Fancy Plants Cafe
613 W Briar St, Chicago, IL
Crema's Take
“Fancy Plants Cafe is a fully vegan spot that punches well above its weight with beautifully executed pastries—think flaky croissants and Greek spinach phyllo—alongside creative coffee drinks like their standout Aztec Mocha and reliable cold brew. Hidden just off the main drag, it's the kind of neighborhood gem where regulars actually finish their punch cards, with thoughtful accommodations for dietary restrictions and a warm atmosphere that makes you want to linger over breakfast or a matcha.”
What to expect
Google Reviews
disclaimer: i absolutely love fancy plants and want to give a 5 star review but also have suggestions this is one of few places i’m a true regular at, like, i actually finish the silly punch cards and get my 10th drink free. i love it here and love bringing everyone with! a true vegan gem we’re lucky to have. i’d really love to see some improvements in the dining space. especially in winter, it’s tough to find a table because people sit with laptops for hours while others are left standing with food and nowhere to eat. i live far and don’t always have another option, so it’s frustrating. maybe consider limiting laptop use during peak times or weekends. it can feel especially stressful coming with a group or kids. i really enjoy this place and just hope seating can feel more accessible for everyone.
This is my favorite cafe in the city. For an entirely vegan cafe, it's surprising the prices are on par with that of most other cafes I've been to. My go-to here is probably the lox bagel or whatever special they're having that month. For coffee, the maple citrus creme brulee latte is like nothing I've ever had before. Also there are throw blankets if you get cold (though it's usually a cozy temp in there). And pretty much all of the art is on sale (I have yet to buy anything because the ones that I want are always already sold haha.), so you can easily support a local artist while getting a nice breakfast. When I move out of this neighborhood, I will go out of my way to come here frequently. OH and make sure to go to the Saturday pre fixe dinners! Always the best stuff I've ever had and in an intimate dining experience. It's often a themed dinner (it's not cafe food) and is a good date night idea.
Best meal I've had in a while. Excellent puff pastry, excellent croissant, and excellent matcha. Absolutely would go out of my way to go back again.
Extremely good Greek spinach pastry, which is something I don’t think I’ve seen a vegan version of anywhere else. Cold brew coffee was also great, and the tempeh bacon & chickpea tuna salad was also really tasty.
Cute cafe just off the busier main street. All their options are vegan and they even have a several ways to make gluten free options. The Aztec Mocha with soy milk was amazing and the breakfast sandwich with the wheat free options my barista came up with was super tasty! Definitely coming back!
Crema Reviews
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