50 Best Cafes near River Forest

“We have dined at First Watch in Florida and were thrilled to find that they opened a location in our neighborhood! There was a wait for tables when we arrived so we sat at the bar for brunch. Our server was so friendly and attentive. My husband had Carna Asada Queso Hash and I had the Million Dollar breakfast sandwich with egg, gouda, sausage, bacon and hot honey on a toasted English muffin. So delicious!!! They habe the most flavorful Bloody Mary's as well. The portions are huge by the way! By the time we left there was an even bigger wait for tables. So glad we have First Watch close by to enhance our brunch options! Worth the wait and every penny spent! We'll be back soon!“

“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.“

“This cafe is amazing! It’s clear they have worked hard to create a cohesive atmosphere and strong image for the cafe. This makes the atmosphere very warm and inviting. I love all the small details such as the cafe name stamped onto the food boxes and cups. The simple branding is straightforward and very pleasing. The menu has a good variety of items while still providing you the confidence that whatever you order will be made with care and taste phenomenal. I ordered the ginger peach tea with honey and it was divine, not to mention the prices are great. I love that the syrups are also homemade! They have a few food options but the one that stands out to me is the bacon, egg, and cheese on the bagel. I will absolutely be back to try more on the menu!“

“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!“

“i love buenos days!
great coffee, the friendliest staff. they offer adventurous drinks as well as your classics. the cafe itself is clean and airy with lots of natural light making it a great place to meet with friends or hunker down with your laptop. i have seen it quickly become a watering hole/ community space for this neighborhood. 💗“

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

“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“

“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."“

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

“Great coffee and savory items are delicious.“

“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!“

“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.“

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

“This is a gem that everyone should know about, but I'm thrilled there isn't a 30+ minute wait every time I go.
As someone who loves coffee, I still don't understand how their coffee tastes so good. Their plain, black coffee and Americanos taste out of this world. Some of the best coffee if not the best I've ever had. The food is always fresh, tastes/seems made to order, and again the coffee is amazing. A friend who doesn't drink caffeine loves their decaf, and as someone who doesn't drink decaf, even I like their decaf.“

“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.“

“Some of the best coffees and pastries in Chicago! Im always amazed by the creativity and thoughtfulness behind each of their curated items. From their breakfast sandwich, ube cookies, and well-crafted fusion pastries and dosas, this is exactly where to go to find unique flavors unlike any other bakery in Chicago. The staff and owners are the kindest and go above and beyond to ensure the best customer experience. I’ve already recommended to locals and tourists alike, and they were all blown away as expected! Don’t sleep on this place!“

“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 .“

“Everyone recommends Spoken Cafe as a higher quality option for coffee in the area. Been here a few years and absolutely agree, delayed 5-star review. Incredibly friendly staff, great vibe. Lots of great food options but I confess I'm not sure I've had anything. The coffee is that great, ambiance is incredible. Yes, smaller space available with outside seating but Montrose isn't crazy busy for coffee. Small normal amount for refill not a bottomless, but arguably the quality is so high, one cup is all you need! ;')“

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

“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 😊😊“

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

“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!“

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

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

“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. ☕✨“

“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!“

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

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

“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!!“

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

“Amazing. No other words needed.“

“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.“

“This place is such a gem with delicious, healthful food and such thoughtful staff. I was very excited to find it was so friendly to dietary restrictions including GF, dairy free, and vegan. This is definitely going to become a regular spot for me.“

“excelente cafe chapaneco y sus tortas exquisitas!!“

“there make great refreshers“

“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 :)“

“Great espresso and amazing staff!“

“I had the pleasure of having some amazing tamales packed with flavor. I've eaten tamales most of my life and I brought some for my grandma who came to Chicago from Mexico and she absolutely loved them she has been eating them for 70 plus years and for her to provide her stamp of approval means a lot. Highly recommend!“

“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!“

“Brewpoint is a gem in the Western suburbs of Chicago. I am entirely blessed to live blocks from their craft location on York. Exposed brick, chandeliers, and a plant wall surrounds you - a grateful reprieve from cookie cutter Starbucks decor. Coffee, matcha, and baked goods are top notch (haven't tried cocktails or charcuterie yet). A wonderful mix of professionals, college students, community organizers, and socially conscious suburban moms escaping the kids (I'm sure I'm missing wonderful others). Sometimes I'm not sure how I manage to keep living in the suburbs when the city is still home for me after 10 years in Elmhurst, but Brewpoint certainly makes it easier.“

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