Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Lincoln Square

Bread spots

Made for those who judge a bakery solely by the quality and crust of its daily bread.

Based on 616 Opinions
+613
User
User
User
Updated April 2026
01
Ka Cafe image 1
Ka Cafe image 2
Ka Cafe image 3
View all
Coffee shop

Coffee shop offers a quiet atmosphere perfect for studying and casual lunch. Sandwiches feature crispy toasted bread that stays soft inside, especially the Chipotle turkey avocado. Drinks are reasonably priced, making it a peaceful spot for regulars.

Sandwich bread comes out perfectly crispy and toasted while staying soft on the inside. The white bread used for the Chipotle turkey avocado sandwich holds up well and complements the fillings.

People are saying

"These sandwiches are fresh, tasty, and unbelievably good."

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

"The bread here is perfectly crispy and toasted."

Good to know

1

Parking is easy to find near the cafe.

2

The prices at Ka Cafe are very reasonable.

3

Ka Cafe offers a breakfast deal for $6.25, including a bagel sandwich and coffee.

02
Toscana Grill image 1
European restaurant

Small and cozy spot serves authentic Balkan cuisine with generous portions and homemade bread that blends focaccia and pita textures. Quiet atmosphere invites casual dining, and parking availability makes visits easy and stress-free.

Homemade bread features a spongy and craggy texture that blends qualities of focaccia and pita. It supports the sandwich well and adds to the overall taste.

People are saying

"The Balkan food here is packed with authentic flavor."

"I tasted the best chicken sandwich, it was to die for."

"The bread here is homemade and tasty."

Good to know

1

Parking is available on-site, making it convenient for diners.

2

Cash is preferred for small purchases; credit cards may not be accepted.

3

The restaurant offers a variety of homemade Balkan dishes.

03
Cafe Libra image 1
Restaurant

Outdoor patio shines with colorful umbrellas and comfy seats, perfect for relaxing or working. Fresh bread steams hot, especially in the vegetarian bomblette and egg sandwich. Upbeat music and games like Jenga create a friendly atmosphere for small or large groups.

Fresh bread steams when broken, showing its house-made freshness. It pairs well with dishes like the vegetarian bomblette and egg sandwich, offering more bread than the hot dog in the sandwich.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be well made."

"They have super unique ice cream and gelato flavors."

"The bread here is so fresh it steamed when I broke it."

Good to know

1

Cafe Libra offers breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner with authentic Balkan cuisine all day.

2

The cafe stays open pretty late for a cafe.

3

Cafe Libra offers non-dairy options for their gelato and ice cream.

04
Himmel's image 1
German restaurant

German restaurant offers authentic Bavarian decor with a warm, festive vibe and live music. Pretzel bread is fresh and tasty, perfect with liver dumpling soup or schnitzel. Regulars create a lively, welcoming atmosphere ideal for groups.

Pretzel bread stands out with its freshness and tasty quality. It pairs well with dishes like liver dumpling soup and schnitzel.

People are saying

"I loved the authentic German beers and delicious Wiener schnitzel."

"The live music here is fantastic and awesome."

"I loved their pretzel bread; it was delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for Friday and Saturday nights due to high demand.

2

The restaurant offers a Mother's Day buffet with special menu items.

3

Live music occurs Thursday through Saturday nights, enhancing the dining experience.

05
Capriccio - Artisan Pizza & Coffee image 1

Small cafe-style pizzeria offers a cozy vibe with warm lighting and spacious outdoor seating. Bread features a crunchy crust and soft inside, baked with fresh ingredients. Italian and Argentinian touches blend in a relaxing, inviting atmosphere.

Bread here has a crunchy crust and a soft inside. It tastes authentic Italian with fresh ingredients and perfect baking.

People are saying

"I loved the pizza; it was well seasoned and cooked to perfection."

"The bread here is perfectly baked, with a great crunch."

"It's a cozy and welcoming place with a nice vibe."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for busy weekend brunches.

2

The restaurant opens at 10 AM, which is late for coffee service.

3

Gluten-free pizza may not be safe for those with celiac disease.

06
La Boulangerie & Co Wilson image 1

Cozy indoor and outdoor seating creates a French bistro charm with a calm vibe. Fresh, authentic French breads toast to a satisfying crunch and pair well with authentic pastries like croissants and macarons. The setting feels like a welcoming European cafe despite occasional chaos.

Freshness stands out with authentic French breads that toast to a satisfying crunch. Sandwiches come made to order on this high quality bread, paired well with pastries and sweets.

People are saying

"The chocolate croissant is divine, buttery, and crunchy."

"I found the bread here to be fresh and delicious."

"The coffee here is always fresh and great."

Good to know

1

Free street parking is available nearby, but can be limited during peak hours.

2

Paid parking lots are located behind the building for convenience.

3

Expect prices to be on the higher side, with croissants costing over $5.50.

07
Bayan Ko Diner image 1

Cozy diner with intimate seating and a dog-friendly patio offers a relaxed vibe with fabulous R&B music. Bread is a highlight, featuring buttered sourdough and sweet Filipino options that complement meals perfectly.

Bread comes buttered and pressed, offering a perfect texture. Options include sourdough bread served alongside dishes and sweet Filipino bread featured with various meals.

People are saying

"I thought the brunch here was amazing, especially the Cubano burrito."

"The Cuban-Filipino fusion dishes here are amazing."

"You have to try the buttered and pressed bread."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on busy weekends.

2

The diner is BYOB, allowing guests to bring their own alcohol.

3

Brunch is served daily from 9am to 3pm, except on Tuesdays.

08
Pita Express Restaurant image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean spot shines with soft fresh pita perfect for dipping. Cozy, bright space offers panoramic window views of the train station. Friendly staff create a genuine feel that makes dining here relaxing and welcoming.

Soft, fresh pita bread comes with meals. It works well for stuffing and pairs nicely with creamy tzatziki and kofta.

People are saying

"The Mediterranean food here is so fresh and delicious."

"This lunch spot has great food and friendly owners."

"The bread here is so fresh and smooth."

Good to know

1

Pita Express Restaurant serves halal food.

2

All the meat used is Zabiha Halal.

3

The catering is suitable for a wide variety of dietary needs, including gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, and vegan options.

09
Cultivate by Forbidden Root image 1

Industrial-steel beams and an open kitchen define the spacious interior with huge bar and big comfy booths. Warm wood smoke scent creates a comfortable, inviting atmosphere that stays quiet enough for conversation. Beers feature floral notes with rare hops, complementing a menu with standout dishes like duck and dumplings.

People are saying

"The beer selection here has a great variety of styles."

"I found their cocktails to be surprisingly good and interesting."

"The chicken sandwich and salad at these dinner spots are so good."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

The Monday burger deal includes a burger and a drink for $10.

3

Trivia night is every Wednesday at 7pm with a $5 entry fee.

10
Del Sur Bakery image 1

Small bakery offers fluffy bread with unique Filipino flavors like turon danish and longanisa bread. Cozy ambiance with thoughtful floral arrangements creates a warm vibe. Photogenic treats and specialty drinks draw early lines.

Fluffy bread pairs with unique Filipino-inspired flavors like turon danish with cream that balances sweetness well. Longanisa bread requires utensils to manage the mix of bread and sausage in each bite.

People are saying

"The pastries here are so creative and delicious."

"You have to try the pandan Basque cake; it's so unique."

"These pastries transform Filipino flavors into well-thought-out creations."

Good to know

1

Arrive early to avoid long lines, especially on weekends.

2

There is no seating available; all orders are to go.

3

Pastries are priced around $10 each, with some items costing over $8.

11
R&A Sourdough image 1
Bagel shop

Open air kitchen creates a modern vibe with a friendly feel. Patio seating offers a flower-filled outdoor spot perfect for relaxing. Sourdough bread shines with perfect flavor and soft texture, ideal with lox bagels.

Sourdough bread stands out with its perfect sourdough flavor and very soft texture. It sells quickly and pairs well with items like lox bagels.

People are saying

"I loved the lox bagel with a generous portion and delicious dill cream cheese."

"I found the sourdough bread to be bonkers good."

"I believed the sourdough bread was the best I had ever tasted."

Good to know

1

Order ahead on the website to avoid long wait times.

2

Expect 10-15 minute wait times on weekdays and up to 30 minutes on weekends.

3

The bakery only has outdoor seating; no indoor waiting area is available.

12
Nhu Lan Bakery image 1
Restaurant

Small storefront offers authentic Vietnamese sandwiches with vegan options in a welcoming, no-frills setting. Bread is fresh daily with a crispy crust and soft inside, balancing sweetness and flakiness. Prices are reasonable, making it a top choice for fresh, tasty sandwiches.

Bread comes out fresh daily with a crispy crust and a soft, fluffy inside. It balances a slight sweetness with a flaky texture that stands out.

People are saying

"I found the Banh Mi here to be fresh, flavorful, and amazing."

"The vegetarian banh mi sandwiches are tasty and flavorful."

"The bread here is so fresh, with a crusty outside and fluffy inside."

Good to know

1

They offer a buy five sandwiches, get one free promotion.

2

Nhu Lan Bakery specializes in takeout, with limited seating available.

3

Vegan options include four different sandwiches and vegan pho.

13
Bai Ordo image 1
Halal restaurant

Halal spot offers authentic Kyrgyz cuisine in a cozy, family-friendly setting with handmade wall motifs. Fluffy, warm bread pairs perfectly with lentil soup and tea. Happy Kyrgyz families create a welcoming vibe that feels like home.

Fluffy bread comes warm and soft, served alongside lentil soup and tea. It works well for dipping and complements the meals with its warm texture and softness.

People are saying

"You have to try the lamb shank soup; it's life-changing."

"I found the authentic Kyrgyz cuisine to be a true gem."

"The lentil soup came with nice fluffy warm bread."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for larger groups to ensure seating.

2

The restaurant offers a diverse menu with both meat and vegetarian options.

3

Parking is available nearby, making access convenient.

Discover more

Lincoln Square, Chicago

Area guide
Loading Map...