50 Best Cafes near River Forest

“This was the first time at this First Watch. It is great there is a bar seating option as the waves of people waiting for a table were constant. The food was delivered hot and as requested. Definitely a great add to the OPRF restaurant cohort!“

“The nicest Panera I have been all my vacation.

I joined Sips club and went on a tour of the country. This was the nicest and cleanest Panera by far. Everything well stocked, restroom clean, upholstery on the booths well maintained.

Would definitely come back here if I were passing through.“

“My God, this sangwich will make you feel that things might just be ok and forget for a moment what a dumpster fire of a time we live in. The lamination! Look at these luscious layers of pastry hugging eggs and some crispy plancha sausage! Look at them! Few things are perfect or capable of changing your life. This sandwich and these brothers just might be the thing. 10/10 and I’ll definitely be back for more.“

“Loved this space - incredibly friendly staff, food was good, and there was a wide selection of games in a comfortable atmosphere !“

“The coffee here is incredible! ☕️ What really stands out is how the owners and baristas always greet you with a smile when you arrive and say goodbye when you leave - it really makes you feel welcome 😊. I’m so grateful for this little gem in our community ✨. It’s always a great experience every time I visit!“

“We stopped in today on a tip and what a delicious treat! Highly recommend!“

“loved everything about it!“

“I have no doubt his place is going to be amazing.“

“Great place & location, excellent coffee, indoor & outdoor seating, small menu but all good. Only ding on my review is that the music inside was overcranked on volume and metal-heavy. Wasn't the mellow coffee vibe you'd normally expect... UPDATE... OK we stuck around a bit longer and the volume came down and the playlist changed. So apparently it can vary somewhat. Definitely worth stopping here.“

“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ If you’re looking for a little slice of New Orleans, Junebug Cafe is the place to be! From the moment you walk in, the aroma of rich, smooth coffee fills the air, and the first bite of their Louisiana hand pies or fluffy, powdered-sugar-dusted beignets will transport you straight to the French Quarter. The flavors are authentic, the atmosphere is warm, and every sip and bite feels like a celebration. Don’t miss out on this hidden gem—your taste buds will thank you! ☕✨ Start your morning with a little taste of New Orleans right here at Junebug Cafe! #JunebugCafe #TasteOfNOLA #BeignetsAndCoffee #CafeVibes“

“Nos encantó! Muy limpio y elegante, nos atendieron muy bien. La comida estaba muy rica!“

“Crepes were delicious 👍“

“First timers and now we will be regulars! The hospitality, atmosphere and fare were outstanding! From the knowledgeable staff, the welcoming management and the hostess that went WAY above and beyond to be sure my disabled husband was accommodated from when we booked our reservation to the end of our dining experience - we couldn’t have been more delighted! See you again soon, Lardon!“

“Get the lavender Hazel coffee iced , it will put you in a great mood for the rest of the day. This is a great place with a great mission“

“Food was delicious. Everything we had was amazing.“

“Delicious, sparkling, clean, very friendly owner and staff! This place is a gem.“

“Great coffee and savory items are delicious.“

“One of the friendliest spits in Chicago. The food is good - outstanding sausage, and you have to have their home-made salsa - and it's an incredible bargain, especially their breakfast "sidewalk special."“

“Food is mouth watering delicious. My daughter and I had the veggie tostini, oh my goodness, the best Turkish sandwich we have ever had. Owners are very friendly and welcoming. Highly recommend this wonderful restaurant. We will be back for sure 😊😊“

“They have, without a doubt, the most amazing chicken and waffles I’ve ever had. Not only were they delicious, but they were delivered steaming hot, which is not what I’ve had in the past at other restaurants. To yourself a favor and order this. It is beyond wonderful! And the service could not have been better and more wonderful. This place is an absolute gem.“

“Thank you so much Cafe El Menson for your generous donation to my kindergarten classroom today. My students really enjoyed the Arroz con Gandules. I cannot thank you enough!“

“The pastries are very delicious! I have a variety of them. They are some of the best I have had in unexpected combinations. The latte I had was floral and balanced. It was a Lavender Latte. If you love coffee and pastries, you do not want to miss out on this experience. Cafe Calida has a selection that is full of flavor that is truly sure to delight. Visit them today to see for yourself. Check their hours of operation.“

“Love this place! Delicious food, gluten free options, and excellent service. Chef Paco is the best! I highly recommend the tamal de mango!!“

“My husband and I are Louisiana transplants. This cafe offers great Louisiana food and atmosphere, combined with locally sourced ingredients and and sustainable practices. I had their decaf drip coffee which was so good. My husband has the Boudreaux breakfast sandwich on an everything bagel which had great boudin flavor! I had the cheesy grits with scallions and chile crunch. The consistency was closer to polenta than grits, but that isn't a complaint. They were delicious and filling.
We took home a quart of their chicken and andouille gumbo and can't wait to try it.
We'll definitely be back and can't wait to bring it family and friends here!“

“Greeted with a friendly smile by the young woman behind the counter. Brought glass bottle of water and glass to the table. Food was brought out in a few minutes. Food delicious and Carmel latte was good. The sourdough bread was delicious. Asked to one if my breakfast spots in town.“

“10 years, and I still love them. Everything is perfect at any location. Chicago’s premier roasters.“

“I want to build a free school for orphans in which orphans get education and a bright future, for this we need your help to build a school.Free schools for orphans should be established wherever orphans can get education.I want to give orphans free education you can help and support orphans children in Pakistan I am alone,I wating, helping Hands,I can't do it alone, I need brothers and sisters to step up and prepare the orphans for a bright future. I wish I orphans I to give free education to modern schools wherever possible and orphans childrens recved will life and happiness everyone dear family of God place help orphans child There are an estimated 4.8 million vulnerable orphans in Pakistan, one of the highest in the world. These children are left without any care or support. Millions of children are left without a better future if they survive that long. My name is Dr. Soul Arshad in Christ my wish and prayer from Pakistan and our key mission is to provide happiness and bright future to orphans. I wish and pray to Allah Almighty to provide a care home. For orphans in Faisalabad, Pakistan. No services available. Currently, orphaned children in local villages try to survive when parents die of disease, become very ill or are unable to care for and feed their children), without shelter, nurturing, education. , their future is worse than terrible. Help me I want and work and pray that God will provide a care home for orphans I wish 2023 is the year of orphans. Children are the most valuable asset of the society because they are the image of our future. Every parent tries hard to provide their children with the best facilities for their upbringing. However, there are a large number of children who are left without a parent or guardian. Unfortunately, due to poverty, terrorist attacks and natural disasters, this number is constantly increasing. These children, who have no support and guidance, are hungry, begging, orphans, and the goal of protection. Its purpose is not only to give shelter to the orphans but a home that belongs to them. It is my wish and my work and my prayer that Allah protect the poor and needy and orphans who sleep on the streets and footpaths and give them good education. . .I want to be an orphanage to protect all the children and serve them with food and education and help to prepare them to walk with God. Our aim is to provide them with a beautiful building, a centre, a spacious house, a Bible School a school and a playground to improve their lives. And help, hope and guidance in youth life can care for orphans, learn about God, and prepare them for a bright future and learn with God, and orphans and poor and For destitute children. for God's sake. With us for work. We pray and work and pray God provide orphans child care help and safe house God is so good copied onto Found me .“

“Best coffee around. The ladies who make the coffee are very nice and delightful 😊 Way better than dunkin and starbucks.“

“Such a nice place to stop by before work! I’ve been obsessed with the Ube cookie and an ice latte :) their staff is kind and friendly to ask questions of things on their menu as well. Definitely recommend their pastries but you gotta try the ube!“

“Lovely coffee with an authentic feel. Elotito is top tier as it is bursting with flavor and can taste the tortilla within it. They serve beacon doughnuts here too. All in all spent under $14 for the Elotito and doughnut. Worth the trip if you're out here“

“Absolutely loved our visit here—this place nails cozy, welcoming, and polished all at once. From the moment we sat down, it felt like a little oasis: plush seating, spotless tables, and thoughtful touches like fresh flowers that instantly elevate the vibe. The coffee was excellent—smooth, well-balanced, and clearly made with care. That latte art alone deserves applause, but the taste backed it up completely. What really stood out was how genuinely warm and family-friendly the atmosphere is. It’s the kind of place where you can relax with a beautifully made coffee while your child feels just as welcome and happy. Service was attentive without being overbearing, and everything arrived promptly. Whether you’re meeting a friend, enjoying a quiet moment to yourself, or stopping in with kids, this café hits the sweet spot between stylish and comfortable. A true neighborhood gem—and definitely a place we’ll keep coming back to. ☕✨“

“I've been going since I was 10, my all time favorite coffee shop! I 100% reccomend going if ur a book worm or even want to hear some nice live music to listen to!“

“The best in Chicago!! Very cozy and family oriented!“

“Chose to come here because it’s a halfway point between my friend’s and I’s homes, and it was such a pleasant experience! The atmosphere was very nice and calm, the smells were divine, and the service was excellent! We got to chat with the owner for a second and she was absolutely darling! I had a strawberry matcha latte with brown sugar boba and I know in a week I’ll be craving it again. 10/10 will be coming back again!“

“Cute little place. Big portions. Not a fan of the matcha.“

“We ordered a cake for a birthday, and it was perfect. It was beautiful and delicious!“

“My go-to coffee is from the Little Creperie. I used to be a starbucks drinker, and now I can’t ever go back to it after tasting the quality of Little Creperie’s coffees. My absolute favorites are the Honey Lavender Latte, Pistachio Creme Latte, and Mocha. Not only do the coffees taste amazing, but the presentation is so cute!!“

“Was really happy with their cheese danish and iced vanilla latte today.“

“⚠️ Update ⚠️

They no longer sell boba here, it's just a slots place and I'm guessing a bar. The lady there just asked us if we were there for boba and told us to go to the Thai restaurant (Bodhi).

So I stumbled across this place back in May before they had their grand opening. I don't think they were actually quite opened just yet but the staff was nice enough to let me and my sister in and order. Unfortunately they didn't have any boba that day lol but I didn't miss it at all. I was so happy to hear that they only used alternative milk for the drinks since the owners are lactose intolerant. So that right there earns a extra star for me. While I didn't get to try all the options this will be my newest spot to come and enjoy wherever I need a boba fix.“

“Amazing. No other words needed.“

“Lovely place, very nice folks working there. Great coffee, yummy banana bread . Honorable mission. Go there.“

“The Chocolate Peppermint Marshmallow in our Illinois advent calendar was delicious! Highly Recommend!! 🤎“

“excelente cafe chapaneco y sus tortas exquisitas!!“

“Great espresso and amazing staff!“

“Saw this place on TikTok. Did not disappoint! The fresh pasta is awesome and the paninis out of this world. Not to mention, large selection of fresh gelato was a plus.“

“I’ve seen this place in my neighborhood for quite some time and decided to try it out and I’m glad I did. Their sandwiches are absolutely delicious! And great value too. I definitely will recommend this place to friends and family :)“

“I stumbled on this coffee bar out of desperation, looking for a place to quickly grab coffee and join a work call. A nearby coffee shop I frequently worked from last summer/fall permanently shut down (didn’t know until I walked the 30 minutes to get there) and Dandelion Coffee Bar seemed a good place nearby to try. I love this find! It’s an intimate space but laid out intelligently and has some outdoor seating as well. Helena got me situated quickly (despite my “coming in hot” and a bit frantic lol). The staff were so kind, such a pleasure! I will definitely be back to work or just read a book with some great coffee and perhaps a pastry/treat. I highly recommend this place!“

“Plenty Goods is what happens when “healthy” stops being a trend and starts being a standard.

This is nutrient-dense food that actually tastes incredible. Bold flavors. Thoughtful ingredients. Zero compromise. You leave feeling energized, clear, and like you just did something very right for your body — without sacrificing an ounce of joy.

They aren’t riding the wellness wave. They are the wellness wave. Every bowl, smoothie, and plate feels intentional — crafted to nourish, restore, and genuinely fuel you.

In a world full of buzzy health spots, Plenty Goods is the real deal. An absolute asset to the neighborhood and the gold standard for food that feeds your body and your life.

10/10. No notes.“

“I love love love this place. It’s a gem on the Westside of Chicago. I love their beverages (hot and cold), their sandwiches, their paninis, their friendliness! I love what BeeLove represents and what it offers the community.“

“there make great refreshers“