Skip to content
312 Eats
Lakeview · $

Cafe Tola

4.7569 reviews ·Opens at 6AM tomorrow
They gave me a nice salsa on the side to add a little more spice and flavor to the empanada, and the hot cocoa was so good, I practically drank it in one sip
ClaireClaire · 90 Google reviews
Read the reviews on Google →

Cafe Tola — honest cafe in Lakeview. Order the Empanadas. "The prepared one were limited but got to try Mexican Egg, Spicy Red Pork, Chicken Mole" — Victoria D [$, patio]

🌱Vegan & vegetarian friendly — real options, not one sad pasta.
☀️Patio — a Lakeview classic in summer.

What 569 diners keep saying

Fast serviceNeighborhood institutionCozyOutdoor diningQuick bite
Plan your visit
3612 N Southport Ave, Chicago, IL 60613
Lakeview
Today6AM-8PM
Sun7AM-6PM
Mon–Fri6AM-8PM
Sat7AM-8PM
Own Cafe Tola? Claim this page · Spot an error? Suggest an edit

What 569 diners keep saying

verbatim, from Google
Review photo by Kelly Gregory
Jul 2026

I have been going to Cafe Tola on Southport for years. Their Horchata Latte gives me life! Also, these is my favorite empanadas in Chicago.

Kelly Gregory

Kelly Gregory

22 reviews on Google

Review photo by Heather Squire
Jul 2026

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. 😂

Heather Squire

Heather Squire

64 reviews on Google

Review photo by Iris Villasenor
May 2026

Just had their empanadas for the first time at the Belmont Festival and they were so delicious. I have what looks like a birria with cheese empanada. Not dry, perfectly seasoned, absolutely delicious. Highly recommend!

Iris Villasenor

Iris Villasenor

15 reviews on Google

Review photo by Victoria Dotson
Apr 2026

Amazing experience. Took my daughter this morning and had the best empanadas I’ve ever had. Guava and cheese was perfect. Latte was good too! And the manager gave my daughter a t-shirt. It made my morning. Will be back!

Victoria Dotson

Victoria Dotson

55 reviews on Google

Review photo by Jess BoYd
Mar 2026

Stopped by Cafe Tola in Chicago for a cappuccino. Colorful little café with lots of character. The cappuccino was smooth and well balanced. Nice neighborhood coffee stop.

Jess BoYd

Jess BoYd

195 reviews on Google

Review photo by Adam Hatch
Feb 2026

The iced coffees and empanadas here are great! I always get the iced caramel coffee and a couple of their breakfast empanadas. They rotate them out and today they had the bacon, egg and cheese & the chorizo and egg. Both were dynamite. I recommend getting the free spicy red sauce that you can add to them if you want a kick.

Adam Hatch

Adam Hatch

171 reviews on Google

Review photo by Kae
Feb 2026

Ok, yum! I stopped in for a horchata latte today and it was amazing. The barista was friendly and the wait time was minimal. I also love the decor.

Kae

Kae

60 reviews on Google

Review photo by Rachel Simon
Dec 2025

Cafe Tola never misses! Their empanadas are delicious and big enough to be a meal. My current favorite is the birria & cheese but I also love the buffalo chicken and ham, egg & cheese. DON’T SLEEP ON THE HORCHATA LATTE! The folks who work there are so kind and the decor vibes are amazing!

Rachel Simon

Rachel Simon

1 reviews on Google

Review photo by Michael Nagel
Nov 2025

You cannot oppress the people who are not afraid anymore.

Michael Nagel

Michael Nagel

681 reviews on Google

Review photo by Michael Damato
Sep 2025

Great selection of empanadas and tacos along with coffee drinks. The interior is very small but there's a patio on the sidewalk and next to the café to sit at. The empanadas were great, crust and fillings were both superb. Absolutely worth your time to go here.

Michael Damato

Michael Damato

746 reviews on Google

Review photo by Julia Wojtach
Aug 2025

Best Horchata Latte I've ever tried. There was plenty of delicious Empanada flavors to try, both sweet and savory. There is seating but its outdoors and limited. For 2 empanadas and and an iced horchata latte I paid about $20.

Julia Wojtach

Julia Wojtach

46 reviews on Google

Review photo by Logan Lambert
Jul 2025

Coffee and empanadas are incredible! Highly recommend!

Logan Lambert

Logan Lambert

6 reviews on Google

Sounds like your kind of place?

Star it — your hit list is where dinner decisions get made.

First Bite

One email a month — new openings, hidden gems, and where locals are actually eating.

More cafe in Lakeview & North Center

See the ranking →

In the same lane · budget

If it's packed, walk to…

More good rooms in Lakeview, minutes away.

Keep exploring