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Espresso and French food

You want your espresso to follow a French meal. You expect both to be handled with the same level of care.

Based on 678 Opinions
+675
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Updated May 2026
01
Cadinho Bakery & Café image 1
Cadinho Bakery & Café image 2
Cadinho Bakery & Café image 3
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Bright space with large windows and colorful murals creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Comfortable seating suits both working and socializing, attracting a mix of locals. Unique Portuguese-themed decor and authentic pastries set it apart from typical bakeries.

Espresso comes out perfectly extracted with a smooth, rich flavor. Both espresso and drip coffee score consistently high, including a notable Sweet Coconut coffee option.

Quiches come in light, flavorful varieties like bacon and goat cheese. The Quiche Lorraine and ham and cheese croissant stand out for taste and value.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee was wonderful and really smooth."

"I thought their natas were the perfect complement to the espresso."

"The pastel de nata here is incredible."

Good to know

1

Coffee morning event takes place every Sunday at Cadinho Bakery & Café.

2

Get there early to ensure availability of specific pastries and items.

3

Finding street parking can be difficult depending on the time of day.

02
Le French Patisserie image 1

Elegant bakery with European decor and marble interiors creates a bright, luxurious atmosphere. Outdoor patio offers a quiet escape with comfortable seating and soft music. Pastries and desserts stand out as artfully crafted and authentic.

Espresso comes super fresh and strong, with a notable fredo espresso option that stands out. The iced espresso pairs well with pastries and holds up even on cold days.

Crème brûlée stands out with its velvety smooth texture and rich vanilla bean flavor made from real vanilla beans. Other French treats include airy croissants, delicious macarons, and profiteroles.

People are saying

"I thought the desserts were awesome and yummy."

"The French food, especially the crème brûlée, has a perfectly caramelized top and smooth custard."

"The espresso here is great and super fresh."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $21 at Navy Pier, where the bakery is located.

2

Cash payments may offer discounts compared to credit card transactions.

3

The bakery often runs out of popular pastries early in the day.

03
Prequel Cafe image 1
Coffee shop

Coffee shop offers modern decor with minimalist warmth through concrete floors and soft lighting. Atmosphere stays calm and inviting, suited for work, reading, or quiet talks. Regulars enjoy house-made baked goods like bagels and unique breakfast sandwiches.

Espresso offers a perfect balance in punch with a softly layered crema. Drinks consistently meet expectations and pair well with pastries.

Rotating quiche options appear regularly and taste consistent. Dill biscuits complement the menu alongside iced cappuccinos for a casual French food experience.

People are saying

"The coffee here has a great, cozy vibe."

"I loved the espresso; it had a perfect balance and layered crema."

"You have to try the quiche; it's delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, but ordering ahead is recommended due to busy times.

2

The cafe does not accept cash; only credit cards and mobile payments are accepted.

3

There is limited seating available, so be prepared for a wait during peak hours.

04
Toni Patisserie & Cafe image 1

Small bakery with Parisian atmosphere and cozy vibe offers both indoor and outdoor seating with shade and breeze. Busy but not crowded, it draws people for European-style cakes and fresh pastries made mostly in-house.

Espresso here is consistently fantastic and served with great quality. Decaf espresso is available, but brewed decaf coffee is not offered.

Fresh baguettes come out perfectly baked. Pastries like quiche Florentine and pain au chocolat offer flaky, light textures with balanced flavors. Large macarons feature a chewy shell and creamy filling for great texture contrast.

People are saying

"The cake here is so tasty and amazing."

"The French food, especially the pastries and quiche, is delicious and well made."

"The espresso here is amazing."

Good to know

1

Expect a line during peak hours, especially on weekends.

2

The bakery offers a variety of vegetarian options on the menu.

3

The cafe has limited seating, so plan accordingly.

05
Odeo Café image 1
Patisserie

Small, elegant patisserie with cozy tables, fresh flowers, and thoughtful design creates a bright, quiet atmosphere. Chill music plays softly, enhancing a vibe reminiscent of a European coffee shop. Known for technically perfect pastries and a clean, inviting space.

Espresso here stands out for its natural sweeteners instead of syrups and a clean, delicious taste. A coffee expert can dive deep into the espresso details for a long chat.

Flaky croissants melt in your mouth with unmatched quality and top-notch ingredients. Macarons, eclairs, and tarts come freshly made and deliver divine flavors.

People are saying

"The desserts here taste homemade and are perfectly balanced."

"The French food, especially the croissants, is flaky and melts in your mouth."

"Their espresso is delicious, like their pastries."

Good to know

1

Odeo Café offers fresh croissants only from Friday to Sunday.

2

Expect popular pastries to sell out quickly, especially in the morning.

3

The café accepts credit cards and mobile payments, but no personal checks.

06
City Skyline Chicago - Coffee Lounge image 1

Coffee lounge features aviation-themed decor with real plane seats, cockpit dashboards, and airplane parts used as furniture. Atmosphere feels cozy and inviting, suitable for reading, working, or chatting quietly. Space welcomes dogs and offers varied seating with some plugs for charging devices.

Espresso delivers fantastic flavor with a tasty, rich profile that evokes a European coffee experience.

Crepes stand out with their large size and delicious flavors like ham and chicken. Coffee pairs well, especially the horchata latte.

People are saying

"This cafe's aviation theme and decor are super unique and cute."

"You have to try the delicious French Food crepes here."

"The airplane-themed decor here is super different and spectacular."

Good to know

1

The lounge is open until 6 PM daily.

2

Parking is limited in the area.

3

The coffee shop is dog-friendly.

07
Queen B image 1
Coffee shop

Spacious café blends modern meets comfy design with ample indoor and outdoor seating, including a lounge-like area ideal for working or breakfast. Atmosphere stays cozy and calming with a quiet vibe, though occasional loud groups can disrupt the peace. Unique features include a fun iced drink contraption and a dog-friendly environment.

Exceptional espresso varieties offer a distinctive flavor that stands out. Inventive cold drinks like the freddo espresso complement the top-notch espresso selection.

Croque madame sandwich stands out with its rich flavor and comes with a side salad. Croissants, including ham and Nutella varieties, are excellent and flaky. Crepes and cinnamon rolls tend to be on the sweeter side.

People are saying

"The coffee here is excellent and delicious."

"I loved their Nutella latte; it was truly impressive."

"The French food, especially the croque madame, was delicious and filling."

Good to know

1

Queen B offers a variety of espresso blends and Metropolis coffee roasts.

2

There is ample seating available for individuals and groups.

3

Queen B is dog friendly, allowing pets in the outdoor seating area.

08
TARY image 1
Cafe

Cozy, minimal café with authentic Kazakh decor and subtle cultural elements creates a calm, pleasant atmosphere. Plenty of seating and strong WiFi support work or socializing, while unique Central Asian pastries and dishes offer a distinct culinary experience.

Espresso comes out proper and strong with a bright, layered flavor. Milk-based drinks like lattes and mochas hold up well alongside straight shots, all tasting fantastic.

Delicate and savory crepes stand out with an amazing sauce that complements them well. The crepes pair nicely with drinks like milk tea and latte for a satisfying French food experience.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee here was super good."

"You have to try the crepes; they were the highlight of my visit."

"I found the espresso to be proper and strong."

Good to know

1

Parking is reserved for commercial vehicles only, leading to potential tickets.

2

TARY serves unique Central Asian pastries and drinks not found elsewhere.

3

The cafe gets packed, making tables hard to get at times.

09
Milli by Metric image 1
Coffee shop

Spacious cafe with immaculate aesthetic and warm, inviting atmosphere hosts a crowded, lively crowd often working or enjoying eclectic music. Comfortable seating and strong WiFi support both socializing and remote work, while visible kitchen and roaster add a unique touch. Pastries and coffee stand out for their high quality and unique flavors.

Espresso comes out well-balanced and perfectly dialed in. It avoids being over-extracted or under-extracted, hitting just the right note.

Pain au chocolat stands out with amazing lamination, a perfect amount of chocolate, and a beautiful chocolate glaze. Other pastries like the croissant and black sesame eclair often arrive stale or dry, with fillings that can congeal.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee here was really great and well made."

"The espresso here is perfectly dialed in and well-balanced."

"I found the best French Food pain au chocolat with amazing lamination."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times, especially on weekends, up to an hour.

2

Parking is difficult; most nearby streets require permits.

3

The shop does not accept cash, only credit cards.

10
Nutella Cafe Chicago image 1

Nutella-themed decor creates a bright and inviting space with personalized Nutella jars as a unique feature. The cafe feels cramped and crowded, with small tables placed very close together, often leading to a noisy atmosphere. Outdoor patio seating offers an alternative to the tight indoor space.

Glossy crema tops the espresso, showing precise control of pressure and temperature by the barista. The gourmet espresso tastes rich and well-crafted, standing out among typical offerings.

Crepes filled with Nutella stand out, especially the thin, delicate ones with fresh banana and strawberry. The creme brulee is rich and highly praised, often noted as a highlight alongside the Nutella crème brûlée and fresh baguettes.

People are saying

"You have to try the Nutella Crepe with bananas; it's very tasty."

"The French food, especially the Nutella crepes, is delicious and flavorful."

"The espresso had a glossy crema and notes of dark chocolate."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait time of 30-45 minutes during peak hours.

2

The cafe opens at 8 am daily.

3

You can personalize your Nutella with your name for a unique souvenir.

11
Cafe Korzo image 1

Open-air cafe with sidewalk dining and a small colorful patio creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. Music adds to the relaxed vibe, drawing a crowd that enjoys people watching and casual socializing. The layout encourages enjoying the day and breeze without feeling crowded.

Espresso comes from capsule machines rather than traditional espresso machines. The coffee tastes good to great and pairs well with crepes.

French crepes come in generous portions with options like strawberries and a honey-nuts combination. Some crepes are soft and flavorful, while others are pre-made and reheated, with sweetness levels varying across dishes.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was amazing and delicious."

"The French crepes are bomba, super flavorful and soft."

"I enjoyed the really good espresso."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with great drink deals.

2

Laptop use is not allowed during weekends at Cafe Korzo.

3

Expect large crowds after 5 PM on Fridays; arrive by 4 PM to avoid waiting.

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