Cafes near Lake Forest

“This place was great. Easy parking (during a wee day), friendly and patient staff, excellent Ube muffin. (I ate so fast I didn’t take a picture). I got a Malibu smoothie. It was ok, seemed like there was a good bit of ice in it. I also got a Skinny Genes juice. It was WONDERFUL!!! Looks like the company is changing their name to Gimme Cafe as of July 6th 2026 on their website. Updated from previous review on 2026-07-06“

“Any time anyone asks me for my favorite coffee place I send them here. They've got my favorite espresso of any of the local roasteries and I've never had a bad experience here. Everyone behind the counter is friendly and personable, and they always take the time to make sure things are done right.“

“Anam Cara Cafe was the perfect location for our family reunion on Black Friday! We were able to reserve a private room, so the little ones had free range to run around and not bother other patrons and the adults could comfortably hear each other and catch up. The staff was so friendly and helpful throughout the entire process, from setting up the reservation to not rushing us out at the end of our gathering. They gave us great and attentive service without hovering and interrupting our conversations. Food was excellent and served promptly. Would definitely recommend! We're already talking about meeting there again when the Wisconsin and Chicago sides of the family meet up the next time.“

“Beyond !atmosphere awesome Sevice thank you server Anna 🧇🥞🥛🍳🤵🏻‍♀️🙏🏻❤️“

“The owner is so nice and knowledgeable. This is our goto spot for coffee, beans in the burbs. Very recommended“

“That Little French Guy makes us happy every time we head that way. The Champs de Élysées doesn’t have better! It’s being back in Paris, every unique French delight. Thank you for our favorite place to visit often.“

“Great, authentic Italian cuisine. Never disappoints.“

“Great thrift, bake shop and cafe! Haven’t visited the other services yet!“

“Great food and great service!“

“Stopped here on our way through town. Friendly service and delicious food in a cute little town.“

“Excellent service, very clean. Too many choices of sandwiches. Great coffee. Love, love this place.“

“GREAT ATMOSPHERE- GREAT COFFEE & that Ham & Cheese Roll was amazing“

“Awesome spot, such friendly staff. So glad to have this place here in Waukegan!“

“The best coffee shop in Highland Park/Deerfield area! Best customer service and perfect atmosphere for work meeting, reading a book or grabbing coffee with a friend!“

“Been coming here since they opened. Consistently good food and friendly staff. Love the burgers and paninis. It’s livelier than the traditional diner, partly because of the bright walls, and a great place to eat!“

“Very cute place and the tea was so good!“

“What an awesome addition to the North Side! Beautiful place to have breakfast, delicious eggs with crème fraiche, chives, parmesan fluff, griddled country bread, we got our son the grilled cheese & I ate most of it. Great ambience, it has a very open feel. We would def come back, thank you 🙏“

“Try em all.………………………………….“

“CJ:
I stopped in for a simple black coffee once and it was great. It is very modern on the inside and the coffee is expensive for what I got, but good staff and short wait time. The study area has a good view of the road so you can take a short break from your work and enjoy the atmosphere.“

“The crepes were delectable! The service was prompt, and the food was fresh.“

“Son muy amables y los cafés lates ni se digan“

“Best scones! Excited to visit in February!“

“Delicious food. Good service. Great people. Very reasonable prices. I’m very glad I stumbled upon this spot and will be coming back again and again. I loved the southwest style salad with blackened chicken. Their specials are also fun and different. Check this place out - you won’t be disappointed. Enjoy!“

“Found my favorite childhood snack — egg waffles 🧇 — at MilkCow cafe near home! Definitely coming back again! Their ice cream was amazing too — super creamy and full of milky goodness 🍦💛“

“Some of the best pastries I have ever had! I have been there several times now and plan to keep going. Service has always been quick and efficient. Staff is polite, cafe is kept very clean, there is a little play area for kids, and they even have Mahjong tables you can rent for free! I plan to play Hong Kong style with some friends in September. I am so grateful for this cafe.“

“large dance floor, great djs, tons of fun, friendly staff, good selection of drinks“

“Amazing place! Delicious onion soup!!!!l love it 😍“

“Great place great people who work inside there it's cleaner then wingstop.“

“Very good food and reasonably priced“

“10 STARS IF I COULD When we walked in around 5:15pm to go to the cafe the line was really long, so I ordered via app. Omg, Emily was very calmed and collected when people seemed kind of getting antsy. She acknowledged that I was there to pick up my food and gave me a heads up that it’ll take another 3 more min. I told her it was fine and that she was doing a great job and said good luck. She was very thankful. I’m more than pleased with her and would definitely recommend! Great hire manager. Emily definitely deserve a raise.“

“Salad selections are better than other well known restaurants. Location set up is a little chaotic for my liking, everybody wants to crowd counter, like they're going to get the food any faster. I sat in the background patiently waiting for my food maybe 15mins but worth it. Parking was a little challenging but considering the location at
rt 176 and rt 43, its still worth it.“

“I love Dotty's. It's a nice place to game and socialize.“