Au Levain Bakery & Cafe
Eric in Chicago · 87 Google reviewsAu Levain Bakery & Cafe — established bakery in North Center with a loyal following. Order the pastries. Always packed, always worth it. "The croissant was perfectly flaky and buttery" — Inga Piterson
What 186 diners keep saying
What 186 diners keep saying
verbatim, from Google
“Edit bc I hope they fix it but the lattes have not been great as of late. Not sure if they use vanilla bean anymore and ratios are really off but hoping it gets changed back one day 😭😭 food always great but your lattes will not look like this pic anymore Best vanilla lattes in Chicago. Pastries are absolutely amazing and the breakfast options are delicious. Big fan of the Levain Breakfast wrap and the sausage breakfast sandwich.”
“The egg sausage sourdough was a fantastic breakfast sandwich. Their homemade sourdough muffin was honestly outstanding. Texturally, it was soft and moist yet still had a fantastic chew. The muffin was so tasty I think I could have housed a few of them plain. I will have to grab a pack of those muffins along with other delicious-looking pastries they have next time I stop by.”
“Au levain is a must-try! The food and drinks are delicious & the staff is super friendly. It’s my coworker and I’s favorite spot for pastries & coffee in Lincoln Square!”
“The brie and apple butter Kouign-amann seriously changed my life. Other food and drinks also amazing! Such a bright, natural light filled, but cozy space.”
“Best pastries in the area. Love they always have something special every week”
“Everything I've had here is very good. The standout stars are definitely the English muffins and the ham and cheese croissant. I don't where else you can get English muffins half as good and I think the ham and cheese croissant is my favorite pastry I've ever had, definitely while it's warm. The old fashioned doughnuts changed my mind on old fashioned doughnuts. I normally don't like them but these are so tender and delicious that I'll have try more”
“As others have mentioned baguettes here are life changing. Their house made English muffins are a must!”
“The cozy, bustling vibe and fresh, warm pastries are exactly what you want on a chilly fall or winter morning. I arrived a little after open at 8am, and by 9am, almost every table was occupied. Low music in the background, lively street views. Yeah, I'll definitely be back.”
“If you’ve ever been to Paris, you’ll understand. Au Levain isn’t just a bakery, it’s a whole experience. The second you walk in, you get that smell of butter and espresso that feels straight out of a Parisian morning. Every pastry is made with real love and skill no shortcuts, no fake sweetness, just pure perfection. The Crookie? Life-changing. The kind of pastry that makes you stop mid-bite and go, oh, okay, this is the real deal. It’s flaky, soft, and tastes like it was made by someone who’s actually been to France. it’s magnifique. 🥐✨”
“Came here for the first time today to try the goods. Got the ham & cheese croissant in lieu of an absent pan au chocolat. It was delicious, I love the mustard which made it zesty. I also saw a pack of sourdough english muffins that looks so moist. I got myself a bag. They were outstanding! I ate one by itself, I couldn’t stop biting on it after tasting it. I had my 2nd just with butter, so yummy. Hope it’s a regular item.”
“Ordered a breakfast wrap and a drip coffee (sparrow). Wrap was good. FYI: No Wi-Fi. Update: 2nd visit, ordered a egg sausage sourdough mufffin. Good chunk of meat and high quality. Passed on the Sparrow dark roast coffee this time. Wish they had something lighter, at least a medium roast. FYI: Owner says they now have WiFi”
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