Located at 720 N. McLean Blvd. in South Elgin IL, Sweet Berry Cafe is a community staple known for its modern and trendsetting, chef-driven approach to American breakfast and lunch.
Ownership and History
The cafe was founded in mid-2013 by Dan Mataragas, who built the business from the ground up after years in the restaurant industry. Mataragas partners with long-time collaborator Executive Chef Jesus, with whom he has worked with since they were 13 years old. Recently, the establishment underwent a remodel to introduce a more luxe and modern ambiance with bright, clean lines and delicious green velvet booths to complement a newly launched and expanded beverage program featuring specialized “Brunchtails”.
Menu and Popular Items
The menu emphasizes fresh, high-quality ingredients and entrees. Although standard breakfast fare is offered, the Featured Chef Specials set Sweet Berry Café apart from the competition by offering rotating seasonal and eclectic twists on breakfast/brunch entrees. Quality meats like the extra thick-cut maple bacon and the jumbo maple sausage links are sourced through special vendor relations. Sauces such as the hollandaise, turkey sausage gravy and multiple different salsas are made in house for a flavor profile that is unique only to Sweet Berry Café. It is particularly noted for its inclusive dietary options, offering extensive gluten-free entrees and a plant-based/vegan menu that uses whole, nutrient -rich ingredients.
Some of the most popular food items include:
- The Signature Sweet Berry Cakes: Buttermilk pancakes topped with fresh blueberries, raspberries, strawberries and a vanilla crème anglaise drizzle.
- Chilaquiles: Multiple different variations featuring homemade salsas by Chef Jesus. Options include customizable meat choices and a vegan option as well.
- Hot Honey Chicken Hash: A kaleidoscope of flavors that quickly became a customer favorite in 2025.
- Louisiana Grits Bowl: Multiple New Orleans inspired dishes dot the menu to bring the Cajun flavor to their guests.
- Eggs Benedict: Chef Jesus’ homemade hollandaise is referred to as “liquid gold” for its rich, velvety flavor with a slight hint of lemon. Utilized with multiple different flavors for a variety of featured benedicts throughout the year.
- Gourmet Lunch: Half-pound Black Angus Burgers and the Berry Chicken Salad created with a melody of berries and a scoop of chicken salad featuring tart apples & pecans.
- Home Made Soups: Freshly prepared daily with no added preservatives and vegetable soups made with only vegetable bases. B.O.G.O. Soup Quarts available daily from 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
- Honorable Mentions: Home Made Beignets, Breakfast Sliders, Sweet Berry Crepes, Stuffed Waffle, Skirt Steak Skillet, Pot Roast & Eggs & Home-Made Corned Beef Hash.
- Most Popular Entree: Pumpkin Pancakes – Topped With Caramelized Carved Pumpkin, Candied Pecans, Honey Butter, & Pumpkin Spiced Crème Anglaise. (Available from September thru November)
Awards
The cafe has consistently earned local acclaim, recently being voted:
- • Best Brunch in the NW Suburbs by the Daily Herald (2023).
- • Best Breakfast & Best Restaurant in Elgin by Elgin Community Votes (2024 and 2025).
- • Top Pick by the Daily Herald (2025).
Hours of Operation
Sweet Berry Cafe is open daily for breakfast, brunch, and lunch.
Monday – Sunday: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM.
Ph: 224-238-3057
sweetberrycafe.com
#onlyattheberry
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