A must try for tres leches cake lovers! I've ordered cakes from them as well as stopped in and picked up slices. My favorites are the coconut tres leches and caramel tres leches. The flan is also a good option. One day I'll try their food but I'm also perfectly content just getting their cakes! read more

See all

This is an institution in the Pilsen neighborhood. Famous for their tres leche cake which is absolutely divine. I stopped in a couple weeks ago after a work event in the area. There were tables set up. They had small selection of books you could chill and read. It wasn't very busy. I never realized they actually serve other food items. I'll stop in again some morning to give them a try for breakfast. I did order a Mexican hot chocolate and it was one of the best I've ever had. If you haven't been definitely give Kristoffer's a try. read more

See all

If you are ever in the area, this is a must. We drive an hour for our cakes, and I must add that the coconut tres leches flavor is divine. The staff is always super nice and friendly, providing excellent customer service to all customers. They consistently go above and beyond. Today, I didn't have an order and just showed up; she was super nice and got a cake ready for me. Thank you! The cafe is quite spacious but not particularly inviting for dining in or sitting down. It's a typical post-COVID cafe that focuses on pick-up and go. They do have seating available, but it's not as inviting for actually sitting down. I 100 percent recommend Kristoffer's; you will not be disappointed. read more

See all

What a great spot! I stopped in today for a coffee and was pleasantly surprised. Prices are super low for the Chicagoland area. There is a morning special where you can get a small coffee and bagel with cream cheese for $4. The coffee was actually really good too, Intelligentsia. I can't wait to go back and try their breakfast menu items, as well as their desserts. Not heaps of parking around but there are some spots around that weren't marked as being permit only/metered. read more

Kristoffer's Cafe & Bakery - Menu - Cafes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Had the Chocolate Butter Cake rich chocolate on top, soft and buttery inside. The strawberry sauce was a nice touch!

This has been my all time favorite places for tres leches. It never disappointed. I even drive the 45 min community from up north to the store just for a slice of their tres leches. Definitely recommended read more

Best tres leches I've had. So moist throughout and not too sweet. Amazing texture. I got the coconut one and it was a hit at my bday. If you're ordering a whole cake, order by 2pm the day before! I ordered late and they told me to call the morning of to ask what options they have. Luckily, they had the 9" coconut tres leche I wanted! Very kind and family owned. The inside is nice too, they have a few tables and i liked the art. read more

This place continues to be my go to for Tres Leches cakes on birthdays, and everyone I've bought a cake for absolutely loves it. Try this place out! You will not be disappointed read more

See all

We came here for a quick slice of their tres leches and some coffee to sip on. The place is cozy with just a about five to six tables. They have a variety of tres leches cake slices to choose from and coffee. We wanted to try their caramel tres leches but unfortunately they were out so we shared a slice of their coconut tres leches. I will admit it's a little pricy at $5 but damn, it was ok tasty slice. When it comes to tres leches, I like the cake very moist. And very soggy. Usually more towards the bottom and drier towards the top. That's always been my preference, but this slice was moist from top to bottom and executed perfectly. It was topped with coconut flakes and tasted delicious. They have chocoflan and other flavors that I wouldn't mind trying next time around. I also had their Mayan Hot Chocolate and it was also tasty. It had Mexican Hot chocolate with espresso from Intelligentsia. In the fall and winter months this is the way to go. When I come back during the summer, I'll be trying horchata latte which is only served cold. I'll definitely be returning soon. read more

Kristoffer's Cafe & Bakery - Mayan hot chocolate - Cafes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

The Tres Leche cakes are to die for! I came here to get a tres Leche cake since I was told by a friend that this place has the best. We arrived early on a Friday, and it was busy despite the sitting area seemed to be closed. We also got some tamales, quesadillas, and burrito breakfast. I'm definitely adding this place to my favorites list. read more

Kristoffer's Cafe & Bakery - All the different flavors for tres leche cakes - Cafes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Excellent moist cake Tamales are delicious Coffee is highly recommended Try it I like it Street parking on Halsted read more

We stopped in to grab breakfast to go on a Friday morning (9:30am). They have quite a big breakfast menu for a coffee shop. We ordered the bacon breakfast sandwich on a croissant, Spanish (chorizo and bean) breakfast burrito, and chocolate croissants. Their baked goods are from a wholesaler. I want to try the chilaquiles and their famous tres leches sometime! They have a lot of different tres leches flavors: vanilla, coconut, eggnog, caramel, kahlua, chocolate. We'll also have to keep in mind their daily special from 7:30-11am- bagel with cream cheese and a 12oz cup of regular or iced Intelligentsia coffee for $4! read more

They have the absolute best pastel de tres leches. My co-worker first bought me a slice and I have been ordering birthday cakes from there ever since. Their Choco-Flan is also amazing, a must try. read more

Kristoffer's Cafe & Bakery - ChocoFlan Slice - Cafes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Completely overrated and kind of disappointing with the eggy aftertaste! its family owned with minimalistic décor and not a wide selection. I got an assortment of Tresleches after contemplating getting the whole cake which was priced much higher than my usual favorite Greek town desserts. I wont be back! read more

Kristoffer's Cafe & Bakery - Cafes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

Such an amazing place. I went yesterday to pick up a cake I had ordered for my church event. Everyone loved it. Even those who typically don't like tres leches. So great. Wonderful staff from the phones to person. I was met with nothing but niceness. Worth the drive and money. read more

Ordered the 12" tres leches cake with vanilla inside and chocolate frosting. Thoroughly enjoyed it, and my friends enjoyed it too. Will definitely get again. Ordered a few days before and pick up was quick and easy. read more

Delicious tres leches cakes and friendly service. The prices are also reasonable for the amazing quality of the cakes: airy, spongy, just the right amount of milks, and well balanced flavors. They sell them by the slice but trust me, you'll want to get at least a small cake. Best tres leches cakes in Chicago! read more

the best tres leches cakes in Chicago! the cake itself is very moist and tasty, the flavor is very consistent. I especially liked the coconut as well as the kalua one read more

Best tres leches in the city - hands down! We get many of our special occasion cakes here and they are so fresh and delicious. My kids want all of their birthday cakes here. read more

I had heard about their tres leches cake and the reviews are correct...it's amazing! I was not prepared for having multiple options...vanilla, coconut, egg nog, so this time, I went with the coconut and it was delicious. I guess it's time I head back and try the vanilla and egg nog... read more

I got the vanilla tres leches cake after hearing so many good things. The cake itself was so moist and spongy. It had soaked up the perfect amount of the condensed milk/ tres leches and wasn't overwhelmingly sweet. It felt really light to eat despite being such a large cake. I would definitely go back and try some of the other flavors for the tres leches cakes. read more

Kristoffer's Cafe & Bakery - Vanilla tres leches cake - Cafes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I was never a fan of tres leches until i had Kristoffers. I usually stop in for breakfast, I usually get the Huevos rancheros. Just the right portions and the coffee is good too! read more

Kristoffer's Cafe & Bakery - Huevos Rancheros - Cafes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We ordered a bunch of coconut tres leches cakes for our baby shower and they were an absolute hit! This is hands down our favorite cake place from now on! We've had their cakes on 3 separate occasions and it's consistent each time. They are not overly sweet and the texture is always soft and moist. It's a family owned business and the owners themselves are so down-to-earth and caring. This place will be our go-to from now on! read more

Kristoffer's Cafe & Bakery - Tres Leches - Cafes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I love this spot. It's always pretty quiet and chill. Nice family-run business and kind service. Ambience is lovely especially in the fall and winter. Solid food and drink for a great price. read more

Tres Leches is probably my favorite dessert when executed well. Kristoffer's just isn't very good. The complimentary samples of the sponge cake are pretty good, so I have to blame the milks and flavorings used. There's an artificial taste to each variety I've tried. Even the caffeinated beverages were a let down. The saving grace is the friendly staff. Not worth a special trip, but decent if you're within walking distance. read more

Kristoffer's Cafe & Bakery - Horchata Latte. .. Excuse the blurry photo. - Cafes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Like so many of the comments left for Kirstoffer's Cafe & Bakery, THE TRES LECHES IS ABSOLUTELY THE BEST!!!! And this is coming from someone who usually does not enjoy tres leches. It is so moist and you can choose so many different flavors (caramel, vanilla, coconut, chocolate.) I once got a full cake for a friend's birthday which was a big hit. That friend now drives all the way from Evanston to get a slice of it. Unfortunately, the cafe atmosphere is not the best. It is huge and empty. The furniture is all random and old. I wish it was cozier so that I could stay longer and study here. read more

Kristoffer's Cafe & Bakery - Vanilla tres leches - Cafes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Best quesadilla ever! Really outstanding - not sure what made it so great - with a side of salsa and sour cream

Hot damn!! The tres leches cakes here are the best I have ever tried. They have a few different types of tres leches cakes such as the coconut tres leches, the chocolate tres leches (can be chocolate cake with chocolate tres leches OR vanilla cake with the chocolate tres leches), rompope tres leches (eggnog), or the khalua tres leches. I have ordered a few different ones and they are all great!! Super moist with a ton of milk but not too sweet that it's overbearing. I would suggest ordering the cakes in advance so it is ready to go whenever you need it otherwise they do have a few ready to go but it might not be the flavor you are looking for. Price is on the steep end but I think they are definitely worth it! They also serve food and espresso drinks which I have only tried a few of their espresso drinks but have never tried their food. If you have a special occasion or want to impress someone with a great tres leches cake def give this place a try! read more

I use to live in Chicago and was excited to see this was still open and better than ever when I visited. Hands down the best Tres Leche (vanilla) cake EVER. Also the veggie burrito is so fresh and with their homemade hot sauce, it will always be a must eat in Chicago ! read more

Kristoffer's Cafe & Bakery - View of front of bakery. - Cafes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Wonderful Pilsen bakery. This is the go to place for chocoflan and tres leches cakes.

This place is my GO-TO for tres leche cake! I have ordered a birthday cake from here, and it was a big hit with the family! I have not been disappointed once whenever I try their tres leche! I cannot pick a favorite! The vanilla with chocolate topping, vanilla with vanilla topping, caramel, and coconut tres leche cakes are all the ones I tried, and all have been phenomenal! I don't even like coconut, so that says something! The couple that run this place are so sweet and generous as well. I have nothing but delicious experiences here!! read more

My mom and sister love Tres leches cake so when I heard this place makes the best in Chicago, I had to get some for Christmas. Unfortunately, I didn't order ahead so when I came in all they had were individual slices. This actually turned out well because instead I was able to get several different flavors: caramel, chocolate, Kahlua, and eggnog. I'm not a fan of Tres Leches cake in general so this review is based off more of what my family said. They liked the caramel flavor the most but also appreciated the uniqueness of the eggnog flavor. They said the cakes were incredibly moist and had great flavors to them. Overall they also said this was the best Tres leches they had ever had so it seems their reputation is accurate! On a side note, I also tried their seasonal Scrooge drink, which was egg nog and espresso, and I thought it was surprisingly great! I'd never had egg nog and espresso but they worked well together and tasted great. read more

See all

I wish I lived closer, because I would go to Kristoffer's consistently! I got a coffee and bagel for $3.50. At my local coffee shop it comes to $6. Great deal that they have everyday until 11am. The Tres Leches cake is incredible. Not too sweet, perfect texture. I want to try each of their varieties now. It's $5 a slice but well worth it. Nice atmosphere to work as well. Will be back! read more

Always go to this spot for tres leches cake. My family loves when I show up with pastry from here. I recommend the rum chata tres leches as well as the mango flavor. Met one of the owners and he was so friendly. Go and check it out. read more

Is a tip an expression of gratitude or is it an obligatory social custom? At Kristoffer's you tip before you even see what your food looks like - before it's brought to your table (if you're paying with a debit card). I'm not sure what to do about tipping at Kristoffer's. I'll explain. I walked into Kristoffer's and it's homey. There are about six or seven small tables and two grungy couches. We thought about sitting on the couches but thought they looked too dirty to sit on. We even discussed how the owner might consider getting a cover for them. Kristoffer's is the type of place for college students who want a quiet place to study and free wifi. I didn't see anyone eating food. Since Kristoffer's is a bakery/cafe/restaurant it wasn't immediately clear to me how I should begin. For example, do I wait to be seated? Do I seat myself and wait to be served? Do I order at the counter? The latter turned out to be the case. A very friendly gentleman took my order of 20 oz Mexican Hot Chocolate for $3.50. While I ordered, I explained that I was meeting a friend for lunch. He responded that I can wait for her at one of the tables or a couch. I liked him and found his manner to be welcoming. A lady brought my hot chocolate to me (see the picture). It was NOT 20 oz. It was in a large mug, but not THAT large. I didn't say anything, but even my receipt says that I should have gotten 20 oz. My friend arrived and she is a lively lady. She is much more overt when it comes to things than I am. Since it wasn't clear if they were going to come and take our order (especially since I told the gentleman that we wanted lunch ahead of time), she loudly asked from our table what we should do. We were instructed to go to the counter and order. My friend ordered an omelet with a side of bacon and coffee. I got chilaquiles. We both got ChocoFlan for dessert to be brought to our table later. It came to $29.55. I paid with my debit card where the only option was to use my PIN. A prompt came up to enter a tip, which I did. Our food was brought to us in a timely fashion. My friend noted that the vegetables were mixed into the eggs and then it was folded over the cheese. She explained that it really wasn't an omelet but a frittata. She gave it 2 stars because it was something that she could have made at home. I also saw the bacon was very thin and low quality. I've had chilaquiles at another restaurant before and liked it. The food that was brought to me at Kristoffer's was pretty gross. I eat almost anything including leftovers that are well over a week old - I hate wasting food! What was brought to me at Kristoffer's was garbage. I took small bites of the chilaquiles, the rice, and the refried beans. The refried beans that were served on the side were disgusting, and I love refried beans. I've never come across refried beans that I disliked. I don't know how this place ruined them. Maybe they were old? I couldn't tell. And I didn't like the rice. My friend suggested that I say something about how much I disliked the food. I considered it, but the server never came by to check on us. My friend called over (in her loud voice) and told the server that I didn't like my food. The server questioned if I'd ever had chilaquiles before and explained that people come from all over the place to eat theirs. I didn't tell her exactly what I hated about it (I simply said I didn't like it) nor did she offer to do anything about it. Let me describe the chilaquiles to you. It seemed as if they started with Doritos and then cooked them in a pot with tomato paste until they were nice and soggy. They put it on my plate and put cheese on top. There was no meat and no eggs. Our ChocoFlan was really delicious. My friend said that she would go back for it. I liked it very much but don't think that it warrants another visit. It was different from what I expected. I thought it would be chocolate flavored flan. Instead it's regular flan with chocolate cake on top. Neither the flan nor the chocolate cake is especially sweet. So back to tipping. I had to tip up front because I paid with a debit card. How much do you tip when you order at a counter? Normally I don't tip at all but sometimes I'll tip a dollar or two (in a jar by the register, you know?). But if I was at Caribou and if I didn't like the drink they would offer me something else. Most restaurants would do the same thing. So I don't know what's up with Kristoffer's but I wish that I could get back the tip that I gave them up front and the money for the chilaquiles and I wish I could give my friend a better birthday meal than a 2 star "omelet." Oh yeah - it was her birthday. read more

Kristoffer's Cafe & Bakery - Mexican Hot Chocolate (20 oz) - Cafes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I've been to this bakery twice now and all I can say is that it's worth the trip. The Food (because duh) First time, I tried their "chocoflan" and it was incredible. Imagine flan in top of a chocolate cake that wants to be a flan but has too much pride to not be cake. Moist, flavorful, and very smooth. Second time around, I ordered the dally morning special- a coffee and bagel with cream cheese for $3.50. (That's McDonald's prices, people). The bagel was absolutely wonderful - chewy, warm and lightly toasted, with a very noticeable Asiago flavor. Nothing is more disappointing than ordering an Asiago bagel that has no distinguishable Asiago flavor and some unidentified flavorless cheese sprinkled on top. I also ordered the chocolate croissant because breakfast deserves a dessert course too. The pastry dough was flaky and light like it had been made with a truckload of butter like the French would recommend. The chocolate filling was evenly distributed throughout the entire pastry so you had a nice combination of chocolate and croissant with each bite. The coffee was ok, but I'm kind of a coffee snob. Don't you dare bring that Dunkin crap around me and tell me it's America's favorite - no one polled me when they decided that watery mess was coffee. Kristoffer's coffee was definitely better than any Dunkin and certainly better than other similarly priced places. Even better, they have a nice garnishments station for coffee that includes syrups. Not half bad. Interior The decor is simply charming. I'm writing this in October so they've decorated for Halloween but when I was here over the summer, it has a cool, hipster vibe with an artistic aesthetic. If you're wondering what there is to do in Pilsen, fear not because they always have local businesses and events posted at the front. I signed up for a 5k after seeing a flyer the last time. (Necessary when you eat chocoflan and chocolate croissants on the regular - thank you to Kristoffer for taking care of my fitness) Now that it's Halloween, they have decorated the store in a festive but not gaudy manner. Definitely a place you could meet up with friends and hang out for awhile. Service The service is wonderful. There's no other way to say it. Every person I've encountered is always warm, welcoming, and helpful. Both times I've been here, there were other patrons but service never declined and I never got the sense that the employees were stressed or overworked. Another woman who was getting coffee seemed to be a regular and staff even came from the back to greet her before going back into the kitchen. read more

See all

I liked it! Cute cafe in Pilsen. We were in the neighborhood for a group activity and decided to try this place from a recommendation beforehand. The chocoflan (chocolate cake + flan) was really delicious. The huevos ranchos were just ok. I want to come back to try the tres leches next time we are in Pilsen! read more

Best Tres Leches in town! I have been gifting the Coconut with a thin chocolate layer that is a hit for everyone. Huevos Rancheros -- the must meal whenever I visit. Horchata Latte -- a unique drink that is appropriate for the hot and/or muggy Chicago weather. read more

Love the fact that they have several types of tres leche cakes. Nice little cafe in Pilsen area and not too far from Chinatown or UIC. read more

Kristoffer's Cafe & Bakery - Chocolate tres leche cake - Cafes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I like this place a lot. Breakfast is great. Coffee ok. I'm not into dulce de lece, for which this place is known, so don't hold it against me. Good people, convenient, free parking along halsted. There is however, an acidic smell easily noted. It's an old structure which is part of the charm. Probably it's the chlorine used to clean and disinfect, which can't be a bad thing, yet, it is overpowering. My suggestion, use a different product, or sweeten it up. Cheers! read more

Kristoffer's Cafe & Bakery - Look ma! - Cafes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all