Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Lake View East's best

Croissants and lattes

A flaky croissant and a smooth latte are the only things that make a morning feel complete.

Based on 665 Opinions
+662
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Ancient Grounds image 1
Ancient Grounds image 2
Ancient Grounds image 3
View all
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, adding a unique crunch. Options include a Biscoff latte and an Iced Cinnamon Toast Crunch latte, both rich and flavorful.

People are saying

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

"The latte here has a cozy vibe, perfect for escaping."

"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.

02
The Bakehouse Chicago image 1

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.

Cinnamon Roll Latte stands out as a daily favorite, crafted consistently well. Other notable options include the Iced Lavender Latte and Salted Caramel Mocha Latte, all served in a cozy setting.

People are saying

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

"I found the croissants here to be amazing."

"I loved their cinnamon roll latte; it was my daily staple."

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.

03
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.

Tiramisu latte stands out with rich foam and flavor. Other notable options include the banana hazelnut latte and the churro latte, both offering unique tastes.

People are saying

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

"The owners are so friendly and welcoming when I get my latte."

"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 cafรฉ operates on a grab-and-go model, ideal for quick visits.

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.

Unique lattes like the banana foster, tiramisu, and orange vanilla oat milk stand out here. The Milano cookie and creme-brulee lattes add to the variety with rich, distinct flavors.

People are saying

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

"The banana foster latte was my absolute favorite."

"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 Cafรฉ 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.

Iced lattes come in generous sizes and taste very good. The chocolate chai latte with espresso balances flavors well without one overpowering the other.

People are saying

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

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

"I loved their iced latte; it was on point."

Good to know

1

The cafรฉ 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.

Iced lattes stand out with a trusted coffee quality. Lattes taste great but sometimes come in a half-full cup.

People are saying

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

"I enjoyed the delicious latte here."

"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
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.

The Avena Latte blends creamy oat milk with cinnamon, vanilla, ginger, bitter orange, and cayenne for a warm, cozy flavor. Drinks come with latte art and offer a bold, balanced taste from Black Cat Espresso.

People are saying

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

"I thought the Avena Latte was next-level good and unreal."

"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.

Discover more

Lake View East, Chicago

Area guide
Loading Map...