50 Best Cafes near Wilmette

“I got a sandwich and it was covered all over in copious amounts of ground black pepper. Both slices of sourdough bread? Coated in pepper. Fixings? Coated in pepper. It was enough black pepper to cause discomfort with every bite. The sandwich was literally bleeding black pepper. I did not order pepper. The sandwich does not come with pepper.

It was almost hilarious if not for the fact I spent real money on the completely inedible, peppery sandwich. To be clear: I have never had this problem with any eatery, restaurant, or cafe before. I guess someone either got fed up with their job or got bored and started experimenting in the kitchen or maybe they were just plain confused. I didn’t ask for salt or pepper. So why all the pepper? It was a decent sandwich, apart from the copious amounts of black pepper, which I had to scrape off. It was impossible to get it off the soft sourdough, so I had to deconstruct the sandwich and just use my stale baguette as bread. I was hungry, so I ate it, but the taste of pepper was still burning my throat.

Anyway. A note to whoever made the pepper sandwich; I give you five stars, because it had the potential to be a great sandwich. I know you work hard. But please do not grind black pepper until the sandwich is utterly covered in pepper, especially when the customer didn’t ask for pepper. Pepper is very strong. And too much of it makes any sandwich inedible. I am not mad at you, as I’d never been to this particular Panera before, I am just extremely confused. Thank you for making my sandwich, I might return again, but I mean… the amount of pepper that was on the sandwich could have caused someone a lot of discomfort.

I left this honest review and report of the incident because regardless if this was just plain confusion, a genuine attempt to make a good sandwich, or an attempt at hurting someone or the Panera itself by making a bad sandwich covered in extreme amounts of pepper (I hope not), maybe this Panera should take this as a learning opportunity and also as an opportunity to treat their employees better. In this economy, employees deserve to be treated better anyway. So regardless what happened that led up to this inedible pepper covered sandwich being served, you never know which customer will get a pepper covered sandwich and immediately assume the worst, or the best in an employee or your business. If management should care to make improvements, I’d just start with reminding everyone that pepper is strong, that copious amounts of pepper make sandwiches straight up inedible, and less is more. That’s not forgetting that I didn’t ask for pepper in the first place and I paid for a sandwich that was supposed to be edible. Treat your employees better! Maybe this was a simple mistake. But just let it be known that being kind and constructive with criticism has ripple effects and it has the potential to make everyone happy. I was still content with the insanely peppery sandwich in the end (my stomach still hurts), but I tend to be forgiving and maybe someone else wouldn’t have been.“

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

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

“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 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“

“I love this place! It’s so good that I don’t mind making the drive from the south side. The coffee, pastries and food (don’t miss the giardinera chicken salad sandwich) are all delicious as are the assorted crafted cocktails. This is a great place to come solo to get work done or to meet up with people. I’ve never had a problem finding a nearby free parking spot which makes their slightly overpriced menu a better value.“

“Wonderful service and family friendly as well! Try the Marin Smoked Salmon Benedict if you like fish! So good! ;)“

“Bonus round is a lovely confluence of games and light fare. The drinks are creative and interesting and not overly priced. I really like their light to medium weight game collection and kind knowledgeable staff. Highly recommend for a casual date night or out with friends.“

“Had a phenomenal experience here. Kind and quick service, beautiful interior, all that—but goodness gracious the food?!?? The Ropa Vieja was phenomenal, lovingly stewed and seasoned beef and fresh rice and veggies gosh DARN and to say nothing of the homemade hot sauce? Delightfully smoky vinegary kick that brought it all together. Great guac, great drinks, great dinner. The highest of recommendations! Thanks for a great meal Zully and kitchen :)“

“Crepes were delicious 👍“

“Excellent food and delicious“

“Cool cafe with a bunch of eclectic nicknacks and wall art. I got the goat cheese crostini which comes with a side of roasted tomato relish. It was good but it didn’t blow my socks off. It almost seemed like it was missing just one extra ingredient or garnish to take it to the next level.

I also got the chicken club and it was good. The star of the sandwich was definitely the bread. You can tell this place knows what they’re doing when it comes to making bread.“

“Had the rose lychee with boba. Lychee, rose, and tea were all very well balanced and delicious. We also got the pandan waffle, which was fresh and delicious. Service was so nice and friendly and they prepared our order quickly. Will absolutely be coming back.“

“Fabulous food and service! Andrii was a fantastic server! Recommend the Pan Con Tomate and Croquettas!“

“Best pie I have had in Chicago“

“The interior of Luckycat is really minimal and clean. I love the aesthetic of the space! I got the breakfast sandwich on my first visit and the black sesame basque cheesecake. The food was really tasty and I loved the bread on the breakfast sandwich. The sauce on the black sesame basque cheesecake was super intense with the black sesame flavor and had a deep, rich flavor!“

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

“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."“

“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.“

“Great coffee and savory items are delicious.“

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

“great cookies, stellar coffee, incredible staff. consistently high quality environment to meet friends and colleagues alike.“

“This is one of my favorite places in Chicago! It's literally a little hidden gem. As a Venezuelan, I can tell you that these taste very authentic and above that DELICIOUS! In the summer I was going every Sunday morning for a coffee and Porkie in an arepa! So GOOD! I've taken so many of my friends, and never disappoints. I rave because I love! XO See you this weekend!!“

“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 service is outstanding. The food is delicious.“

“I love this place. Never thought I’d love cheese on my ice cream but I am so glad it was introduced to me here. They are incredibly friendly and quick and a great selection and variety of flavors. Even some exotic flavors…check this place out Uptown!“

“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.“

“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 😊😊“

“Many of our staff and friends have enjoyed Khepri Cafe. We are so happy they have a location in Mt. Prospect now.“

“I travel to the area for work and always love coming here! ♥️♥️“

“Cozy cafe with an admirable dedication to reducing waste and in particular plastic coffee cup usage. I really appreciated the stainless steel, freezing cold cup for my iced coffee. Sandwich was very bland and overall disappointing for the price paid, which was excessive. Coffee was decent, service was quick and efficient, and it was a fun place to hangout for 30 minutes.“

“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 .“

“We love Cupitol at all hours of the day, but weekend brunch is the best. Food is top notch, service is fast, and Dylan makes our day.“

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

“so yummy! great atmosphere“

“Met for a brainstorming session…their coffee is a catalyst for sure! Great selection of healthy options with just enough sinful options to keep it balanced!“

“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. ☕✨“

“Very small, byob. The food was excellent and the portions were huge.“

“The service was lovely and the food was incredible! I highly recommend the kitcha fitfit. Someone who worked there also recommended putting honey on top and dipping in sour cream, which cut some of the heat nicely while still letting the tasty spices come through.“

“Love this place…. Kee helped me out and she was so nice and attentive give her a raise!!!! I tried the rice crispys and they were so good I forgot it was a edible and got extremely high you can’t even taste the thc 😭🫶“

“Let me start with the staff was extremely friendly snd helpful when asking about their different coffee blends. I ordered their pour over coffee, i was able to taste all the notes and wasn’t bitter or watered down at all. I would be here all the time if it wasn’t so far!“

“I luv Namit Cafe, The food is good Owner is very friendly You feel like you're part of the family Good luck guys Luv you all“

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

“I was visiting Chicago for vacation and this adorable cafe caught my eye. The building art is outstanding and, come on…vegan empanadas!! The service, food and coffee was outstanding. An adorable little seating area was expertly tucked away for a nice little spot to enjoy our breakfast. They also have a nice selection of non coffee drinks and a few delectable donut options. I will make every effort to visit whenever I’m in town, and you should too. Oh, and don’t look over the fence. Seriously, just don’t. 😂“

“Went today for the first time. Food was fresh, generous portions, priced right and tasted amazing. I ordered Breakfast Quesadilla. The homemade salsa had some heat to it. Bacon cooked perfect. Best OJ I’ve had in a while. I’ll definitely be back Keep up the great work“

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

“excelente cafe chapaneco y sus tortas exquisitas!!“

“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!“

“First time for Eastern food. Might come back.“

“Deserves more than 5 stars! WONDERFUL experience each time I come here. Everything made from scratch. Not just pierogi ---Gelato, soups, empanadas, tamales, pizza pie (takes 50 mins to make from scratch and worth it!!) Premium Belgium chocolates, shakes, Coffee and most recent.....160 (yes one hundred and sixty) different premium teas from around the world!!.....and more to come! They also own the tea room and book store next to the cafe. Owners are THE BEST! Welcoming, personable and humorous. Dinning outside available and pups are welcome! You can tell they have a passion for the business. HIGHLY recommend! ENJOY!“

“Great espresso and amazing staff!“