What a quaint cute cafe. Eclectic style setting. Love the center pieces at the tables that change the decor with each visit. But don't forget the awesome breakfast & delicious coffee! You better grab a cupcake too. Always love coming here! read more

Courageous Bakery & Cafe - Bakeries Near Me - Elmhurst, Illinois

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THIS IS THE PLACE PEOPLE!!!!!!! Forget Dunkin, forget Starbucks #overpriced, forget Gloria jeans and caribou and all of the rest of those over priced joints slinging mud and trying to pass it off as coffee. Food????? none of those places have real food, real food cooked from scratch in a kitchen rather than being shipped from the corporate hub. If your looking for all the for mentioned than Courageous Bakery is the place for you with their Latin flair inspired breakfasts cooked to order to the awesome sammys to one of the most friendly staffs in town I stop in a couple times a week for a quick cup "o" Joe early in the am and am always greeted with a smile... Janike always remembers my name, what kind of coffee I drink, come to think of it this place kinda reminds me of cheers the bar where everybody knows your name lol only for coffee and some of the best baked goods I have ever had.... shhhhh don't tell my wife I sometimes eat a cupcake lol. So if a friendly place with good coffee and great people sounds like your kinda place swing in to Courageous Bakery you won't be disappointed. read more

Their chorizo burrito is amazing and their pancakes are to die for - love this place and the environment that they create. It is hard to get a table when it's busy, but that's to be expected when their food is amazing. read more

Yes, I am updating my review already. Why? Because of the (hold on to your hats) following items: Spicy Siracha Turtle Cupcake, the Elvis Cupcake and the chorizo cheddar biscuit. Follow these folks on Facebook or Twitter and you'll get a update on their daily flavors (that's how I ended up at the bakery on what would have been a humdrum running errands kind of day). The Siracha Turtle cupcake is AMAZING. You can tell the chocolate in the cake and frosting is from really good quality cocoa--the flavor is so deep and rich. There is just a slight zing of siracha and a nice swirl of caramel. All of this is topped with some candied pecans. This cupcake might not be for everyone, but if you like siracha or spice or zing, you gotta try it. It's so well-made and now on my list of all time favorite cupcakes. The Elvis cucpake was delicious too. Banana cake, topped with fluffy peanut butter buttercream frosting and topped with bits of crispy bacon. I loved every bite. The Chorizo cheddar biscuit was good. Flaky biscuit with bits of cheddar and chorizo throughout. I wish there was more chorizo, but that's just me. Friendly service, clean digs. I LOVE this place! read more

I hate when a place is so wrapped up in its own procedure that it bites itself in the ass and tramples all over customer service. Let's begin. I've been coming to Courageous Bakery for its pastries and cupcakes since before they had a Yelp page on which to submit reviews. But when I stumbled upon their page this morning, I learned lo and behold, they have breakfast foods now that aren't pastries! Eggs and sandwiches and burritos and wonderful sounding things, with even better looking pictures. What's that? They ALSO have a Yelp offer? Pay $5 and get $10 in return? SOLD. I'm not even going to talk about how excited I am that they're literally about .7 miles from my office and I could (should have) totally walk there (didn't - see APPENDIX: "LAZY"). So I called in my order for a breakfast burrito. The girl told me I had to pay over the phone and started giving me a hard time about it. I told her I had the Yelp offer and would like to pay when I got there. Reluctantly she let me. BUT THEN SHE HARPED ON IT AGAIN WHEN I GOT THERE! What kind of crap is that? It's anti-customer service, that's what it is. "We usually require people to pay over the phone to send the order back," she repeated. "But since it wasn't busy..." Wait. What? Are you really reprimanding me a second time for not paying over the phone? "Send the order back where?" I inquired. "To the kitchen." So if I don't pay for my order over the phone she can't walk her ass back to the kitchen and tell the cook to make a damn burrito? Seriously? SERIOUSLY?? That's some ridiculous ish right there. And I'm sorry, I wouldn't normally moan about it on Yelp if this girl hadn't made such a big issue out of it. Twice. What if I wanted to pay with cash? How the hell do you do THAT over the phone? I hate to hate on a business that I've liked in the past, and does good work for a good cause. But think about the people giving you their money, people. This is not how you treat them. Before all this nonsense started, I chose two biscuits out of the case to purchase in addition to the burrito. (Again, this would not have happened had I simply paid over the phone). This girl (same girl) did not offer to warm them, and as such, they were as hard as rocks and kind of tasteless, despite having wonderful things like cheese, bacon and jalapeños baked in. My burrito came out on a plate, carried by the cook. "It's to go." the girl said. So he hurriedly ran back into the kitchen and wrapped it up in foil, then handed it to me. The burrito itself was not too bad, but it was missing the potatoes that are listed as a key ingredient on the website. Nobody said they were out of potatoes, so I assumed they would be included. They weren't. And if you know my love for spuds, you know this saddens me to the point of dropping another star. In fact, this whole Courageous experience was sad. And I'll definitely think twice before returning. read more

Excellent cupcakes. DO NOT USE DOORDASH FOR DELIVERY. Door Dash left a bag of cupcakes on the sidewalk outside 12 feet from the entrance door of the restaurant and it was raining. There were specific instructions to deliver to the restaurant. read more

I placed an order online order for 2 cakes for 16th birthday. Went to pick up just one cake . No one could tell why . They actually at store said I paid for one cake. Not true have e mail order with 2 cakes paid in full. No refund in store. Waited till owner e mails me saying that I was mistaken and only ordered one cake and paid for one . Horrible to tell customer that even with a email confirmation that they were mistaken. She put it all on me till I re sent the email showing her order and payment. Just made me feel like I was trying to steal a cake or I did not order it. On the one cake I got it was not up to par. I heard good things about this Bakery. It was dry and hard to swallow . Each person asked immediately for a drink. Zero taste flavor. Was to be vanilla cake but it was more like a hockey puck . Sad disappointed that was the cake my daughter got for her sweet 16 . The writing on cake was like a 6 yo did it . No flair just beyond basic. Nope no sour grapes or upset about not getting other cake. Should have listened to kids and went to Costco. Tried to post pic but to big . read more

Love their coffee and menu options! If you eat in you get a cute little bowl of doughnut holes, which my kids love. I actually recommend ordering to go though. Service can be slow, but again fabulous menu and coffee options! read more

This place is A-DORBS. From the decor to the staff they're cute as a button. I met up here with a co-worker for breakfast. We were the only two in the shop at the time, but in the couple hours we were there plenty of people popped in and out for their morning coffee or baked goods. There were two younger employees manning the shop and they were oh so helpful! You can tell they truly enjoy working at Courageous Bakery. From giving us menu suggestions, to telling me about their food truck, and even just joking around with me - these two employees were on point. For the coffee addicts (like myself) if you're eating in, get a mug...free refills! This is especially ideal for those who want to hang around for a while (me and my Mac tend to have a lot of coffee dates). I ended up going with the Lorraine sammie which was made up of scrambled egg, bacon, arugula and swiss on a croissant. To me, this was the making of a delicious breakfast! My only complaint was that the croissant was a little too toasty. This made eating like a lady next to impossible - I'm talkin this sammie was spilling it's fillings out everywhere. Of course that didn't stop me from gobbling it down, just maybe not the best choice if you're on a first date or something (luckily I was not). My next visit in I'll definitely have to try a cupcake. They have quite the selection - over 50 different flavors! read more

I get my hair cut a couple doors down, and this place has always tempted me. I finally gave in one chilly Saturday and grabbed two cupcakes, one for me and one for the husband. It's cozy and bright inside, with an array of delicious treats to choose from, not an enormous selection of cupcakes but they all looked mighty tasty. I settled on a Reese's Pieces for my husband and a Pink Velvet for me. They were nicely packaged in no-smoosh containers that traveled well for the few hours I ran errands before getting home. While I only had a tiny bite of the Reese's cupcake, it was delightfully peanut buttery without being too sweet. My pink velvet was a bit sweeter on the cake, but the cream cheese frosting had just the right amount of tart. They were semi-dense and nicely moist. I try not to indulge in delicious baked goods like this too often, and it's not cheap -- but it IS delicious, so next time that craving hits in Elmhurst, I'll be here. read more

I really wanted to give this place more stars but I can't in good conscience. This is the second time they've tried to sell me a burnt croissant. After receiving a burnt croissant on my first visit, I thought that maybe they had baked a bad batch but it was probably not representative of their selection. On my second visit, I was again given a burnt croissant, but this time I indicated that it was burnt to the associate. He proceeded to pick up another one, also burnt, letting me know their entire batch is "a little crispy" and after I refused, offered me a biscuit instead (which I didn't want but had to accept just finish the transaction). The staff is nice but that doesn't overshadow the fact that when the selection is not only not up to par, while aware of it, will still proceed to sell it to you. That's simply not good business, especially when the customer has already pointed out the problem. I'm sorry to say, I will not be going back. read more

Stopped back in on Friday for a little get together with Aimee M. & Co. =] This time I tried a maple bacon doughnut, vanilla glazed doughnut and took a pistachio cupcake home for my sister. The doughnuts were very good, almost on the verge of tasting like a buttery croissant inside with a crispy good-greasy crust on the outside. They were large and definitely in charge! The maple frosting on my doughnut was perfection! It had just the right amount of sweetness and smokey bacon. Yum! And, of course, the boys LOVED their doughnut, as well! We tried the pistachio cupcake when my sister got here that evening and it was very good. Very pistachio-y and my sister even said it reminded her of pistachio ice cream which is a big compliment coming from her because that's one of her fave ice creams! So, of course, I will be back. Again and again. =] read more

These cupcakes are DELICIOUS!!! I love the cause they stand for and we always look forward to sitting outside on their outdoor chairs and tables to enjoy their cupcakes in the summer. read more

First of all, this review is ONLY for the service NOT the food or cupcakes. My husband and I were at the counter waiting for at least 5 min before someone noticed, although there was a lady on the phone and noticed we were standing there. You would imagine that she would signal at us to wait or at least to tell the other girls. I was ready to leave, but we were hungry. It's sad that they're doing something good, but they're lacking on friendliness. read more

I went here with a deal I bought on Yelp and got 4 cupcakes plus I had to pay another $4. I got the Pink Velvet, Dark Chocolate, Taffy Apple and French Silk Pie. Pink Velvet: Cream cheese frosting is amazing! Not crazy about red velvet but this cupcake is one the best red velvet I've had. Dark Chocolate: Just tasted like regular chocolate to me but that's fine with me because I'm not crazy about dark chocolate. Did not taste plain at all. Really good for such a simple flavor. Taffy Apple: This was my least favorite of the batch I got. The caramel was just off somehow. Too artificial tasting? Maybe it was just me. The whole cupcake was a little too sweet for me and I wish I tasted more apple. French Silk Pie: Again, cream cheese frosting!!! Tastes like actual cream cheese. Good, moist cake. Overall, the cupcakes were awesome but they seem a little pricey for the size (just normal sized cupcake with a little more frosting than regular cupcakes). I bought the Yelp deal for $5 plus paid another $4ish so $9 for 4 cupcakes. Not bad with the deal but would have been about $15 without the deal which seem like a lot to me. I love that they rotate flavors and that they are posted on the website so you know beforehand if they have your favorite that day or not. Most of their flavors are pretty standard and nothing too crazy but worth trying. read more

I purchase several dozen mini cupcakes for my daughter's wedding. The presentation was beautiful and the flavors were delicious! The banana and carrot cake varieties are gluten free so I was able to offer some of my guests that option. The cupcakes flew off the trays, thought I would have a few left to take home but no such luck. It was a very easy ordering procedure and the cupcakes were ready and waiting when I arrived to pick them up. I am looking forward to trying other items on the menu. read more

This may not even be a fair review, because I didn't even try any of their cupcakes or baked goods, but I had such a good experience there that I have to give it a good rating anyway. I got the chiliquiles rojas, and it was really great. My only complaint is the chip-to-topping ratio. There were a bit too many chips for the amount of toppings, even though the toppings were generous. I just felt wasteful throwing out a bed of chips. But they coat the chips in homemade salsa and top them with all sorts of great stuff. I highly recommend it. Their donuts looked incredible. If I wasn't so full from the chiliquiles, I would have definitely indulged in a donut as well. I hope I have a chance to go back, because there was so much more to try. It's in a good location, right by the train station. The shop is pretty small, but they have some tables if you want to eat in. The employees were really friendly, and there was even a guy playing guitar and singing in the corner. It was a great atmosphere. They also have a punchcard for frequent visitors, which is a nice bonus. If I'm ever back in the area, I'm going back to try their donuts and probably ten other things on the menu! read more

I came in on Sunday and was greeted by Elaine and Becca. They recommended that I try a chocolate covered pretzel latte and the verde chilaquiles. Both were extremely delicious. Upon paying for my meal, Elaine offered me some complimentary donut holes. The ambiance is quite lovely and I admired the decor. My favorite part is that a portion of their money is donated to a charity supporting people diagnosed with lupus. Please do yourself a favor and pay a visit! read more

Thank you Yelp for putting Courageous Bakery on my radar. These cupcakes are simply amazing, perfectly sized, and so far have blown any other cupcake joint I have tried out of the water. We had cupcakes another major cupcake chain several days later, and felt like we wasted our money after having cupcakes from Courageous. I can not wait to try the Maple Bacon cupcake, but so far the Dark Chocolate has been my favorite (it's hard to choose). YUMMY! read more

Bakeries are all over the place- but Courageous Bakery is the best. The cupcakes are fabulous and normal-sized, the breakfast options bring me here far to often to remain in my current pant size, and the staff is super friendly. My fave cupcake is the survivor, which is vanilla funfetti cake with pink, yellow, and blue tye-dye vanilla buttercream. Second favorite is the key lime. There is a flavor for everyone here, even those with extreme allergies (like me!) or dietary restrictions (again, me!) For breakfast, you can't go wrong with the buttermilk biscuit and jam. They'll even warm it up for you. And if you stop in just before 9am, you'll more likely than not see me rush in for mine! read more

Really good food and a super cute place. The prices are reasonable and there's a nice variety. I only knocked off a star because the employees could be a bit more friendly, but they're young, so you can only expect so much. I'd do 4.5 stars if I could. We came for breakfast and I got the french toast and my husband got the breakfast burrito. Both were delicious. We'll be back for sure. (The cupcakes looked amazing, but no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't justify having french toast and a cupcake before noon). read more

Great place for a weekend breakfast - not something you'd expect from a cupcake shop! I had the chilaquiles verde and it was delicious - just the right amount of kick to it. The atmosphere was great. While we were there, a man was quietly singing and playing his guitar...the perfect way to spend a Sunday morning. read more

I got (easily) lured in by their $1 lattes in January signage on the front window. My fiance and I were strolling around the neighborhood waiting for some friends, so latte time for me it was. I had a whole milk latte with one pump of caramel. I love that they make their own syrups & sauces! That is just so neat! (The lady said everything in there is homemade - are you guys hiring? Only mildly kidding...) The interior is adorable, and if I could have stuffed my face with every donut and cupcake in that place, I sure would have without a doubt. Back to the latte. It was SO GOOD!!! I'm a huge whole milk fan, and the creaminess and smooth flavor of this drink was divine. I loved every sip. I honestly considered going back for another because...one dollar. I *almost* wish I were back at Elmhurst College just so I could walk/drive here every day. I will be going back to try much, much more! Well done, peoples! read more

I gave this 3 stars because the food was good. Service was horrible. Staff is not trained at all. We didn't see the whole menu as its in a poor location. Probably would have spent more money!! We ordered just a sammich. I never got the sammich I ordered, as I was told I didn't order it!? So my family ate breakfast and I stood back in line waiting to order my food (again). It is a little frustrating when you see the owner standing their texting on her iPhone. My Man travels a lot for work so eating out is a very special time for us. By the time I got my sammich I needed a refill of coffee so I stood back in line again. After 2 mins of waiting (owner still standing and texting on her phone) I got my over filled cup of coffee. No half in half. Blah blah blah. Not going back for awhile. read more

Our favorite breakfast in the Western Suburbs. Try the choripapa skillet and get a pink velvet cupcake to go!

My family was so excited to try a special Sunday breakfast today at Courageous Bakery. We are always excited to see new businesses in our town, especially a bakery! However, we were so disappointed to find out that THEY ARE NOT OPEN ON SUNDAYS! This is mind boggling to us. I can't imagine the hard work and tenacity (and guts) it would take to open your own business like this, and find it hard to believe that the owner would choose to be closed on what would be their busiest day. Come on! You're paying the rent and you've put so much into this...we all are curious and we all want you to succeed! But you have to be OPEN for us to support you! We had to go to Panera instead and, of course, the place was packed. Those customers could be at Courageous Bakery right now! Of course I couldn't give you anything less than 5 stars because, remember, we are rooting for you and I wouldn't want this note to bring down your ratings. My husband and I have had 2 cupcakes through Brain Freeze and they were incredible - I believe one was german chocolate and the other was sweet potato. That's why we were so excited to dine there today! We also saw you compete on Cupcake Wars and we love the inspiration for Cupcakes for Courage. Good luck to you and we HOPE to visit you soon! read more

Wanted to try this new place the other day with my mom for breakfast. She enjoyed the bacon and eggs and said that it was just the right size I had the biscuits and gravy that was also a nice size. Biscuits and gravy they were'nt to hard. The sausage was a nice labor it wasn't too spicy. They also have cupcakes that I saw. It looked like a nice selection I will definitely have to go back there. Both my mom and I would recommend this place. read more

Courageous Bakery & Cafe - Courageous Bakery in Elmhurst - Bakeries Near Me - Elmhurst, Illinois

Courageous is a great bakery in Elmhurst. From what I understand, the owner started the bakery to earn money and raise awareness for cancer, which her sister had when they were younger - so you know with that much love, it's going to be great. I've stopped into Courageous a few times when I've been in Elmhurst. The cupcakes are great - a nice size and full of flavor. I've also had a variety of their pastries, and each one is a pleasant surprise. My only disappointment is the lack of options when I go in - it seems like the case is half empty - but I think that is probably because I usually end up there in the afternoon after the breakfast/morning rush. I know they also have a cupcake truck that travels the city, I'm sure there are a lot more options onboard. And again, it's probably my timing. Everything I've had there has been great so far. read more

I've been eyeing this bakery for some time now and finally got a chance to stop in. I bought the Yelp $5 for $10 deal and bought 3 cupcakes with it! This is a great, cozy little bakery in downtown Elmhurst and I can see why it has great reviews. The service was very friendly and helpful and the cupcakes are delicious. I bought the French Silk, Pink Velvet (yes, not red velvet), and a Chocolate Bacon Beer cupcake. All of the cupcakes were moist, not overly sweet, and delicious. I highly recommend stopping in if you want a sweet treat, you won't regret it! read more

This is a real bakery with a real owner (no corporate godzilla ownership) with a super cool menu. It's the kind of place that makes city of Chicago dwellers feel at home (definitely not an uncool "suburban" place). Great muffins. Great cupcakes. Creative doughnut flavors. Kind of a funky breakfast menu with a Mexican flair. Perfect for breakfast. read more

Courageous Bakery & Cafe - Menu board...does not show breakfast items (see website) - Bakeries Near Me - Elmhurst, Illinois

This place is ridiculously crowded on a Sunday, partly because there isn't much else open in the morning. Either way, of all the places to get coffee at before the train, I think I like the light roast here the most. The banana muffin is pretty good too. That's... about all I get here. read more

I've had fresher pastries at a gas station. Had a maple bacon donut - Dried out, hard as a rock. Had to be days old. Wife had a chocolate croissant - Was reheated in the microwave which made the chocolate taste burnt. Coffee was very good despite the order being wrong. Don't know if this place was worth 4-5 stars at one point but def not anymore. read more

I'm not exaggerating when I say these cupcakes will make you feel things. These are no ordinary cupcakes. These cupcakes are on a mission. A mission from the cupcake gods whose only wish is to bestow indescribable warmth and happiness within you. Okay, now I may be getting a little carried away. The point is these cupcakes are unbelievably good. I've gotten them twice now for my co-workers' birthdays and the comments range from "oh.my.god." to "holy crap" to "this is the best cupcake I've ever eaten." Sentiments shared by all who consume these fluffy wonders. Flavors include (these are not official names) vanilla bean, chocolate w/chocolate frosting, chocolate with vanilla frosting, something wonderful with a ton of bacon on top, a cupcake that tastes like a giant Reese's cup, raspberry, sirracha, the list goes on. Though my boss is totally jelly that CB is only in Elmhurst, she was pretty happy to hear that there's a cupcake truck that comes by our building downtown. Can't deny the city folk the wonderfulness that is Courageous Bakery. The staff is super helpful. I feel like a goon going in and ordering 18 cupcakes, but they pack them up, give me a bag, and get me out in time to catch the Metra. I'd recommend buying the Yelp deal which is $5 for $10 worth of cupcakes. It definitely helps if you're buying a lot. Until next co-worker birthday, CB! read more

I've heard a lot of things about this bakery and went in to try there cupcakes. It was decorated very cute and great customer service. While I was there I tried a maple bacon donut which it was the last one so I was lucky. The donut was very very good. Must try. However I took a couple of cupcakes home and was not a huge fan of them. I think the cake was too thick and heavy; they were way too sweet. read more

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AMAZING food. we had two different breakfast sandwiches, both of which blew us away, as well as the potatoes and a maple bacon donut. all incredible. definitely try a sandwich on a biscuit- they are fluffy and buttery and amazing. but the mollette sandwich with refried beans, pico, and avocado was also incredible. lost a star from me because, unfortunately, the cupcakes were actually the worst part. they were served SO cold that the frosting came off in one big chunk when i tried to bite into it, and the cake was dry and had such a rough texture. atmosphere was amazing, and service was fine. just don't actually go for the cupcakes. read more

One thing I love about our new area: having awesome small businesses like this just a short drive down the road. Most delicious Oaxaca (spicy chocolate) latte and turkey/Gouda croissant ever. Thinking I might have to get Lisa and Nadine here soon for coffee and cupcakes...or lunch. Or brunch, lol. It all looks good! Parked a bit down and even got to take a stroll. Taking some cupcakes for the road to try with Roy! read more

Courageous Bakery & Cafe - Bakeries Near Me - Elmhurst, Illinois

This place is good! The desserts are sweet and yummy, the staff is also pretty patient! I love how they have many options! The cupcakes are a little bland but the food overall was good! read more

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this bakery. I was so excited when they came to Elmhurst and I have been regularly going ever since. My fav things: nuts, oats, and honey scone (OMG. Whenever i see it i have to buy it. ) banana cream pie cupcake (The frosting is amazing and the filling is so yums) pistachio croissant (is this... heaven?!) raspberry donut (my favorite donut of myyyy lifeeee! The raspberry glaze on this is so sweet and delicious) Other things i have tried there i have also loved (cupcakes, cookies, muffins). And my boyfriend loves their coffee. :) The only thing i wouldnt recommend is the salted caramel cupcake. I had it once and it was just kinda off. More salty and less caramelly. BUT maybe that was an off day. I am just gonna assume is it because I love them. HOW CAN U NOT LIKE IT? Cupcakes for a great cause.... COME ON! read more

Used Courageous for our wedding day. Cupcakes were delicious when we went in for our tasting and on the big day. They made sure the seasonal cupcakes we liked the best were available for the wedding. The setup was also professional. I have edited my review. Although the setup and cupcakes were very good, trying to get my deposit back has been a nightmare. I have contacted the bakery several times. The staff asked me to leave my number to get a call back, but I have not heard back from the owner. Now I am told to call back when the owner will be there, but she is never present. Very frustrating. read more

After trying this place time after time, they have been proven to be rude and not tasty. I really wanted nothing more than to support this local business and to enjoy it. Each time I come, I have a different staff member who all speak with an attitude or not at all and are unable to do simple adjustments to the menu. Things such as, leave off the bacon off of a breakfast sandwich. I decided to try their desserts thinking they might be better since this is what they're known for. The cupcakes are not only flavorless but also stale and the frosting is hard. A place known for cupcakes should not be using what I can only imagine is defrosted goods. I am upset I spent money at a place that is subpar. I've also heard staff members argue with other customers about their order. There is a way to phrase things kindly and the way that they use which is shockingly disturbing. read more