a seat to enjoy the flavors of carefully crafted dishes.

Whether you're stopping in for a quick breakfast, a leisurely lunch, or a mid-afternoon snack, Café 251 is renowned for its welcoming service and homely vibe. Patrons rave about the warmth of the staff, who remember regulars by name and ensure every guest feels right at home. As Victor Huerta shared, “The workers were so lovely,” and the sentiment echoes through every review. It's the kind of place where personal connections are made over hearty meals.

The menu is a true standout, showcasing a variety of delicious options that cater to diverse tastes. Start your day with a satisfying breakfast burrito, generously wrapped with fresh ingredients—and at just $5, it's a steal! Don't overlook the small BBQ Chicken Salad, bursting with flavors from chipotle ranch and perfectly grilled chicken, or the mouthwatering Buffalo Chicken Salad for a spicy kick. For a quick yet fulfilling option, try the Chipotle Chicken wrap adored by John Wilson, who declared it as “hands down the best hole-in-the-wall lunch spot in downtown Indy.”

Pair your meals with delightful sides, like the freshly baked chocolate chip or peanut butter cookies, each only $2.25 and guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. The café’s commitment to freshness is evident in every dish, reflecting the care they put into sourcing the best ingredients. Alice Han’s review highlights their ability to whip up a hearty full-size Club sandwich accompanied by the delicious sausage soup, proving that Café 251 goes above and beyond to fill your heart and your belly.

Located on the first floor of the beautiful Capitol Center building, Café 251 offers light and bright dining with ample opportunity for downtown people-watching. It’s the perfect urban escape whether you’re out shopping, on a lunch break from work, or exploring the vibrant city. The friendly, personable staff ensure that every visit feels special, making it a go-to destination for locals and visitors alike.

In every interaction and meal, you’ll find that Café 251 isn’t just a café; it’s an experience. With its great prices, excellent food, and welcoming ambiance, it's undoubtedly a must-visit in Indianapolis. If you're looking for a place where flavor and community blend seamlessly, look no further than Café 251. You may just find your new favorite spot!

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Good for solo dining
Good for working on laptop
Offerings
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves healthy options
Sells prepared foods
Quick bite
Serves vegetarian dishes
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves lunch
Has catering
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Crowd
Family friendly
Good for groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Transgender safe space
Planning
Doesn't accept reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

7:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Wednesday

7:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Thursday

7:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Friday

7:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

112 Reviews
Victor Huerta

01 Sep 2025

Was craving a breakfast burrito and this place did not disappoint! The workers were so lovely and the burrito was only $5 for a reasonable size! Definitely would come back again. The chipotle ranch was a nice addition to the burrito too.

PrettyKim

18 Aug 2025

First time eating here and I am not disappointed staff was friendly noticed they knew a lot of customers by name the manager or owner was pleasant and had good energy the customer service was a 10 out of 10 got a breakfast sandwich and the understood every part of the assignment the bread didn't over power the sandwich bacon was cooked nicely and they wasn't stingy with it I love the fact it didn't feel like I was eating another I wish sandwich I wish I could taste more than bread I wish I it wasn't so dry and bland or I wish i never came here I will definitely be back here tho every chance I get to try other things in the menu

John Wilson

25 Jul 2025

Hands-down best hole-in-the-wall lunch spot in downtown Indy. Stumbled on it by chance and it's quick, friendly, and has some really filling wraps. One of my go-to's and will be for a while! Chipotle Chicken wrap is fantastic.

Brett Hodgson

18 Jul 2025

Conveniently located in my building. Team is always friendly and will go out of their way to remember you and your order if you frequent regularly.

Alice Han

16 Jul 2025

Cafe attached to a corporate building, I'm assuming a lot of corporate employees go there for lunch. I got the full size Club sandwich with the sausage soup and it was AMAZING. A good old hardy sandwich that was filling and just well-made. This made me feel happy and filled

Brandon Altschul

05 Jul 2025

Friendly and personable staff, fresh and delicious food, and very good prices. Restaurant is always clean, and the Gumbo is phenomenal.

Bill French

28 Jun 2025

My first visit to Cafe 251 and it was a very positive experience. Being from out of town, Cafe 251 was near our office and offered a quick lunch. The service was good and the Turkey & Swiss was excellent and there was too much food. I would recommend this place to anyone, with a great selection and plenty of options.

Alli Hughes

23 Jun 2025

My first time for lunch here and the staff was very friendly! They made a great recommendation for a chicken fajita wrap. They make everything fresh and let you choose your own fresh ingredients! The wrap was huge! I had to take half home! Light and bright space with great downtown people watching! Located in the beautiful Capitol Center building on the first floor facing New York Street.

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