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    Swadesi Cafe

    4.3 (194 reviews)
    ModerateBakeries, Cafes
    Closed 8:00 am - 3:00 pm

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    SWADESI CAFE ATMOSPHERE

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    Recommended Reviews - Swadesi Cafe

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    Malai Croissant
    Nicole O.

    Nice vibes and good selection of menu items. I was comfortable and enjoyed the ample natural light.

    Rose and Cardamom Latte
    Peter D.

    Went here a while back, but I enjoyed my experience! Heard they have new matcha drinks on the menu, so I'll have to check that out next time I'm in Chicago. The rose and cardamom latte was better than I expected. I definitely finished my drink faster than I expected. The cafe also had plenty of indoor seating and was very clean. The service was pretty quick and the staff members were friendly. I recommend folks to swing by next time they're in Chicago!

    Charisma H.

    The pastries here are the star! You cannot go wrong with anything I have literally only gone when they have only one or two pastry options left. I get whatever is available. And every, single time it's been AMAZING! I love the South Asian flavors of malai and mango and rose. However, I don't love the drinks here. They're a bit too sweet and I don't particularly like condensed milk in my chai. Caveat, I also make a damn good chai at home so I have high standards.

    Chocolate Chip cookie
    Melanie B.

    Showing up at 1:30 on a Sunday was a bummer because almost everything was sold out. And I mean everything. There were only two lattes available. Even their iced coffee was sold out. All of their pastries. Just one cookie left in the case. They close at 4 on Sundays, so being sold out at 1:30 was a bit crazy. Come early if you want to try anything I ordered a strawberry shortcake iced latte. I didn't taste much strawberry at all, but the coffee was good. I didn't really want the strawberry shortcake, but with such limited options, I took what I could get

    Samosa Chaat Croissant
    Vaishnavi W.

    This cafe offers amazing combinations of bakery items with a desi twist. The Samosa Chaat Croissant and the Banana Cream Latte was super delicious. They had so many good options to choose from. Definitely going to go again to try some more options in the menu. The place is usually super busy on the weekends and the seating is first come first so plan your visit accordingly. The ambiance is quite cute. The service is good but if you're ordering a sandwich it might take some time because they prepare it hot. Definitely 9/10.

    Alia S.

    I was finally able to try this spot after hearing a lot about their pastries. I had a delicious pistachio custard pastry, although maybe slightly too sweet. I was also surprised that they had hojicha but it was pretty good! I am definitely returning to try other items. It got quite busy very quickly so I'm looking forward to returning on a week day instead.

    Kay P.

    Love Swadesi! They are an indian fusion cafe with amazing coffee and matcha options and the butter chicken croissant is delicious. I loved the banana cream matcha and cookie butter latte. They change out their drinks seasonally and will definitely go back to try more! They are pretty busy but it's a nice ambiance if you get go during the week and find space to sit, and the service is friendly.

    Amy K.

    absolutely amazing concept, from the masala chai to the breakfast sandwich it was delicious. I especially loved the gulab jamun croissant!! theyve really brought a desi twist to a coffee shop. There is plenty of seating available and its pretty spacious. We got our food within 5-10 mins and the service was fast.

    Lico J.

    Friendly and welcoming coffee shop with a great drink menu! We ordered an iced banana cream matcha, an iced cookie butter latte, and their signature dirty chai -- and would recommend all three. The dirty chai was my favorite; I'd especially recommend getting it hot. It's rich and creamy without being overwhelming, and perfectly balanced. There are a bunch of street parking spots outside.

    Kangni X.

    Came to visit on a weekday at opening. Service was quick and the space was larger than I expected. There's a couple of booth seats with outlets and the window seats had outlets under the table. So great place to study or work with free wifi. I saw lots of people getting iced matcha to go. I tried the banana cream latte hot and the aroma was pleasantly like banana bread. The drink wasn't too sweet and you could still taste the matcha. The chai was very hot but tasty. The swadesi breakfast sandwich was soft and pillowy. I did find the texture a bit too monotonous. The crust on the potato patty was lost in the egg and bread. But the flavors were there. I enjoyed the chicken tikka toastie more since the inside was saucy and the outside was crispy but not hard. Would come back to try more options!

    Salinda N.

    Drinks ordered: * Swadesi Masala Chai * Iced Toasted Peanut Latte (roasted peanut praline, jaggery, brown sugar, sea salt, cold cream foam, cocoa nibs) Foods order: * Malai custard croissant (rasmalai, pistachio cream, crushed pistachios, rose petals) * Chicken Tikka & Amul Cheese Naanwich (shredded chicken tikka in kadhai sauce w/ onions, tomatoes, bell peppers, ginger, garlic; layered w/ amul cheese and wrapped in naan; served w/ mint chutney) * Samosa Chaat Croissant (spiced potato, peas, tamarind, cilantro, mint) * Butter Chicken Croissant (burrata, picked onions, red pepper makhani) The drinks were unfortunately disappointing. Chai tasted watered down and I tasted literally none of what was listed for the Toasted Peanut Latte. They also ran out of cold foam. All the croissants were good! Favorite was the samosa chaat. The naanwich was so-so. I would come here again to try more even though the drinks weren't so great. The croissants and the welcoming staff were enough to make me want to re-visit.

    Swadesi Chai Malai Custard Croissant Jaggery Choc Chip Cookie
    Sami U.

    Swadesi Cafe is an absolute gem in downtown Chicago near Union Station! Even though the place was packed, the service was quick, friendly, and well-organized. My wife, sister, and I tried the Swadesi Chai, Chili Cheese Toastie, Butter Chicken Croissant, and the Samosa Chaat Croissant -- and every single item was bursting with flavor. The fusion of classic Indian street food with café-style pastries is done perfectly here. For dessert, the Jaggery Cookie and Malai Custard Croissant were the perfect sweet ending -- rich, unique, and not overly sweet. The vibe, the creativity, and the quality of food make this place a must-visit. Totally worth the wait and already planning our next trip back!

    Yining D.

    A cute, Indian style cafe and bakery. It's a little in the pricier end with $10-14 baked goods, but it's a really nice, special treat since you won't see many of these kinds of baked goods elsewhere. The chai was perfectly sweet and pipping hot for a cold Chicago day. The butter chicken croissant was my favorite thing. Perfectly flakey croissant with savory chicken on top. It was a little messy to eat because of the shape of the croissant. The samosa croissant was good! Potato was seasoned well and it was easier to eat. Service was efficient and friendly. I went on a Monday during opening and it wasn't crowded. It did take about 10 minutes to get my food and drink. Highly recommend giving it a visit! I'll definitely have to be back to try the breakfast sandwich.

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    3 Arts Club Cafe at RH Chicago

    3 Arts Club Cafe at RH Chicago

    4.4
    (1.7k reviews)
    2.1 mi
    $$$

    I had a really good experience at 3 Arts. I wasn't able to get a reservation for Sunday brunch, so…read morewe made sure to arrive before opening. There was already a small line of guests with the same idea, but we were able to get on the waitlist. While waiting, we checked out the small coffee shop inside the gallery and browsed the furniture, which helped pass the time. Our wait was about an hour before being escorted to our table in the courtyard. Initially, we were placed at a low coffee table with couch seating. It's a cool lounge style setup, especially for drinks, but not ideal for a meal. It would have been pretty awkward trying to eat comfortably. We asked to be moved and were told that table preferences should be requested when joining the waitlist. Since it was my first time visiting, I wasn't aware of that, and it also wasn't asked by the hostess. Thankfully, they were able to accommodate us and moved us to a table in the wine cellar. The wine cellar had a completely different vibe, dark and moody, compared to the bright, airy courtyard with its beautiful glass ceiling and natural light. We ordered the lobster roll and the RH Burger, both with fries. The food came out fairly quickly and was well-presented. The lobster roll was served on a buttery brioche with just the right amount of seasoning, and the burger was juicy and flavorful. Overall, I had a great experience and would definitely visit again.

    Went with friends for an evening dinner in a cool atmosphere. We were not to disappointed there…read more Was a beautiful rainy Chicago night. Unfortunately for us we were a table for 3 and despite having mad that reservation weeks in advance were placed in what was obviously just 2 two tops pushed together. And not in the main atrium area. Look it was still a beautiful atmosphere and our company made it a lovely evening. Why don't they have a liquor license here? Ok the food. The burrata salad, so nice and summer fresh. We also had the crispy artichokes meh. What saved my night was the chicken salad. The crispy bits...amazing all through the salad. So good. Let's talk dessert, the butterscotch crème brûlée so good. Coffee and a port wine.... Good, but where is the cheese board. This place would benefit from real liquor and a desert cheese board. I mean I must believe that RH has a cheese board on offer somewhere. Anyway, nice evening and decent food in a mostly lovely place.

    Photos
    Bar table
    Bar table
    Grilled shrimp and vegetable salad
    Grilled shrimp and vegetable salad
    Grilled shrimp and Prosciutto and Delice Board

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    Grilled shrimp and Prosciutto and Delice Board
    Buttercup

    Buttercup

    4.3
    (42 reviews)
    1.5 mi

    Buttercup in the South Loop is an absolute gem, especially if you're even remotely into amaro. The…read moreselection is unreal, like the kind of list that makes you pause and realize you're about to learn something whether you wanted to or not. It's curated in a way that feels intentional, not just "we stocked a bunch of bottles." You can tell whoever built it actually cares. And shoutout to Axel behind the bar, because she is amazing. Friendly, dialed in, and genuinely knowledgeable without doing the annoying bartender thing where they make you feel dumb for asking questions. You can tell she really enjoys working here. She makes a fantastic Negroni. Great vibe, great drinks, and the kind of place you immediately want to make "your spot."

    I love finding cute neighborhood spots, and this one had been on my list for a while. I knew they…read moreoffered everything from coffee in the morning to wine and cocktails for lunch and dinner. I was in the area visiting Casa Tulum and decided to walk over to Buttercup. I thought it would be a hidden gem, but as soon as I walked in, it was packed. The atmosphere is quaint, cozy, and has a very chill vibe. I stepped outside my comfort zone and ordered a drink that was just okay, but the half salad was amazing. I loved the unique twist on it and would definitely order it again. The service was okay. It seemed like the waiter was juggling a lot and could have used some additional support. There is street parking available, one restroom, and the music was kept at a comfortable volume, which I appreciated. Overall, I enjoyed my visit and will definitely be back to try more items on the menu.

    Photos
    Vibes
    Vibes
    Anchovy Toast
    Anchovy Toast
    Welcome to Buttercup.

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    Welcome to Buttercup.
    TARY Coffee

    TARY Coffee

    4.4
    (209 reviews)
    1.1 mi
    $$

    What a place. This is so much more than just a coffee house. Tons of options, great ambience, and…read moregenuinely kind people. We started with a mocha, a solid, well-balanced drink that wasn't overly sweet and was just perfect. We didn't plan on eating here, but the menu was way too tempting. We ordered the cinnamon roll, and wow. This was insanely good. Most cinnamon rolls in the U.S. feel like sugar-heavy, cinnamon-flavored buns, but this one was light, flavorful, and beautifully made. The irimshik on top really elevated it, subtle, warm, and just sweet enough. Easy 10/10. Next was the cottage cheese pancake, which was also very good. It had a generous amount of cottage cheese stuffed inside, and paired with the sweet irimshik dip, the dish came together really well. 9/10. We then tried the qattama. It was good. flaky, crispy, and reminded me of a paratha. It came with a sour irimshik dip. While each component was good, I felt the qattama would shine more with a gravy-based dish. 7/10. Finally, we ordered the Nan Salma pasta. It's a tarry-based white sauce pasta with a unique flavor profile, and it was genuinely yum. Definitely something different and worth trying. Highly recommend it. 8/10. You have space to sit down and work as well. Service was good too. Some of the dishes might take 7-10mins to get prepared. It's not like your daily coffee shop who have stuff ready to go Overall, a great spot with unique food and a welcoming vibe. Definitely coming back. 9/10

    we tried the blueberry matcha. their matcha tastes high quality and they say it's ceremonial grade…read morewhich i believe. i think some places say theirs is ceremonial grade when it isn't. so we really enjoyed the quality of the matcha and it was the perfect amount of sweet from the blueberry. we also tried baursaq which is the fried dough bites. it tastes like a light donut ball. it's not heavy or greasy at all. they give you a dipping sauce which tasted like strawberry to me. overall a really clean and simple lay out for the shop. very minimal and upscale. it's not super busy and loud so it's a nice place to sit in and enjoy your drinks and maybe do some homework/remote work. i only gave it 4/5 just because the drinks were a little pricey but i think that's the norm now as well. hard to find drinks under 8$ these days.

    Photos
    Interior
    Interior
    American with oat (poured) and a Cinnamon Rollcinnamon
    American with oat (poured) and a Cinnamon Rollcinnamon
    Cottage Cheese Pancakes with Balkaimak Cream

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    Cottage Cheese Pancakes with Balkaimak Cream
    Froth

    Froth

    4.3
    (184 reviews)
    1.2 mi

    Ordered from Froth Cafe thinking it'd be a normal coffee situation... it was not. It was better…read more The dalgona latte showed up with massive chunks of toffee--like, not decorative, not subtle... full-on "we believe in happiness" pieces. Every sip felt like a reward for simply existing. Also tried something called "False Spring," which has carrot juice in it (I know, I had questions too). But somehow it works! It's fresh, a little sweet, and makes you feel like you've made a good life decision--even if you're just ordering coffee in pajamas. Everything arrived perfectly and tasted like someone actually cared while making it. 10/10, would absolutely order again and pretend I'm a sophisticated person with a refined palate.

    I've been coming to Froth quite a bit lately while studying for midterms, and it has quickly become…read moreone of my favorite spots. The vibe is cozy, eclectic, and with a slightly gothic feel that I absolutely love. There are plenty of large tables for studying, plus comfy booths with pillows if you want to settle in for a few hours. The lighting is on the darker side, which I appreciate, and everyone seems to be doing their own thing, making it a great place to focus or just hang out. I recently learned that on Friday evenings and weekends after 5 pm, the space transforms into Bar None. They have a cute patio and even a speakeasy-style space downstairs, which I can't wait to check out. I've only tried the cold brew, chai latte, and hummus platter so far. The chai latte was delicious, while the cold brew and hummus didn't quite wow me, but I'm definitely excited to come back and try more. Overall, it's such a cool spot, and the fact that it's only a 15-minute walk from my place makes it even better.

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    Active Tea; Blueberry Muffin; Oat Raisin Walnut Cookie
    Active Tea; Blueberry Muffin; Oat Raisin Walnut Cookie
    Matcha latte was amazing. Great vibes

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    Matcha latte was amazing. Great vibes
    The Wormhole Coffee

    The Wormhole Coffee

    4.4
    (1.4k reviews)
    2.7 mi
    $

    Haven't been here in years (2018?). Still a great hang with couches for catching up with friends…read moreand socializing. Staff was friendly and it's always a nice little luxury to get a coffee not made from home in this economy! I had the vanilla bean latte, half sweet, oat milk And my friend had the koopa troopa, half sweet, oat milk They've had the same menu a long time so it's tried and true and then their seasonal offerings as well! Love this place. Bit of nostalgia for a different time. I remember the cereal bar. Now that I've made myself sound about a million years old it's time to sign off! Go catch up with friends here

    One of my favorite coffee shops! It's almost always busy, so I wouldn't recommend coming if loud…read moreenvironments aren't your thing, but I absolutely love the vibe here. The decor is classic and cozy, and the coffee is genuinely excellent. I also love doing work here with their community tables. I usually don't like my lattes too sweet, but they nail the balance and flavor combinations every time. It is a bit sweet overall, but I'm not bothered by it? They really balance the flavor combinations really well, especially with the ghostly trio! Despite how busy it gets, the service is surprisingly quick, and somehow every drink still comes out consistently great. I honestly don't know how they manage it.

    Photos
    Menu board
    Menu board
    Chocolate croissant
    Chocolate croissant
    Vanilla Bean with whole milk.....one of the best coffees I've had in a long while.....

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    Vanilla Bean with whole milk.....one of the best coffees I've had in a long while.....
    Cafe Deko

    Cafe Deko

    4.4
    (176 reviews)
    3.9 mi
    $$

    Fun spot to grab coffee with a friend or date!! The decor is so cute, love the gold and green and…read moretile theme they got going on. They really went all out!! There's a fair amount of seating considering the size of the place. Wasn't able to get a spot today unfortunately, but we did go at a busy time on a Sunday morning. I got the honey and lavender specialty latte with soy milk. I get mixed feelings about lavender - sometimes it tastes pretty soapy to me. I thought this was delicious! I'd definitely order again and recommend it. Overall, definitely recommend this spot especially if you're able to get a couch or table to enjoy the space!

    I went here with a friend the other day and we ended up spending a good deal of the afternoon just…read morerelaxing and catching up. Even though we were seated at a regular table, the place had a comfortable vibe and it was easy to settle into. The counter women were efficient, nice, and filled our orders promptly. They did give my friend the wrong size coffee at first, but corrected it quickly and without any problem. One thing I didn't love: my cappuccino was served in a Styrofoam cup while we were staying there. If you're drinking in, it really should come on a ceramic cup and saucer. Save the Styrofoam for takeout! The best part was that we stayed for a couple of hours and no one hovered over us, or made us feel like we had to leave. As for the coffee itself, it was just okay. Not bad, but not memorable either. That's a shame too, because the space is so comfy. Still, there are plenty of other coffee spots on the North Side - and this just gives me a reason to explore others in the neighborhood.

    Photos
    Front
    Front
    Mortadella Sandwich
    Mortadella Sandwich
    Cafe Deko

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    Swadesi Cafe - bakeries - Updated June 2026

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