Au Levain
4301 North Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL
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-focused. A slow-sit spot, good for meetings. Pastries and light food on the menu.
Google Reviews
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.
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…
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…
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,…
Crema Reviews
You might also like
Kapéj Coffee Roasters
★ 4.7 (664)
Kapéj's in-house roasting means you're getting coffee at peak freshness, and…
Ritual Coffeehouse
★ 4.7 (584)
Ritual's rotating pastry selection keeps regulars coming back multiple times a…
The Bakehouse Chicago
★ 4.7 (250)
The Bakehouse Chicago runs on genuine warmth—their baristas treat every order…
Colectivo Coffee Lincoln Park
★ 4.6 (1,319)
Colectivo's Lincoln Park location is built around a massive seasonal patio with…