Best Coffee Shops and Cafes in River Forest

"A partnership of L.A.’s Stan’s Donuts with our homegrown Labriola Baking Company, the Chicago version may not be quite as star-struck, but wow, do they know how to donut. Now open in nine Chicagoland locations (with a 10th coming soon to Oak Brook Terrace), you can load up on their Standard (Glazed, Powdered Sugar, Plain Old Fashioned), Dough Boy’s Best (Peanut Butter Banana Pocket, Glazed Pretzel), and Specialty (Raspberry Bismark, Glazed Orange Old Fashioned, Dreamsicle Bar) donuts, as well as a small selection of “glutenless” donuts, and wash it down with Stan’s Dark Roast coffee (another happy partnership, this one with local Passion House Coffee Roasters)."

"If you’re still trying to diet in this pandemic, well you should definitely avoid following Stan’s Donuts & Coffee’s Instagram, because one look at their photos will completely override any self discipline you thought you had. More importantly, Stan’s has the flavor to back it up. Featured flavors include: Biscoff Banana Pockets, Glazed Pretzels, Lemon-Pistachio Old Fashioneds, and their new Caramel Marshmallow Pockets."

"What began as a stand in the Green City Market is now one of the most acclaimed destinations for baked goods in Chicago. Stop into Floriole for chef-owner Sandra Holl's array of sweets and breads, notably the kouign amann (caramelized layered croissant dough), her outstanding passion fruit tart, and the savory cafe dishes."

"This bright cafe and bakery is known for their rustic French pastries, made using fresh ingredients sourced from local, sustainable farms. Head straight to the dessert case to choose from a rotating selection of from-scratch goodies, like croissants, Basque cake, fruit galettes, and more."

"People rave about: Cool But Rude Latte Ginger and Curry Sauce Latte ($4.50). It wouldn’t be a trip to Wicker Park for breakfast or lunch without a quirky cup of coffee. Admittedly, Wicker Park is my favorite funky neighborhood in Chicago because of its #idgaf vibe."

"Come for Marty McFly's Delorean, stay for the coffee in this cozy Wicker Park space. The Wormhole is a fan favorite, and owner Dan Weiss is planning a ‘90s-style sequel in Bucktown called Wormhole 2."

"Don't expect to find pumpkin-spice anything at this tiny but specialized coffee shop in Logan Square. Branching off from its roastery in Back of the Yards (and another in Istanbul), Four Letter Word Coffee offers drip, pour-over, espresso, Turkish-style, cold coffee and tea. Pair your cup o' Joe with a pastry from Cellar Door Provisions and have a seat in the exquisitely decorated space."

"Upton’s Breakroom is a casual café that serves light vegan fare in a bright, modern setting. Located next to Upton's Naturals seitan factory, the charming little restaurant offers a small menu with a variety of seitan-based dishes such as chick seitan Korean tacos, pastrami seitan sandwiches, bowls of rice, kale, warm seitan chunks, and bright-green nut pesto, and vegan soft serve. Blending natural textures and flavors to create an innovative and satisfying menu, Upton’s Breakroom is the ideal spot for a quick lunch or a languid dinner of exotic vegan fare."

"Head on down to Seitanville and grab some vegan comfort food and the famous soy-based ice-cream!. Upton’s Breakroom is an unassuming little shop where you can not only sit down for a bite, but you can shop their products as well. You’ve almost definitely seen their products as you wander the health food store – check out the packaging below!"

"Upton's Breakroom sits below Upton's Naturals, a natural-based food business out of Chicago. The company's focus is on vegan diets and meat alternatives, so it's only fitting that the Breakroom's menu would be completely vegan. Fried bacon mac and burgers (all meat-and-cheese free!) await you in West Town!"

"A new daytime café serving quality coffee and deli sandwiches has come to Bronzeville. Owner DeCarlo Pittman, an industry vet with almost two decades of experience, and chef Donte Humphrey prepare sandwiches that range from the classic Italian and egg salad to a spicy fig creation. The menu also offers breakfast items plus salads and smoothies for healthy eating."

"Address: 642 W Deming PlSaturday Mass Times: 11:00am, 1:00pm, 3:00pm, 6:30pmA/C: YesCost: $1,900.00, includes organist and cantorParishioner?. Yes, at least one of youTime for photos after: 15 minutesCan you bring your own priest?. YesOther info to note:If there are 3 weddings already scheduled on a particular day, a visiting priest must preside at the 4th wedding."

"The St. Clement Catholic Church of Lincoln Park- is a stunning example of the byzantine style that features greek geometrics. The inspiration behind the structure is the mosque of Istanbul- Hagia Sophia. You can find 12th and 13th-century fashioned mosaics on the apse of the dome."

"Covering an area of over 60 acres, Rainbow Beach and Park is a huge beach and one of the prominent public park areas in Chicago. Meander along the expansive lush green area of the park, choose from the varied sports options on offer which include basketball, tennis, baseball, handball, and take pleasure in the unparalleled views of the lakefront along with the skyline. Rainbow Beach and Park hosts holiday-themed events throughout the year and also organizes summer camps for adults and kids alike."

"Rainbow Beach Park boasts beautiful views of the Chicago skyline in the distance and is located in the southern part of Chicago. This park is one of the few that offers visitors free WiFi. Whether you want to work on the beach or simply relax, you’ll be connected."

"Known for its limestone gatehouse and highly decorated columbarium niches, which are composed of photographs, artwork, flags, and other mementos of individuals whose ashes are stored there, this cemetery, established by Chicago's Czech community in 1877, also features storied mausoleums, stained glass images and a special dedication to Chicago Cubs fans. It's a quieter, welcome alternative to public parks that often draw rambunctious young children."

"This Cantonese restaurant opened in 1932 on Irving Park, according to general manager Ben Ruan, despite rumors that it first began serving in 1924. His family is the third to own the historic spot where diners can dig into Chinese-American favorites including chop suey, chow mein, and egg foo young. The egg rolls are homemade."

"Cofounder Mao Zedong uses recipes passed down from generations to serve patrons of Silk Road. His goal was to create a restaurant for those who enjoy simple Chinese food but want it fast. Try Zedong’s takes on the classic Cashew Chicken or Pepper Steak."

"One of the ultimate budget-friendly Thai spots in the northern suburbs. Ignore the dated decor and the brisk service, because the food consistently shines: buttery pad thai, fragrant shrimp fried rice, and welcome specialties such as garlic prawns with crispy basil leaves in lime sauce and stir-fried pad woon sen cellophane noodles. Kids will love fried bananas with coconut ice cream to finish.L & D Mon–Sat."

"Architect/Firm: ​​​​​​​Burnham & Root, 1888 and Frank Lloyd Wright, 1907The Loop The architectural masterpiece originally designed by Burnham & Root in 1888 is one of the most-recognized buildings in the city. Frank Lloyd Wright later re-envisioned its two-story mezzanine with an oriel staircase and glass ceiling to illuminate white marble with gold geometric patterning, which now covers darker, copper-plated ironwork. The commercial office's facade experiments with late Roman, Venetian, Moorish, and medieval-European elements."

"LaSalle St.Architects: Daniel Burnham & John Root/Frank Lloyd Wright. On the National Register of Historic Places and designated a Chicago Landmark in 1972, The Rookery is located in Chicago’s downtown Financial District. It was constructed during a transitional period in architectural history, using both load-bearing masonry and a skeletal frame, which are distinguishing elements of the Chicago School of Architecture."

"Source: Photo by user Esther Westerveld used under CC BY 2.0. One of the finest building in the United States, the Rookery Building is an absolute architectural treat. The interior light court maximizes the natural light entering the building."

"Once the iconic London Guarantee & Accident headquarters, LondonHouse is now in the 1923 building renowned as one of the “Big Four” skyscrapers walking distance from Millennium Park and Magnificent Mile shopping. Enjoy Chicago’s only three-level rooftop bar with amazing views of the river and cityscape. Additionally, Land & Lake Kitchen provides an upscale take on authentic midwestern comfort food."

"Located at the start of the Magnificent Mile, LondonHouse Chicago offers modern chic rooms with full amenities. Some rooms have floor to ceiling windows overlooking the river. Don’t forget to check out the lobby bar or rooftop restaurant with views of the river."

"The rooftop of LondonHouse Chicago is one of the most beautiful photo spots in Chicago. From here, you have a wonderful view of the buildings and the water in Chicago. What's great about this spot is that there is a glass railing that you can stand in front of."