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Croissants and coffee in Lake View East

A buttery croissant paired with a hot cup of coffee is the only way to start the morning.

Based on 690 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
The Bakehouse Chicago image 1
The Bakehouse Chicago image 2
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Space blends modern aesthetics with cozy decor and natural light, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Rock and roll music adds a lively vibe while plants enhance the inviting feel. Seating includes both indoor and outdoor options with plenty of outlets, making it suitable for work or relaxation.

Almond croissants stand out with a great amount of almond and almond paste and a sizeable portion. Ham, egg, and cheese croissants use a fried egg, adding a unique touch.

Coffee comes from Dark Matter and tastes consistently excellent. It feels like more than just a coffee shop, acting as a community hub that starts the day right.

People are saying

"I found their coffee to be the best I had."

"The cafe staff here are so kind and friendly."

"I found the croissants here to be amazing."

Good to know

1

The cafe offers vegan and gluten-free options for dietary preferences.

2

Expect prices around $8 for a bagel with cream cheese.

3

The cafe has ample seating with plenty of outlets for working.

02
Levant Coffee Lakeview (Takeout Only) image 1

Tiny coffee shop operates strictly as takeout with a spartan interior and curated atmosphere. Outdoor patio offers cozy seating for relaxing or working quietly. Energy shifts from calm to chaotic with fluctuating music volume.

Fluffy and savory ham and cheese croissants stand out here. Almond croissants offer a delicious, perfect balance of flavors.

Coffee here stands out for its quality espresso and cold brews served quickly, often within 5 minutes. Signature drinks like the Honey Bee Cold Brew with honeyed cream and the tiramisu and baklava lattes offer unique, flavorful options.

People are saying

"The Coffee here is served by the kindest, most welcoming staff."

"I thought the cold brew was one of the smoothest I'd ever tasted."

"The almond croissant was perfection."

Good to know

1

Levant Coffee Lakeview is takeout only, with no indoor seating available.

2

They do not offer decaf espresso, which may disappoint some coffee drinkers.

3

The café operates on a grab-and-go model, ideal for quick visits.

03
Ancient Grounds image 1
Coffee shop

Small coffee shop with exposed brick and a copper ceiling creates a cozy, peaceful atmosphere with gentle lighting and quiet background music. Seating is narrow and mostly near the door, featuring comfy couches and window seats with natural light. The vibe suits those seeking a warm, unhurried space ideal for working or relaxing quietly.

Croissants come with a perfect crunch and soft inside. Options include ham and cheese, bacon, egg + cheese, and sweet choices like chocolate raspberry and cinnamon roll.

Creative lattes come with bits of sugary cereal on top, like the Iced Cinnamon Toast Crunch latte. The coffee includes rich iced lattes with chocolate syrup and strong chai tea lattes. Croissants such as cinnamon roll and chocolate raspberry complement the drinks.

People are saying

"The coffee shop has a wonderfully calm and quiet atmosphere."

"You have to try the cafe's unique cereal-themed specialty drinks."

"The Biscoff latte here is delicious and sweet."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited on Saturdays and Sundays.

2

The cafe's small size makes it hard for large groups to find seating.

3

The latte flight is available on weekdays from 10 am to 3 pm.

04
Elevate Coffee - Boystown image 1

Minimalist design creates a calm, relaxed atmosphere with plenty of indoor seating for work or hangouts. Friendly energy fills the space, though music volume can challenge conversation. Coffee offerings stand out with fun flavors and seasonal options, making it a favored neighborhood spot.

Toasted bottoms add a nice crunch to the croissants. Options include a butter croissant warmed up on request, a goat cheese croissant, and a bacon, egg, and cheddar croissant with bold flavors.

Coffee here stands out for its unique drinks like the tiramisu latte and horchata cold brew. Baristas serve great black coffee and lattes with flavors steeped in vanilla, creating a delicious experience.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee here was the best I ever had."

"The Cafe staff here is so nice and friendly."

"The croissant was delicious and delectable."

Good to know

1

Elevate Coffee offers a wide selection of coffees, teas, and hot foods.

2

They are open late until 6 pm, making it a good spot for evening coffee.

3

Expect to wait about half an hour for your coffee during busy hours.

05
Cafe Paris - French Café image 1

Small coffee shop offers a cozy interior with big glass windows and a quiet back patio adorned with flowers and street lamps. Atmosphere stays relaxed and calming, often accompanied by soft French music. Seating by windows invites people watching while enjoying fresh pastries and quality coffee.

Croissants here are buttery, perfectly flaky, and freshly baked. Varieties like almond and pistachio stand out for their rich, nutty, and delicately sweet flavors.

Strong coffee stands out with a harmonious chocolate chai latte and a cappuccino praised as the best in the city. Iced lattes come in generous sizes, and fresh pastries complement the drinks well.

People are saying

"I found the quiche to be seriously creamy and rich."

"Their croissants and pastries are so delicious and decadent."

"I've never had a croissant this buttery and flaky."

Good to know

1

The café only accepts credit cards; no cash payments allowed.

2

The food menu is available all day until closing time.

3

Expect prices to be higher than average, with croissant sandwiches around $18.

06
Oak and Honey image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant offers a cozy, upscale boho vibe with tasteful decor including a standout zebra print. Space feels deceptively large but tables sit close together, creating a lively, vibrant atmosphere. Bar seating suits solo diners, and a dog-friendly patio adds to the welcoming energy.

Flaky layers hold a heavy, ooey-gooey mix of chocolate and almond. The almond croissant splits with yummy almond paste inside. Croissants also serve as a base for a phenomenal bacon breakfast sandwich.

Cappuccinos come out frothy and excellent. Pastries pair well with the coffee for a tasty start to the day. The spot suits a coffee clutch or casual brunch.

People are saying

"Our server Sharon was incredible and made our brunch experience better."

"The coffee here tasted great, especially the lattes."

"The chocolate almond croissant is packed with so much chocolate and almond."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers half-price appetizers from 4-7pm on weekdays.

2

Wine Wednesday features special deals on select wines.

3

Reservations can be made through Open Table.

07
Roggenart European Bakery, Bistro & Cafe image 1

European bakery and cafe offers a cozy atmosphere with comfortable seating and free reliable WiFi ideal for working or reading. The space feels welcoming and calm, though music can be loud and repetitive in some areas. Pastries and croissants stand out as excellent quality and favorites among offerings.

Croissants come in a variety of flavors like cinnamon roll, raspberry, and almond. The pastries are flaky and fresh, with savory options like ham and kipferls also available.

Coffee comes with delicious pastries and is served quickly. The spot offers fantastic breakfasts alongside quality drinks.

People are saying

"Bonnie's kindness made the service feel so cozy and personal."

"I found the coffee and pastries here to be wonderful."

"I found the cinnamon roll croissant to be amazing."

Good to know

1

WiFi is currently unavailable, but it is expected to be available soon.

2

Prices for food items are considered reasonable, but some items may seem overpriced.

3

The bakery offers a 50% discount on day-old pastries.

08
Intelligentsia Coffee Broadway Coffeebar image 1

Industrial design with large seating areas and floor-to-ceiling windows creates a spacious, modern environment. The atmosphere is loud and echoey, often busy with people working on laptops, making it suitable for focused study despite some noise. Outdoor seating offers an alternative to the indoor space, which can feel cold and utilitarian.

Fresh croissants appear regularly alongside muffins. They pair well with a latte for a simple work-from-home snack. Some visits skip the croissants altogether.

Coffee here features bold and rich espresso with expertly frothed milk, delivering consistently top-notch quality. Unique drinks like the dark cherry grenadine latte and pineapple lime iced espresso stand out alongside excellent classic brews.

People are saying

"The coffee here is amazing, with great pour-over options."

"It's a great spot for getting work done and studying."

"I loved the fresh croissants and coffee."

Good to know

1

They offer a $2 discount on single-origin beans every Saturday.

2

Expect a line during peak hours due to popularity.

3

The coffee shop has plenty of seating available for customers.

09
Klein’s Bakery & Cafe (LakeviewEast) image 1

Elevated home bakery with cozy atmosphere and vibrant urban vibe offers several seating options including outdoor space. The place suits both quiet work sessions and casual chats, featuring lovely music and a welcoming environment.

Warm, flaky croissants come with fillings like ham and cheese or sausage egg and cheese with solid portions. Almond croissants stand out as a meticulously crafted option often paired with tiramisu.

Coffee here offers aromatic blends and meticulously crafted espresso. Options include a delicious cappuccino that is not too milky and an iced caramel latte, paired well with a variety of pastries.

People are saying

"I loved their pastries; they were always delicious and fresh."

"I found the coffee here to be good quality."

"I loved the warm, flaky ham and cheese croissant."

Good to know

1

Limited seating is available, especially during busy times.

2

Expect a wait time during weekends due to high demand.

3

Prices for coffee and sandwiches can reach around $20.

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Lake View East, Chicago

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