Groundswell Coffee Roasters

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21 days ago

I wanted to enjoy groundswell, but the espresso just tasted extremely weak to me, so much so that I questioned if I even got 2 shots or just one. It ended up tasting like oat milk with a splash of espresso. I ended up having to get a matcha in the afternoon as a pick me up as I didn't quite feel awake. I didn't try any of the pastries but they did have a few. Despite the lackluster coffee experience, the cafe is a decent area to work in, with seating, free wifi, bathroom, and outlets. Sorry I forgot to take pictures :( read more

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Gia G.

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5 months ago

Such a cute spot. The space itself is really nice warm, cozy vibe, and thoughtfully designed but it is pretty limited on seating, so it can feel a little tight if it's busy. Definitely more of a linger-with-a-friend than a big group place. I got the chai latte and that spice comes through in the best way. It's not just sweet milk with a hint of chai you actually taste the cinnamon, clove, and that little kick of warmth. Super comforting and flavorful. Friendly staff! read more

Groundswell Coffee Roasters - Chai latte! - Coffee Roasteries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Bobb S.

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10 days ago

Stopped in on an early Thursday morning as it was in walking distance to where we were staying. A cute cozy spot with a minimalist industrial feel, the space was definitely comfortable to do some light work but not a place I could see myself camping out for a few hours. I opted for one of their pour overs. I didn't pick up on the advertised flavor notes but also wasn't disappointed-it was ok. For those that are craving food options, they do have some bakery and breakfast sandwich/burrito options. It wouldn't be a destination cafe for me but perfectly acceptable for those seeking a solid cup of coffee. read more

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Myra Y.

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10 months ago

This is a super cute and intimate coffee spot! I stopped by to do some work before an appointment in the area. I ordered an iced matcha latte and found it to be smooth. I asked for it to be unsweetened as I wanted to be able to add stevia to my own liking. My order came quick and without issues. I would be happy to return again if in the area. It's a great alternative to other shops in the area. read more

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George C.

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7 months ago

Great coffee place came here on two days in a row and would come everyday if I lived here. Service was fast and friendly the ambience was chic and modern perfect for working remotely both times I got the latte with oat milk and it was delicious. Great place for people that like their strong coffee. read more

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Kenna G.

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10 months ago

Super cute, earthy, vibey, coffee shop! Very small, only around 5 tables. Not the best for WFH if you have to take any calls, and getting a table is a gamble. Coffee flavor was very good. Staff were friendly. read more

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Stephanie N.

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1 year ago

We got macchiatos and a cortado and they were all perfect, just a perfect fresh flavor of the espresso matching well with the milk while also shining through with fresh brightness. It was pretty addictive, to be honest. Absolutely lovely servers too, felt very welcome. A cozy space well lit by sunshine on the one whole side, such a nice place to just sit and focus on your coffee. Hope to be back soon! read more

Groundswell Coffee Roasters - Corridor - Coffee Roasteries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Groundswell Coffee Roasters - Two macchiatos, each served with sparkling water - Coffee Roasteries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Mark O.

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6 months ago

The only third wave shop in west loop. Great beans, pulled very well by the baristas, with a nice vibe. Not a ton of seating, but still nice to remote work at when there's room! read more

Groundswell Coffee Roasters - Cortado - Coffee Roasteries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Paige D.

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9 months ago

Great spot, quick service, and cozy vibes. Love their breakfast sandwiches on the go and they have delicious cold brew and lattes. If you get there early enough they have a great selection of local donuts as well. read more

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Sofia M.

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11 months ago

10/10 coffee and atmosphere. Randomly stumbled upon the shop after a quick Google search and this is one of the best lattes I've had in a long time. I asked the barista for her go to and she recommended a honey cinnamon latte. It didn't disappoint! Normally, I'm a "sipper" but not today. read more

Groundswell Coffee Roasters - Honey cinnamon latte - Coffee Roasteries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Janelle P.

Elite 25

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1 year ago

Stopped by Groundswell Coffee--cute spot and pretty busy when I went. I had a chai latte and the green chile breakfast burrito and both were was just okay, nothing special in my opinion. I also tried the green chile breakfast burrito and it also Not bad, but not something I'd go out of my way for. You can definitely work remotely here, but it's a pretty small space. read more

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Mark M.

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1 year ago

I always walk over to groundswell for a cold brew after my morning skates. I'm always greeted at the door. Nice and chill vibes. Highly recommend stopping in! read more

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Mary G.

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1 year ago

Rolled into Groundswell in River West and dropped about $16--grabbed a pour-over single-origin drip and a ham & Swiss panini, plus an everything croissant. The drip was fire--bright, clean flavors you can tell they roasted in-house--and that panini hit just right, melty cheese and warm ham on perfectly pressed bread. The croissant was flaky and buttery, exactly how a pastry should be, and not too heavy. Baristas were laid-back but sharp--knew their beans and made that pour-over like pros . Chill spot with some patio seating and a mellow neighborhood vibe, great for hanging or grabbing a quick bite. Everything's top-notch--coffee, food, staff--so it's easily a five-star go-to for local java fans like me. read more

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Autumn B.

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2 years ago

Maybe it was the delayed gratification of having to get ready for work with no coffee at home, but I stopped here this morning for an emergency coffee and it was the best work commute ever! Ordered a large iced latte with almond milk, lavender, half sweet (my go to!) I haven't passed by here recently but it's always been a great experience. Gonna have to add them to the rotation! I will say the inside of the store was nice and cozy this morning and they made my coffee unbelievably fast, so I even made the bus! Adding them to the summer rotation for sure! read more

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Casey W.

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9 months ago

Very quick service! The line was almost out the door, but staff kept the line moving quickly! Ordered an iced chai and a cold brew that were both good. read more

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Justine C.

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2 years ago

Easy and simple coffee menu which makes ordering so straightforward and efficient. The coffee shop is small with a few tables to do some laptop work or enjoy your meal. I loved my iced vanilla latte with to whole milk and the service was fairly fast. It's about $7 total for the iced latte which is typically priced in the West Loop area. Great spot to try! read more

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M. C.

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8 months ago

Groundswell's in-house-roasted coffee is good. They hire well, too, based on the staff we ran into. And they've put some thought into the design of their pleasant space. read more

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Mi S.

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1 year ago

Great customer service. Very friendly and kind. Disgusting burritos. They should stop selling them.

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Ailun H.

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3 years ago

The cold brew here was solid - probably my favorite cold brew that I've tried in Chicago during this trip. The cold brew was super smooth, and the flavors were fruity and light with a fantastic and lingering after taste. The barista and I had a small conversation about the beans that were used to make it (some of their left over Ethiopian single origin mixed with another, I believe). It was the first drink he recommended after I asked for some suggestions. Most coffee shops just use left over junk coffee beans to make their cold brew (which is often nasty). I'm glad I was able to sample a bit before buying a cup (5.00 for 12 oz, I think). Great place for my friend and me to chill after lunch this Tuesday. There is a good amount of seats here and there were a few people doing work in the shop, too. If I didn't have so many bags of coffee beans already, I definitely would have bought a bag here. read more

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Marisol R.

Elite 17

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1 year ago

Coffee was great definitely exceeded my expectations Small place cozy and their pastries were good Good service read more

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Kevin Z.

Elite 24

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3 years ago

Their doughnuts are excellent. No idea if they make them in-house, but they are well worth the price. Way better than other chains' doughnuts. Will have to try their coffee next time. read more

Groundswell Coffee Roasters - a variety of donuts - Coffee Roasteries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Carlie H.

70

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1 year ago

Delicious vanilla latte! Loved the atmosphere. Staff were very friendly and helpful. Would definitely recommend!

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Bridget A.

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3 years ago

Great spot to stop in for a coffee or sweet donut treat in the West Loop. Service is always fast and the staff always friendly! For a small shop, the vibes are grand at Groundswell. read more

Groundswell Coffee Roasters - Cold brew and storefront - Coffee Roasteries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Groundswell Coffee Roasters - Add your own cream and sugar bar - Coffee Roasteries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Nathan D.

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3 years ago

stopped in for coffee. nice friendly staff.. coffee was way too mild for my taste.

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Gobohae L.

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2 years ago

Great local coffee roaster. Always consistently good. Good, friendly people. Love the local vibe!!! read more

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Yiting K.

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2 years ago

I had an exceptional cup of pour over. It was the pink borbon from Columbia. Will be back to get coffee from them.

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Jonna N.

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7 years ago

Super cute cafe! I can't give 5 stars because the lighting was okay. It was a gloomy morning with light flurries and the inside was dark. They have big windows for natural light but when the natural light isn't there, it's kinda dull. The decor was super cute though! The chairs are wood or they have stools near the front so it's not the most comfortable place to sit and study for hours but it's good for a quick coffee break or coffee run in the morning or quick meeting. I also wasn't a fan of their matcha latte. I took one sip and all I got was grainy texture. That was a bummer! I forgot to ask for some honey or some kind of sugar in it so it tasted just of matcha. The latte art on it was cute though! I also got a chocolate croissant and it was tasty. read more

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Craig H.

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4 years ago

Excellent coffee and lattes. The roast on the filter coffee is excellent. The latte featured housemade vanilla syrup, which is a serious plus given my wife has an allergy to high fructose corn syrup and that stuff is in EVERYTHING. Thanks for the great cups of joe, Groundswell. read more

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Midori G.

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8 years ago

$4.15 for a 16 oz iced coffee. I think that's more expensive than other places. The coffee is very good, but super strong! I haven't tried the other drinks so I can not vouch for them. 4 stars for the wonderful selection of quality coffee products and the nice atmosphere. I do think the iced coffee is a little overpriced, but maybe that's just how it is in this area! They have some bakery products that looked good and they serve paninis and wraps. There isn't much seating! Just 6 small tables and some bar-style seating. read more

Groundswell Coffee Roasters - My $4.15 16 oz iced coffee - Coffee Roasteries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Rosa J.

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9 years ago

"Groundswell Coffee Roasters" are probably my favorite coffeeshops to spend quiet Saturdays and Sundays at. There are three (3) locations in the city: on Damen in Ravenswood, on Madison in Near West Side, and on Lincoln in Lincoln Square. Hubby and I took a break at the Near West Side one after visiting a thrift store near the United Center. This particular location doesn't have the big-community table sitting, yet featured more small, intimate sitting arrangements with a plenty of natural lights coming in. I would say the decors are quite minimalist. I like the earthy color tones and the transfusion machine on the barista's work station, which keeps me calm and relaxed and make me feel "home away from home!" Check out their seasonal specialty drinks! I had their "espresso soda." The main ingredients were an espresso shot, mineral water, orange bitters, and vanilla. Hubby was curious on how it was done and the tall-n-skinny barista gave him a run-through on how it was made. It really was very nice of him. They offer donuts from "Glazed & Infused." I have seen patrons ordering their made-to-order panini. They all looked appetizing. Whenever I come in to a "Groundswell" coffeeshop, I don't plan on leaving for at least a hour or two. I purposefully slow down my day so that I can recharge, unwind, and refocus. read more

Groundswell Coffee Roasters - Espresso soda - Coffee Roasteries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Kristine H.

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4 years ago

Love this place! Super cute and small place to grab your fav coffee! Me and my boyfriend both love this place. The lattes and flat whites are on point with flavor and always consistent. The kolaches are delicious too! read more

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Mike G.

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7 years ago

Nice little coffee shop in the West Loop. Groundswell is located on Madison and right around the corner from where I work. Their coffee is always good, especially their iced latte. Their panini sandwiches are delicious and a great thing to order for lunch (or breakfast!). Prices are a little high but their quality is A+...well worth it! read more

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R K.

Elite 11

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71

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5 years ago

I felt initially reluctant to write this review bc my own knowledge of coffee is limited- however this website is full of people who call themselves foodies and think bc they 'drink LOTS of coffee' their opinions need to be shared with the world. The person who taught me about coffee has led coffee programs for a major restaurant group, goes to tastings and competitions, teaches baristas, has been interviewed by major publications for her thoughts on the topic, and the set up in her tiny space (and even when traveling) to make a cup of coffee looks like a mini lab. With scales, blooming, a chemex, an exact temp water heater, etc. Groundswell is one of the 2 legit WL coffee shops. I don't have the palate or nose to appreciate the nuisances of all the things done right (and wrong) at the many WL spots (the roasting, the extraction, all these things I tried to absorb from her) - but this spot was loved by her with lots of repeat visits. They are purists. They purchase and make really good coffee and don't focus a lot on drinks adulterated by added flavors. Their regular "syrup" options are 3 total, all house made, and syrup is in quotes bc they are flavor forward with high quality ingredients (not just sugar). Despite how focused they are on coffee- when they have a limited time specialty drink on the menu it's really F'ing good. Their current one: pumpkin pie latte is so much better than the cliche'd PSL. Maybe that's why the name is a little different? Their house made 'syrup' combines pumpkin purée and mulling spices and is not at all overly sweet (ie most PSLs). The 12 ounce size with oat milk is somehow the tastiest size and milk combo. read more

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Colleen M.

1001

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9 years ago

As if an answer to my matcha dreams, Groundswell brings me matcha lattes that pack a punch, not too much sweetness, and are slightly cheaper than Sawada Coffee. Such a welcome addition to the area, with friendly staff and solid offerings (hello donuts!). The service was a little slow when I last went, but maybe they've worked the kinks out. Wifi is good, it doesn't get too loud, and they have hot food (paninis). read more

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V D.

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6 years ago

Good coffee, paninis, and pastries. What I like most is that first thing in the morning the baristas are playing new wave or punk. No sleepy acoustic playlist here. read more

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Cindy C.

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7 years ago

This place is awesome. Customer service is fantastic. Walked in not sure of what to get (because im usually at starbucks), but the girl at the counter was very nice . There was only 4 things in the display case to munch on ... but she offered to help if i had any questions . I will definitely be coming here more often . Pictured * Drip coffee with almond milk and a blueberry muffin ( that was fantastic BTW) read more

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Len L.

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8 years ago

Love the area and love the coffee at Groundswells. Large selection of brews and I just went with my favorite - Americano. I liked the fact that they tell you the order of your drink so you know the wait. Seats are limited so were the plugs. I would come here without a doubt for my favorite java, just to watch other coffee enthusiast. read more

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Jordan N.

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2 years ago

Nice staff but very bad coffee. We threw out both of our drinks. Couldn't even taste the coffee.

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Tim A.

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4 years ago

Great coffee. Cool environment. Super servers. A great spot in the west loop.

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More info about Groundswell Coffee Roasters

1168 W Madison St
Chicago, IL 60607
West Loop, Near West Side
Directions
(773) 754-7590
Call Now
Visit Website
http://groundswellcoffeeroasters.com

Hours

What time does Groundswell Coffee Roasters open?

Groundswell Coffee Roasters opens at 6:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.Groundswell Coffee Roasters opens at 7:00 AM on Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Groundswell Coffee Roasters close?

Groundswell Coffee Roasters closes at 3:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.Groundswell Coffee Roasters closes at 5:00 PM on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Thu 6:00 AM - 3:00 PMFri 6:00 AM - 5:00 PMSat-Sun 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Groundswell Coffee Roasters take Bitcoin?

No, Groundswell Coffee Roasters does not take Bitcoin.

Does Groundswell Coffee Roasters take credit cards?

Yes, Groundswell Coffee Roasters takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Groundswell Coffee Roasters have catering options?

No, Groundswell Coffee Roasters does not have catering options.

Indoor Amenities

Does Groundswell Coffee Roasters allow dogs?

No, Groundswell Coffee Roasters does not allow dogs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Groundswell Coffee Roasters have bike parking?

Yes, Groundswell Coffee Roasters has bike parking.

Does Groundswell Coffee Roasters have outdoor seating?

No, Groundswell Coffee Roasters does not have outdoor seating options.

Does Groundswell Coffee Roasters have parking?

Yes, Groundswell Coffee Roasters has parking options. Street Parking

Other Amenities

Is Groundswell Coffee Roasters wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Groundswell Coffee Roasters is wheelchair accessible.

Does Groundswell Coffee Roasters have free WiFi?

Yes, Groundswell Coffee Roasters has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

Coffee roasted in small batches, single origin coffee, rare teas, local bakery selections, house-made panini.

History

Established in 2015.

Groundswell Coffee Roasters is a micro-roaster based in Chicago, with a mission focused on quality and a friendly approach to coffee education. Our importers source coffees from regions spanning the world. We roast these coffees to achieve the optimal flavors offered by the specific origin and processing method of each bean. Then, we share it with you in our coffee bars. Located in the West Loop neighborhood of Chicago, Groundswell is dedicated to providing a warm, friendly and welcoming community destination for our neighbors, near and far. Stop by to see what we're all about. Groundswell offers free wi-fi for all guests.

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Levain Bakery

Wowowowowowowow!! This was literally the best cookie i've ever had and I was not expecting to be…read moreblown away but I definitely was! I tried the chocolate chip walnut cookie and when I broke it in half the chocolate was gooing everywhere, I literally gasped at how decadent this cookie was. I had picked it up and walked back home and it was still this fresh, warm and delicious.

My eat healthy all day mindset cracked at about 7pm when I was hankering for something sweet. I…read morepulled up Yelp and found this sweet little gem just a few blocks from my hotel- too convenient, I clearly caved. I stopped by to grab a still warm chocolate chip walnut cookie and it did not disappoint. It was very dense and large so, I stretched it over two days... it was lovely. You can smell their cookies down the street and the staff were friendly during my visit. I believe they have multiple locations throughout the city. Enjoy!

Oatmeal Raisin Cookie and Vegan & GF Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookie

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One of the lovely employees, Heidi P.

Jennivee’s Bakery

This is my absolute most favorite bakery. So this is my ode to the bakery and Dom, who is a gem of…read morean employee there. I've been a customer of almost 10 years and have been obsessed since they first opened their doors at a different location. I literally live an hour away without traffic and even longer with traffic, but I make sure to stop by or send someone else to get it for me at least once a month or more. I love the amazing cakes that are so delicious and unique but on top of that, it is Asian owned, LGBTQ supporting, etc. A lot has changed since their little storefront with no seating. The bakery is now a full on cafe and I'm so happy to see how much they've grown and how successful they are. And while it is glorious, I will say I miss the sweet neighborhood charm and great customer service it used to have. Getting in touch with the bakery through phone or text can be tough and to be honest, sometimes one of the people working there is kind of...very mean. It had me questioning if I should keep coming back. I just love this bakery so much though and being raised by parents that had a small food business, I can't help but want to support. I had a particularly difficult last minute request for the bakery a few weeks ago and I was reminded why this place is so great. It had been YEARS since I made this specific request, which was an order for a slice of cake for every flavor and a cupcake for every flavor. This is a BIG and time consuming request, especially if it's last minute. Unfortunately I come to the city whenever the traffic isn't atrocious, so it's always last minute. Dom absolutely pulled through though. Even though there were other employees there (I saw two others but one disappeared and then another male was kind of walking around the cafe and such), Dom took this giant request and fulfilled it himself. The other gentleman (not the mean person previously mentioned) was actually who I made the request to, but he told Dom to do it. I was kind of confused why they didn't do it together but idk, maybe the other guy isn't allowed to handle food? Who knows. Regardless, this request obviously took a long time and the line was getting longer; people were getting a little restless but Dom stayed calm but was swift. I swear he was moving faster than most people in the industry could with a cake knife like that. He was not impatient or rude to me at all. He was just there to do his job as fast and well as possible. It's so rare to see that type of work ethic. He is also so obviously proud of the bakery and the food they serve which makes you feel good about being a patron there. So although I continue to have an unpleasant experience with one particular employee there, Dom keeps my love for this bakery alive. He reminds me of what this bakery was like when they first opened their doors. I hope Dom is cherished there and I bet he is considering his work ethic. I will continue to support this bakery and I recommend everyone else to support as well. It may not be that small little shop anymore but Dom is a reminder of the heart of the place.

I've been to Jennivee's twice now and I also got my college graduation cake from here last year for…read morepick-up! They did a beautiful job. For my graduation cake, I chose the tres leches and it was so creamy, moist, and delicious. I basically ate half of the cake by myself lol. This most recent time, I needed a snack and wanted something sweet. Everything here looks amazing and I'm sure tastes amazing too, so it's hard to choose. I chose to get the berry chantilly cake slice since it was a hot day, and it was the perfect refreshing treat! It was soooo good.

Main Squeeze Cupcake and Hazelnut Bomb Cupcake

Inside

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Chiu Quon Bakery & Dim Sum

Degaulle Dai says the sesame cookie is excellent…read more Perfect place for little treats to bring back to friend. Cozy, warm lighting, but only bar space along the window to have you treats. The place is open late, which is convenient. All the staff are attentive and the place was prepped and cleaned for service the next day too.

This is the best bakery in Southside Chinatown, without a doubt, the line just never stops like…read morethey're handing free food but they're not. Although the prices are very reasonable, you could come here everyday...BTW, make sure to bring cash as it's cash only. I really love coming here after a meal because the buns are soft, light, airy, and sweet. Thus far, my favorites are: - egg custard topping with a red bean filling and - the coconut bun with whipped creme Wow, those are really good but do try their other offerings and determine your own favorite item. I have to try their Argyle location to see if they're consistently great!! Oh, one more thing, there is a ledge by the window where you can eat quickly whilst standing up but it can get very crowded in there. Xie xie Chiu Quon!!

Portuguese egg tarts with their tantalizing brulee tops and tasty BBQ pork bun filling

Custom order cakes

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Portuguese egg tart, coconut bun & BBQ pork bun

Kasama

Almost everyone I know who has been to Chicago told me to visit Kasama, and now I totally get why…read more They're a two michelin star modern filipino spot that's a bakery by day and a tasting menu restaurant by night. The line is almost always crazy long. Pro tip: place an online order right when they open in the morning so you can skip the line for pickup. I went close to 2pm, so I only waited about 15 minutes for brunch, but most of the pastries and breakfast sandwiches were already sold out. ＊Matcha Pandan Eclair $9.5 ** The biggest éclair I've ever seen! You get a mini version on their tasting menu, but the bakery sells this full-size beauty. My favorite pastry from the haul! I loved the crunch from the toasted genmai and the light pandan whipped cream. I just wish the matcha flavor was stronger. ＊Black Truffle Croissant $16 * Every bite was packed with black truffle flavor, and with fresh shaved black truffle, truffle oil, and a premium truffle filling, I could see why it costs $16. You also get a mini version on the tasting menu. But I wasn't a fan of the crunchy pearl sugar on top. I ended up shaving it all off. ＊Ube & Huckleberry Basque Cake $9 Loved the little powdered sun stencil inspired by the Philippine flag. It was filled with ube pastry cream and huckleberry. Personally, I found the filling too sweet for my liking. ＊Filipino Breakfast $20 ** I originally wanted their signature longanisa breakfast sandwich, but it was sold out, so the staff recommended this instead. Best recommendation ever, I even thanked them before I left! Every component was so thoughtfully done, especially the meats. Now I need to come back for the tasting menu. ＊Oh, Hot Yam $6.85 ** Hands down the best ube latte I've had. Super ube-forward with a hint of coconut sap that made it even more comforting on a chilly rainy day in Chicago.

I arrived on Saturday at 9:15 AM and ended up waiting in line for two hours. While waiting, I…read morenoticed many people bypassing the line entirely by ordering ahead. When I checked the website in line, they still had same-day afternoon pickup slots available (~2PM) with a great selection (including the black truffle croissants, eclairs, and muffin tops). The interior is nicely air-conditioned, and they offer outdoor seating. The inside can get quite cramped with crowds waiting for tables and orders. After my two-hour wait, I was told at the register that the black truffle croissant was sold out. However, I kept seeing fresh trays of them being brought out--presumably to fulfill online orders. It was incredibly disappointing to wait that long outside only to miss out on a signature item that was in front of my eyes. Breakfast Sandwich-- Loaded with longanisa, hash brown, eggs, and cheese. The eggs were incredibly fluffy, the longanisa was juicy and flavorful, and the hash brown was super crispy and golden brown (no white interior to be seen) I tried the ube and huckleberry basque cake, matcha pandan eclair, and foie gras danish. The basque cake was the standout pastry-- moist with crisp edges and a beautiful blend of flavors. The Kaffe Calamansi and Manila Fog featured incredibly unique profiles and disappeared in minutes. Note: If you choose to dine in, you can luckily order additional items from your table if you want to try more!

@endoedibles on Instagram 03/21/25

Breakfast sandwich: soufflé egg, longanisa, cheese, hash brown

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Breakfast Sandwich: longanisa, egg, and cheese | $12

Goddess and the Baker, 33 S Wabash-Millennium Park

Stopped by to grab an iced latte for my hubby, I found so much more…read more It was a bit crowded but service was quick and friendly. What a gem I found on my vacation! When they brought a fork and knife with it crossiant, i kinda thought..why? Then i realized why and was so happy! The chocolate is amazing! The staff are so nice. Would definitely come back.

SERVICE Photo-fun and easy to catch your eye while walking…read moreby. Server was fine. Located downtown so not a place I would go out of my way to get to. FOOD Ordered the lemon tart and boy was it waaaayyyyy too sweet for me. I too dislike coconut and believe it was part of the crust. At least that is what I thought I was tasting. That was on me I guess for not asking. I'm sure the other items are good, but it was not what I hoped for personally. WELL I guess I'd return, but not going out of my way.

Seats are hard to find .. busy spot!

Cinnamon Roll (~$7)

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Iced Banana Fosters Latte (~$6)

Fat Peach Bakery

4.3

(73 reviews)

2.8 mi

I've been on the hunt to find the best bakeries in Chicago and had been dying to visit Fat Peach…read morefor awhile after seeing rave reviews! Let me tell you, it was all I hoped it could be and more. The storefront was pretty small with a few tables- between the size, hours, and popularity (they were only open a few days a week and closed at 2pm), I suspected that the shop sold out often. I went on a weekday and there was still a good selection of pastries left around 11am. The staff was super nice and helpful as I struggled to make a decision. They shared that the strawberry milk croissant was their bestseller, so I opted for that. It was filled with fresh strawberry mascarpone and fresh strawberry puree. Despite the croissant's decadent appearance, it was not at all too sweet. I'm not typically the biggest croissant fan (I know, I know, no one is perfect) but this pastry blew me away. The filling was super generous without overpowering the delicate dough, which was baked to crispy perfection. Sadly, I don't get to the area often, but I will 100% be back asap to try more of the menu. Run- don't walk to pay a visit!

We went on a Monday around 12pm. We luckily made it in time for their very last mystery box and…read moresecond to last pastry. The mystery box has an assortment of day old savory and sweet pastries. You can try different pastries for good value, and taste is not bad for one day old. The strawberry cream pastry we got obviously tasted fresh though, and I liked how the cream was fluffy and not too sweet. No restroom, cash, or wifi though. It's a very small space with 3 tables. The employee was kind to us.

Strawberry and cream croissant

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Sugar Moon Bakery

4.8

(116 reviews)

4.5 mi

Holy freakin best bakery in the nation! Sugar Moon is a local fave in Logan Square--and for all the…read morereasons possible. They make scrumptious cookies, pastries, danishes, chai cinnamon rolls, the whole shebang. Our eyes were nonstop drooling over all of the fresh goodies. I had such a hard time choosing, but knew I had to get the corn flake espresso cookie (SO FRICKIN AMAZING) the textures were elite, and the potato focaccia. The southwest hash brioche was friggin incredible. They were very generous with the sweet potato, WHOLE EGG, and veg. Like seriously, with the cost of groceries skyrocketing, I can't believe I got a whole bit of egg white and yolk. You must eat your goodies warm, the initial crunch had me in a chokehold. They also had a vegan focaccia which my friends appreciated. There's street parking and expect lines. Inside isn't super spacious, but the line does move. Bring sunnies and a book if you don't like to stand around. We got here before they opened on a Saturday morning and only had to wait like 15mins. They also sell cute lil Sugar Moon merch like fun tshirts and cards. Would 100% come back to get morning pastries from them. Super queer friendly as well. MUST visit.

Ugh, I dream about their chai rolls. And that espresso cornflake crunch cookie! Obscene…read more You can't go wrong with anything here. I will say the savory items are definitely on the salty side though. I wish they were 20% less salty! I had ordered the miso mushroom brioche, asparagus foccaccia, and poblano brioche. It's worth the trek and the line. You'll probably end up eating from the box on the curb nearby, since inside seating is TIGHT. I live in SF and we don't mess around when it comes to bakeries. I will be returning to Sugar Moon next time I'm in Chicago. Wait for me, my love.

Inside of Focaccia ($5/slice) - harissa cauliflower, caramelized onion, gouda, cheddar, rosemary. Delicious.

Inside of Sweet Brioche ($5.50) - cara cara orange & passionfruit filling. It's nice: the dough is rich and chewy.

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Chai cinnamon roll, espresso cornflake cookie, banana pudding croissant

Magnolia Bakery - Chicago

I'm so excited to finally try Magnolia! There were so many different options and everyone can find…read moresomething they like here. I got the confetti cake slice and a chocolate cupcake. I didn't expect the confetti cake slice to have cream cheese frosting (which I thought was an unusual choice), but I think it worked! The chocolate cupcake was okay - not the best I've had, but was still pretty good. Prices are a little steep - could be due to the name brand of the company. Bakery was cute and clean. Service was nice!

Window shopping at Magnolia bakery. Banana pudding bar, yes please!…read more Please come and create your own adventure.

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Bittersweet Pastry Shop

The pastries at bittersweet will never disappoint. I grew up going to this bakery and the quality…read morehas never wavered. The quiche is always fantastic, and anything out of the pastry case is a must. Drinks are good as well! Such a cozy spot to grab coffee with a friend (or give in to the temptation of snagging a pastry on your way to the brown line)

Just sad I didn't discover this pastry shop sooner! On a Friday afternoon, they were bustling! They…read morehad some different indoor seating options, most of which were occupied by either people working or friends chatting. It was a pleasant atmosphere and cute decor, but I ended up taking my goods to go. It was hard to decide between all the enticing options but the friendly woman working the register pointed me to their popular chocolate cake and it did not disappoint! More of a mousse than a cake but it was rich and utterly divine. I also tried their spinach feta croissant, which was ok but I'm not convinced the right vessel for that filling. I also appreciated some of their baked goods were reasonable prices so you could easily try something for under $5 or alternatively splurge for the finer pastries.

Beautiful and delicious - a sweet table by Bittersweet

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Paris Baguette

4.3

(101 reviews)

2.1 mi

This was our go-to coffee spot whenever we were near the Riverwalk area or needed strong matcha in…read morethe morning for the day ahead. I would order ahead via the app, and either my husband would pick up or we would go there together. The baristas consistently made drinks well. It's a cute little PB spot. I would definitely recommend if you're staying at one of the nearby hotels and need a PB fix.

Decided to stop by Paris Baguette to pass the time prior to my flight. This location is much…read moresmaller than the location in CA. The variety of parties is very much limited as well. I love that there is an outdoor patio. It was nice sitting outside during the warmer weather. I elected to try the raspberry pastry, which was flaky and delicious. The cream balanced the tartness of the raspberries. I enjoyed the sausage pastry as well. I love that the woman at the counter offered to warm it up. I will visit again during my next visit to Chicago!

Tiramisu Cake Slice

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Kasama

Almost everyone I know who has been to Chicago told me to visit Kasama, and now I totally get why…read more They're a two michelin star modern filipino spot that's a bakery by day and a tasting menu restaurant by night. The line is almost always crazy long. Pro tip: place an online order right when they open in the morning so you can skip the line for pickup. I went close to 2pm, so I only waited about 15 minutes for brunch, but most of the pastries and breakfast sandwiches were already sold out. ＊Matcha Pandan Eclair $9.5 ** The biggest éclair I've ever seen! You get a mini version on their tasting menu, but the bakery sells this full-size beauty. My favorite pastry from the haul! I loved the crunch from the toasted genmai and the light pandan whipped cream. I just wish the matcha flavor was stronger. ＊Black Truffle Croissant $16 * Every bite was packed with black truffle flavor, and with fresh shaved black truffle, truffle oil, and a premium truffle filling, I could see why it costs $16. You also get a mini version on the tasting menu. But I wasn't a fan of the crunchy pearl sugar on top. I ended up shaving it all off. ＊Ube & Huckleberry Basque Cake $9 Loved the little powdered sun stencil inspired by the Philippine flag. It was filled with ube pastry cream and huckleberry. Personally, I found the filling too sweet for my liking. ＊Filipino Breakfast $20 ** I originally wanted their signature longanisa breakfast sandwich, but it was sold out, so the staff recommended this instead. Best recommendation ever, I even thanked them before I left! Every component was so thoughtfully done, especially the meats. Now I need to come back for the tasting menu. ＊Oh, Hot Yam $6.85 ** Hands down the best ube latte I've had. Super ube-forward with a hint of coconut sap that made it even more comforting on a chilly rainy day in Chicago.

I arrived on Saturday at 9:15 AM and ended up waiting in line for two hours. While waiting, I…read morenoticed many people bypassing the line entirely by ordering ahead. When I checked the website in line, they still had same-day afternoon pickup slots available (~2PM) with a great selection (including the black truffle croissants, eclairs, and muffin tops). The interior is nicely air-conditioned, and they offer outdoor seating. The inside can get quite cramped with crowds waiting for tables and orders. After my two-hour wait, I was told at the register that the black truffle croissant was sold out. However, I kept seeing fresh trays of them being brought out--presumably to fulfill online orders. It was incredibly disappointing to wait that long outside only to miss out on a signature item that was in front of my eyes. Breakfast Sandwich-- Loaded with longanisa, hash brown, eggs, and cheese. The eggs were incredibly fluffy, the longanisa was juicy and flavorful, and the hash brown was super crispy and golden brown (no white interior to be seen) I tried the ube and huckleberry basque cake, matcha pandan eclair, and foie gras danish. The basque cake was the standout pastry-- moist with crisp edges and a beautiful blend of flavors. The Kaffe Calamansi and Manila Fog featured incredibly unique profiles and disappeared in minutes. Note: If you choose to dine in, you can luckily order additional items from your table if you want to try more!

@endoedibles on Instagram 03/21/25

Breakfast sandwich: soufflé egg, longanisa, cheese, hash brown

See all

Breakfast Sandwich: longanisa, egg, and cheese | $12

Sweet Bean

stopped in for a quick caffeine boost on the way to the Field Museum. it was an adorable shop, the…read morelighting wasn't too bright or too dim, the decor was well thought out and tasteful, and I enjoyed looking through their pastry options! the barista (I wish I could remember their name!) was friendly and knowledgeable and made the best oat milk cortado I've ever had. I'll definitely be returning next time I'm in Chicago and look forward to trying their pastries!!

A Taiwanese bakery. How could a place that loves Michael Jackson be bad?…read more Salted Egg Yolk Bolo Bun流心菠蘿麵包: Calling it "流心"(runny) isn't quite accurate; it's a bolo bun菠蘿包 (pineapple -shape bun) with a salted egg yolk filling, but it had an authentic, old-fashioned flavor that made me feel like back to childhood. The crust was thin and crispy, with a large air cavity, making it very soft and fluffy. The salted egg yolk has just the right balance of sweetness and saltiness, and wasn't too cloying. Garlic Cheese Brioche Bun蒜香奶酪麵包: Perhaps its more Taiwanese name is "八蒜包" (Eight Garlic Bun). Its appearance and taste were very similar to those I've had at Taiwanese bakeries in mainland China. The cheese and garlic flavors were very strong, but the bread itself was slightly coarse. Hojicha Latte: The whole milk was very milky, but the hojicha flavor felt a little weak. However, it's already great to find a tea latte that's not very sweet.

Inside of Scallion & Ham Bun 蔥花火腿麵包 ($3.95) - very strong scallion flavor. Bread is soft, moist, and pretty oily.

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Inside of Lychee Cranberry Scone 荔枝蔓越莓司康 ($5.75) - not the best, is dry and powdery. Definitely not worth the price.

Hero Coffee and Bagel Bar

I'm from Los Angeles, and I have to say this place was such a sweet surprise. Everyone was…read moreincredibly welcoming and made me feel right at home, which always stands out when you're visiting a new city. The outside is super cute too it actually caught my eye when I first found them on Yelp, and it's just as charming in person. I tried the Teddy Graham latte on the barista's recommendation, and I'm so glad I did. It had great flavor without being overly sweet, and I got it with whole milk which made it perfectly smooth and comforting. If you're in downtown Chicago, I'd definitely recommend checking out this spot. It's a cozy little gem with great vibes and even better drinks.

Clearly a popular spot, run like a well oiled machine. The space is tiny so they only allowed four…read morepeople in a time and then you wait outside in the alley for your order. The bagel was good, I had a hippie sandwich and my boyfriend got a bacon egg and cheese which he said was good too.