Au Levain
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Au Levain

4301 North Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL

★★★★★4.5(177 Google reviews)

Crema's Take

Au Levain transports you to a Parisian bakery the moment you step inside, where the aroma of butter and espresso mingles in a naturally bright, cozy space that fills up fast—especially on chilly mornings. The real magic is in their exceptional pastries, particularly the brie and apple butter Kouign-amann and their standout English muffins, paired with thoughtfully sourced espresso drinks that reward lingering over quick grabs. This is a place designed for slow mornings and meaningful meetings, not scrolling (there's no Wi-Fi), making it the rare coffee shop that actually encourages you to be present.

What to expect

Espresso focusedTraditional drinksPastriesSlow sitLight foodMeetings

Google Reviews

Lucy Grossmann
★★★★★3 months ago

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.

Brian Crotty
★★★★★4 months ago

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

Ben Alct
★★★★5 months ago

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

Molly Schrishuhn
★★★★★6 months ago

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.

Manuel Rangel
★★★★★6 months ago

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. 🥐✨

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