Stopped in for their 1Year Anniversary Celebration!!! Grab a few Special Coffee's as it looked like the Pastries were basically picked over. Looks like they had a good turnout!! This is a great little cafe!! read more

Zera Artisan Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - Waterloo, Illinois

I can go on and on about this place. The pastries are skillfully made with love. Flakey, buttery goodness. My favorite is the cinnamon roll that I just can't get enough of, truly the best one I've ever had. They have a generous variety of different pastries with all kinds of creative combinations of flavors and textures. If sweets are not your thing, they have savory items too like bagels and quiches. Coffee is on point every time and served with a friendly smile. Aaaand just in case all that is not enticing enough, it's located inside what used to be a bank. It's impeccably decorated and you can actually sit and enjoy your coffee inside the old bank vault! So cool. read more

See all

Very nice addition to downtown Waterloo! This is a calming space and great use of a former bank. Whether you are meeting a small group or coming on your own and bringing some work to do, they have a space to accommodate you. There is the main area with small tables for two, but also a couple of side rooms with bigger tables, couches, and some counter-height seating. The food menu sounds great. I only grabbed a couple of coffees to go, but they had a lot of great bakery items on display, so I will have to come back when I have more time to stay a while. The staff were very friendly. I did have to wait a couple of minutes for my drinks because they were made with care, but if you are in a hurry, ordering ahead is also an option here! read more

See all

I can't believe Zera has been open since April, and I just now discovered it. From the moment I walked in, I was in love. Great smell of baked goods. Tastefully renovated. Ample and varied seating options. Clean. Felt classy, but accessible. Clearly, a lot of thought went into this space. There are some really interesting drink options, too. I had the Es'pritszo, and it was extremely good, with a blend of flavors I'd never had before. My kids and I each ordered a pastry, as well, and promptly wolfed them down. Fresh and delicious. Lastly, I met one of the owners. He was very engaging and clearly passionate about good coffee. As I told him, we plan to be back at Zera! (And I'd recommend that you follow suit, if coffee or baked goods are your thing.) read more

See all

Zera is the perfect place to visit with friends, or work remotely from their comfy and cute coworking cove. The owners have done a wonderful job of making the space feel like a gathering place while also providing an area for remote workers to enjoy tasty food and drinks. The staff was friendly and the food was delicious! I ordered the chicken salad sandwich on a croissant that you could tell was made fresh. Highly recommend checking out Zera! read more

Zera Artisan Bakery - Non-coffee drink from Zera. - Bakeries Near Me - Waterloo, Illinois

I cannot rave about Zera enough! This has become my friends and I's Saturday morning spot and we talk about it constantly to anyone that will listen. There is literally nothing I have tried at Zera that I have not loved. My go to is the avocado bagel, sometimes switching to the pickle cream cheese on it & no exaggeration, I look forward to it all week. The baked goods are also insanely good. My recommendations are the cruffins, danishes, quiche, and cinnamon rolls. Alongside the food, having a coffee there is an absolute must. My usual is a 100 Acre Woods Latte with Oatmilk but I have to stray from that for seasonal drinks every now and then & this year, the Gingerbread General took the cake on my favorite holiday drink! On top of such great food and drinks, the staff is the downright kindest you'll ever meet and they work so insanely hard! Zera is truly the loveliest spot in Waterloo and I cannot recommend it enough! When you visit, take in the gorgeous details of the space and pop into the cozy vault with a friend! P.S. They just now started selling their granola in bags and it's a must buy! It's 100x better than any granola you can buy at the store! read more

See all

My girlfriend and I went in today for the first time and we were blown away. It's a cozy coffee shop vibe with awesome history as well. The food was incredible. Best cinnamon roll I've ever had, and we got some stuff to go as well which we shared with others. The staff was friendly and helpful and provided great service. Definitely will be back and will come with others in the future! Keep up the great work and don't change a thing! read more

See all

Baked items are large in size and flavor. All goodies that I have tried have been delicious. Place is ideal for small table of friends or pick and go. Have been here on several occasions. Smells delicious when you open door. read more

Super cute spot to come and enjoy your coffee! Not only coffee, but the pastries are so good and reasonably priced! I'm glad this place is in my hometown and that I can enjoy such a nice spot with great employees! read more

Love this bakery! This is a new place in Waterloo. Many years ago the building was a bank. Quaint seating to sit down and enjoy a coffee and pastry. The sugar buns are amazing. read more

Zera Artisan Bakery - Sugar Bun - Bakeries Near Me - Waterloo, Illinois

New bakery in Waterloo Il. What a treat of a place for coffee, tea, baked goods, sandwiches for breakfast, lunch. Extensive menu for all. Nice place to relax with a cup of coffee, a nosh. Friendly, helpful service. read more

Zera Artisan Bakery - Margarita croissant. - Bakeries Near Me - Waterloo, Illinois

See all

I had a To Go order on Thursday June 25, 2026 and got home to cream cheese with mold growing in it which is a source of food poisoning. I went in Friday June 26, 2026 with my receipt and returned the smear with mold growing in it. There was no refund no acknowledgment of putting efforts into changing quality inspection. It was truly disappointing to experience and will not be returning. read more

The drinks and food are a work of art! Love the specialty drinks and that they are created with house-made ingredients. Will be coming here over and over. The price is great - especially for the quality of what you get. read more

Zera Artisan Bakery - Limited time drink! - Bakeries Near Me - Waterloo, Illinois

Delicious food and the cookies are out-of-this-world! So yummy and unique flavors. Cute bakery in an old bank. Friendly staff!