Au Levain Bakery & Cafe

“The brie and apple butter Kouign-amann seriously changed my life.”

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.

Lucy Grossmann

Jan 2026

“Everything I've had here is very good.”

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

Brian Crotty

Jan 2026

“The cozy, bustling vibe and fresh, warm pastries are exactly what you want on a chilly fall or winter morning.”

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.

Molly Schrishuhn

Nov 2025

“If you’ve ever been to Paris, you’ll understand.”

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. 🥐✨

Manuel Rangel

Oct 2025

“Came here for the first time today to try the goods.”

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.

chintot

Oct 2025

“I had an amazing croissant at this bakery — it felt like I was in Italy.”

I had an amazing croissant at this bakery — it felt like I was in Italy! Light, crispy, and perfectly flavorful. It’s so hard to find something like this nowadays. Simply unforgettable.

Sbpb

Aug 2025

“Best vanilla lattes in Chicago.”

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.

Nicole Kahla

Jun 2025

“Discovered this place by accident after car battery died so I was annoyed.”

Discovered this place by accident after car battery died so I was annoyed. Came in and they were so welcoming and friendly. So put me in a better mood. LOL . Was delicious. Almond croissant and salmon dill on homemade English muffin. Will be back to try other things!

d d

Jun 2025

“Nice bakery! I got the breakfast wrap, oatmeal cookie, and coffee. All were good and I would...”

Nice bakery! I got the breakfast wrap, oatmeal cookie, and coffee. All were good and I would definitely come back!

Jeremiah Perkins

Apr 2025

“An absolute gem of a Café.”

An absolute gem of a Café! Au Levain offers some incredible pastries, lovely croissants and some of the best staff I've ever encountered. I went in with my Wife on a Saturday morning and we were both kindly greeted by everyone by the counter, only to then marvel at all of the beautiful looking food behind the glass. We ordered a Lemon and Blueberry Danish, along with a plain croissant, an Earl Grey Blondie and some coffees. All of them were delicious in their own way and made me want to just order everything they had. I typically don't care for pastries with fruit and yet not only was the Lemon Blueberry Danish incredible, but it truly rivaled pastries that I've had in Paris. The Earl Grey Blondie was so tasty as well and everything was great enough, that we've made it a point to go back a few times already. If you find yourself in Lincoln Square, you should definitely check out Au Levain!

Ruben Rosario

Mar 2025

“One of the best bakeries on the north side.”

One of the best bakeries on the north side! I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve gotten there over the past two months but if you’re looking for some of the BEST croissants in Chicago then look no further. They are so flaky you could slice one open and count the individual layers. I love that the selection rotates enough that every visit there’s something new to try. Sunday was no exception. The Chorizo Croissant sounds so simple but it was so incredibly delicious! A layer of chorizo, guacamole, crumbled cheese…but together was perfection. Two pretty regular pastries I highly recommend are the lemon blueberry danish and the chocolate hazelnut babka.

Eric in Chicago

Mar 2025

“A great little spot.”

A great little spot. They have a good selection of coffees, and some incredible pastries. Best pistachio escargot I’ve had outside of France!

Taylor Curran

Feb 2025