Jennivee’s is a love letter to the LGBTQ+ community. This queer, Filipina-owned café serves incredible pastries, cupcakes, and breakfast sweets alongside a solid coffee menu. The interior is bright, cozy, and welcoming, making it a great spot to grab coffee and a treat before a day in Northalsted.
If you have a sweet tooth, Chicago Sugar Daddy is a dream come true. This café specializes in cupcakes, cookies, and pastries that are all gluten-free and many of which are vegan, so you can indulge without the guilt. It’s a fun and colorful spot that fits right into the vibrant energy of Northalsted.
Doña Tola is a cozy, welcoming café that specializes in traditional Mexican brunch dishes and coffee. If you’re in the mood for delicious enchiladas, horchata lattes, or warm churros with spicy chocolate sauce, this is your spot. With friendly service and a charming, laid-back vibe, it’s a great place to fuel up before a day at the Pride parade or Northalsted Market Days.
If your idea of the perfect coffee shop includes a freshly baked brownie, Brou’ne Desserts is a must-visit. This small, cozy bakery specializes in rich, decadent brownies and cookies, perfect for pairing with a strong espresso or cappuccino. The atmosphere is charming and intimate, making it a great pit stop before a long day of Pride celebrations.
Kino’s Coffee might just be one of the best-kept secrets. This family-owned shop has earned love for its warm service, relaxing vibe, and truly great drinks. If you’re into shaken espresso, specialty lattes, or a classic caramel macchiato, this spot won’t disappoint. The music is soft, the staff is friendly, and the atmosphere makes it feel like a cozy neighborhood hangout even if you’ve never been before.
If your day trip includes a little indulgence, make it Ethereal Café in historic Woodstock. Part coffee shop, part chocolate haven, this place combines creative drinks (like orange blossom lattes and drinking chocolate) with beautiful surroundings and a gift shop full of handmade treats.
OUD Coffee is all about warmth and hospitality. From the hand-poured lattes to the house-made kunefe, there’s a real sense of care in everything they do. The space feels both modern and inviting, with lots of natural wood, cozy seating, and soft music. It’s the kind of place where you can grab a real meal and not feel rushed.
TARY stands out in River North with its unique Kazakh influence and deeply homey atmosphere. It’s not a traditional coffee shop, but the cozy setting, handcrafted drinks, and distinctive food menu make it a place you’ll want to linger. The space is beautifully decorated with handmade textiles and wool art, and the menu features traditional Central Asian flavors.
Located in Lakeview, Bittersweet Pastry Shop is renowned for its elegant and classic European-style desserts. For Mother's Day, they offer a beautifully decorated cake, as well as an assortment of cookies and pastries. Their offerings are perfect for those looking to add a touch of sophistication to their celebration.
Situated in downtown Chicago, Sugar Bliss Patisserie offers a wide selection of cupcakes, macarons, and cake pops. Their Mother's Day specials feature beautifully decorated cupcakes and gift boxes, making it easy to find the perfect treat for Mom. The bakery's central location is convenient for picking up last-minute gifts.
Vanille Patisserie, with locations in Lincoln Park and the French Market, is known for its authentic French pastries. For Mother's Day, they offer special pastry boxes, croissant boxes, and themed sugar cookies. Their delicately and artfully crafted desserts are sure to impress.
A family-owned European-style bakery, Oak Mill Bakery has been serving the Chicagoland since 1986. Their Mother's Day menu includes the Mom's Slice cake and Strawberry Shortcake, both adorned with spring flowers. With multiple locations, it's a convenient option for many Chicagoans.
As one of Chicago's oldest family-owned bakeries, Roeser's Bakery offers a variety of custom cakes and pastries. For Mother's Day, they provide beautifully decorated cakes that can be personalized to your liking. Their long-standing reputation ensures quality and taste.
Located in the Loop, Magnolia Bakery brings a taste of New York to Chicago. Their Mother's Day menu features classic American baked goods, including their world-famous banana pudding, cakes, and cupcakes. The bakery's nostalgic charm makes it a delightful place to pick up treats for Mom.
Bake is a cozy neighborhood bakery that pairs Metropolis Coffee with an impressive selection of pastries, pies, and cakes. Whether you’re stopping by for a flaky croissant and cappuccino or picking up a seasonal fruit pie for a holiday gathering, birthday, or special occasion, this welcoming café has something for every sweet tooth and every celebration.
Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits is a must-visit for coffee and comfort food. Their house-made biscuits and rotating seasonal pies are legendary, and the buttery crusts pair perfectly with a strong cup of locally roasted coffee. Whether you’re in the mood for a savory biscuit breakfast or a sweet slice of pie, this rustic, homey café is a Logan Square favorite.
This café is bright, plant-filled, and full of personality—the kind of spot that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a hidden gem. First Sip Café is known for its creative lattes, especially the ube latte and mint latte, which add a fun twist to your usual coffee routine. They also serve delicious pastries and muffins, making it a great stop for a sweet treat before heading to the nearby Swedish American Museum. Must-Try: The ube latte and their chocolate muffin are must-orders.
If you’re looking for a true Swedish pastry experience, Lost Larson is the place to be. This bakery and café serves beautifully crafted Scandinavian pastries like Princess Cake, lingonberry-filled treats, and their famous cardamom buns (which tend to sell out fast). The coffee is just as impressive, making it the perfect spot to grab a latte and a pastry before wandering Clark Street. Must-Try: The Princess Cake (a Swedish classic) and their cinnamon rolls are absolute musts.
More than just a coffee shop, Kopi Café is part café, part bookstore, part community space. The cozy, bohemian vibes make it a great spot to relax with a book, sip on a rich latte, or enjoy a slice of their famous carrot cake. You can sit on the floor cushions for a casual and laid-back experience, making it one of the most unique cafés in Andersonville. Must-Try: Their carrot cake is legendary, and if you’re more of a tea drinker, their selection of loose-leaf teas is fantastic.
If your shopping day calls for a sugar boost, Molly’s Cupcakes is the place to go. Their Crème Brûlée and Peach Cobbler cupcakes are customer favorites, and they serve freshly brewed coffee to go with it. Plus, the swings at the counter make this a fun and cozy stop.
Broadway Cafe is a hidden gem that offers strong coffee, delicious pastries, and a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re grabbing a quick coffee before a park event or looking for a late-night spot that serves coffee and cake, this café is a reliable go-to.
Known for its all-day breakfast and cozy, homey feel, Sweet Maple Café is where locals go for buttery biscuits, omelets, and cinnamon rolls alongside a solid cup of coffee. The friendly service and laid-back vibe make it a great stop whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or settling in for a long, leisurely brunch.
If you’re looking for a coffee shop that feels like a European café, Leonidas Chocolate Café is the one. It serves rich Belgian hot chocolate, expertly made cappuccinos, and an assortment of croissants, pastries, and chocolates. The cozy indoor seating is perfect for warming up before the parade, and if you have a sweet tooth, their handmade chocolates are a must-try.