Good location great ambience excellent coffee & lattes. Cool place to chill & soak up good convo with the neighbors. Jeremy & Candace are cool down to earth peeps. Btw try the French toast it's the bombdigity! read more

I make it a point to go here for breakfast whenever I'm in the windy city.... The last time I was here I think I ordered a couple of things and finished them both.... Banana Walnut Pancakes and an excellent BLT along with a perfectly flavored coffee... just a wonderful little place! read more

What a fantastic find! Little Branch Cafe is a gem. Hidden in a residential complex in the South Loop, you wouldn't expect such a charming spot for brunch. My bestie brought me here over the weekend, and I will be back again and again. The owners did a great job of decorating. I felt like I was having brunch in NYC. It is hip, chic, and modern. I love it. The interior of LBC is big and bright. The counter is covered with cake platters with cookies the size of your head, buttery croissants, sweet muffins and savory quiche of the day. It's hard to even think about what to order because you want a bite of it all. Trouble. Between the two of us, we had + Blueberry French Toast filled with Marscapone Cheese - this calorie busting dish will make you feel super guilty, but it's worth every bite. + Salmon Quiche - I know. It doesn't sound very good. But it was excellent. The crust was super buttery, and the smoked salmon + capers were a delicious savory treat. + Hearts of Palm Salad - It was very good. Definitely not as delicious as the Quiche or the French Toast, but we had to balance out our selections with some vegetables. Next time, I will definitely be having a few adult beverages with my meal. The bar area is fully stocked with many liquors and beer. Their cucumber infused water was perfect for a hot summer day. Pick up some gelato on the way out. Five stars all the way! read more

used to come here all the time on dates when they first opened and i had a significant other in Printer's Row a lifetime ago...we would wake up late, take a leisurely stroll thru Grant park as the leaves changed, and enjoy a cupcake on LBC's beautiful patio while the world went by. they were perfect, and always reminded me why Chicago was the city i would move back to when I could. i finally live across the street from Little Branch and the magic of everything else is still there, even if my paramour is not...except this once lovely cafe now hosts some of the most disinterested staff in the US, has replaced their delicious pastries with a menu that consistently over-promises and under-delivers, and always has long waits for reasons i will never understand read more

The Yelp reviews were so good, we didn't realize this is more of a panera set-up than it is a restaurant. Which is fine when you know what you're getting into - but when you didn't realize, and when the cashier you've just waited in line for is really not great - it's a bummer. Food was good - there were four of us, and we honestly did all like our food - but later, when the not-great-cashier-woman asked us if we could move... YEAH... it really left a sour taste in our mouth. I think the deal is that we were sitting at the only 4-top (really more of a 2 person place I guess), and we were done eating - but there were SO MANY ways she could have handled that other than just asking us to move... Really disappointing. read more

I've been here twice, once for dinner and once for brunch. While to food is pretty tasty (albeit expensive) and the atmosphere is really cool and decorated beautifully, the service really stinks. The first time I went for dinner and the services was so, so, so painfully slow that we all sat around joking about how they must be milking the cow to make the cheese to use in our grilled cheese sandwiches. Once the food came out, there wasn't so much of a mention of "sorry it took so long." Went there this past weekend for brunch and was very turned off by the service. Found a table for four right away and sat down. Having only been there for dinner, I did not know that they don't have servers during breakfast. One of the staff came up to our table and rudely said "ummm, you're aware you need to order at the register - right? No ones gonna wait on you..." Ok, no problem, I don't mind ordering at the register. While we took a look at the menu, another girl who worked there comes up to our table and is reminds us that we need to order at the register. When we ask her what the specials of the day were (bc the menu said "quiche of the day" and pancakes of the day") she shrugged her shoulders and walked away. Went up to the register to order and was met with a huge attitude. Ordered the banana pecan pancakes and the coffee. Both tasted fine but were not worth the price tag. Also, when I asked for water, the girl at the register simply pointed to her left and said "self service." I'm fine with the self-service element, but I don't like to deal with attitude problems from cranky staff... Considering I live a couple of blocks away, it's a shame I don't like this place more. I'd rather wait in the long lines at Yolk any day! read more

Nice to see that Little Branch improved. Cute setting, delicous coffee. Would recommend.

Hate to be a downer but this was my experience today: -chicken pecan salad: 1/3 of the lettuce was rotten. I piled it on the side and ate the rest. Told 2 people about it and no one except the waitress said anything. She said 'sorry'. Um, ok. -Get a freaking window shade in there. Meh at best. If you live in the adjoining building ok, I get it. Not worth traveling more than 1 block for otherwise. read more

This place is terrible. It's dirty and dingy and just looks generally unkept. We had a couple of lattes here today and they were lukewarm at beat even though we asked for them to be extra hot. Also the owner kept screaming at the barista while we were standing right In front of them waiting for our lattes. read more

After five years of patronizing this place I think I've had my last visit. From the beginning, the owner and lots of the (ever-rotating) staff were very rude. This has continued throughout the years but I, like many in my neighborhood, frequented Little Branch because it was the only Café and restaurant in the prairie district, and because the menu is really good (when executed properly in the kitchen). Well, the good coffee/food isn't worth the bad service. Here are a few things that happened and you can call it for yourself. 1. I wanted a half-caff small coffee when I was preggo and they made me purchase 2 small coffees (one caffeinated and one decaf) that I could mix together myself. I'd understand if they brewed each cup individually, but we're talking pre-brewed carafe's here, so why all the extra ridiculousness? 2. I ordered a hot panini that included roast beef, cheddar, horseradish and pickled onions. It came without the onions or cheese- the bread was hot and the roast beef was as cold as the refrigerator. When I asked the waitress if the order could be fixed, she brought me out some raw red onions and a cold piece of cheese on a plate. 3. The owner is rude. 4. I ordered a latte that was supposed to come with 3 shots of syrup. I only wanted 2, but wanted one shot of vanilla and one of blueberry. The owner rang up each part of the drink a la carte-totaling more than $2 in excess of the listed price. I figured it was a mistake, but when she tried to justify charging me almost 2 extra dollars for my latte, I realized that some major logic was being lost. It was at the point when she raised her voice to a disrespectful "Do you want it or not?!", that I decided not to come back. 5. Refer to #3. I give this place a 2 star rating because the food can be good, and the coffee is good. The gelato is always chewy and gross from too much thawing and freezing. There are more incidences, but I've made my point. read more

A hidden gem. We were walking back from a full day at the Field Museum and were craving an afternoon treat. Stumbling upon this place was a pleasant surprise for my husband, son and I. The gelato was authentic and good portion size. Wish we had known about this place for breakfast - the menu looks great! Inviting atmosphere and comfortable seating. Surprisingly, when I searched earlier in the day for breakfast and then later for gelato, this place did not pop up. It would help if they updated their listing. The menu is rich with great offerings! read more

I don't get it. First of all, this is not a cafe but a cafeteria. You order at the cash register and pick up your own water, flatware and coffee (after they yell out your order). The atmosphere isn't any better - cold, boring and nothing to look at. The food is way overpriced. The croissant sandwich consisted of a rather stale croissant, rubbery bacon (gross) and eggs that tasted... reconstituted? I couldn't tell, but they were barely edible. It came with a side of potatoes - approximately 6 pieces because potatoes are So expensive these days - as well as a small bowl of tired sour fruit. I tried not to complain too much at the meal because my friend was already irritated with me that I'd gotten upset about the parking. To be specific - there is no parking anywhere near this place. If it had been up to me, I would have turned around and walked out as soon as I say the very limited breakfast menu and that it is actually a cafeteria, not a cafe. I have no idea why you would want to go to this place unless you lived in the building and had run out of coffee. Thy do have a full bar, but so do I, so big whoop. read more

Total jerks there. You will get no service. They look at you then ignore you. Not surprised of the bad reviews

Such a good variety of tasty foods. I had banana Nutella waffles, my son had a breakfast burrito, my daughter ate a muffin, and my husband had the chorizo breakfast. Delicious food in a friendly little spot. Prices were fair for downtown Chicago. We'd definitely stop again. read more

Totally cute little place! Granted I went there on a weekday so there was no wait, but I got a perfect table outdoors to sit and relax with a good book. The wait staff was very friendly and helped me choose a really yummy breakfast. It's kind of hidden away from a main street so I don't know if it gets as crazy as the other breakfast places in the area. But since it is smaller the food choices are more limited. However they do have great lunch options in addition to breakfast food, so good for a true brunch. read more

We moved here from Seattle this summer and hoped to find a local cafe with great coffee and a good atmosphere. Little Branch offers both! The staff knows me by name, and I've come to crave their Mexican hot chocolates, lavendar chai lattes, and French toast. We pop in at last weekly for a beer after work (they're open late) or a midmorning brunch. Love, love, love them. read more

May have been on an off-morning, but things were a bit of a mess. I had the bagel sandwich, which was missing its egg and all a bit soggy. My girlfriend had the waffle-of-the-day, a cinnamon/nut/raisin thing. It was very soggy, with a ton of cinnamon (as in, hard on the throat) and it came out a good 15 minutes after my dish. Cute space, and the menu has a lot of interesting options, but I'd be hard pressed to go back. read more

The staff was rude and food was mediocre. The staff repeatedly made mistakes and the charged us. The food came out at inconsistent times so that half our party was watching the other half eat. read more

Awful. Ten minutes for a latte and 25 mins for an over-priced sandwitch and the tables were dirty. Had hoped for so much more since I live in the neighborhood but if you want to try it do so soon cause it won't be in business long with such terrible service. read more

When I first started frequenting Little Branch Cafe roughly 6 months ago, it was a fantastic breakfast and brunch spot that served amazing food. The prices were a bit high, but the meal was consistently good which justified the price. (See my previous review, roughly 6 months ago) However, over the last 6 months, the quality of food and customer service has been on a steady decline. This culminated with my most recent visit, last week, which was all around an unpleasant experience. My eggs were overcooked and burnt, as was the bacon and the breakfast potatoes. The fruit cup served with my meal was not fresh, and obviously had been cut and prepared at least a couple of days prior. The grapes were mealy, the honeydew melon was unripe and impossible to chew. The only satisfactory part of the meal was the large English muffin, which I enjoyed. When I brought this to the attention of the one employee working outside of the kitchen, he shrugged me off and simply said 'sorry'. If you're going to charge $10-12 for a breakfast plate, I expect a high-quality meal, and if there is a mistake, I expect it to be addressed and not brushed off dismissively. The quality of the experience at Little Branch Cafe has been getting worse and worse, but this last visit has pushed me over the edge, and I will not be returning ever again. read more

I typically had good experiences here, but the last 2 times I went I had coffee grounds in my iced coffee. Totally ruined the place for me!

I wish there was a MINUS 5 stars available. Awful service. Or lack of it since you pick up the drinks yourself. Their omelette comes WITHOUT toast. If you ask for it they inform you about the $2 charge only when they bring it to the table. If you decide to skip it they'll charge you anyway. As I told the manager: I live in the building but they won't see my face again. read more

Don't go here people! It's awful! ....I don't want crowds ruining my FAVORITE breakfast/brunch place. Stay away! I repeat...I don't want to end up waiting for an hour like every other decent brunch place in town. Step off this phenomenal place. It's mine, all mine! read more

This little place was pretty cute. Hidden in the south loop, we had a bit of a time trying to find this place. I had the red velvet waffle, which would have been much better without the honey on it. Honey just doesn't do it for me on a waffle. The red velvet was pretty, but tasted like an ordinary waffle to me. The side of chicken sausage was great. The service was nice too. I liked some of the menu options they had and would recommend this place to a friend. read more

I was very disappointed in my breakfast. This place has potential, but the service is so bad and the staff is so unfriendly, I would not go back. read more

secret, South Loop gem. contemporary comfort, brunch, coffee, nightlife... ========================== Consider Little Branch cafe as a clearing in the woods, shaded by the surrounding trees. Well, more appropriately it is a clearing in the skyrises, shaded by... the skyrises. It is cute if not adorable inside, and the music is perfect for the environment. Are you hungry or hip? In need of caffeine or company? Think a truly well designed and executed cocktail, or PBR, is just what you need? Then Little Branch should be next on your to do list. Food (breakfast, lunch and dinner) is always quickly prepared and appropriately presented. The prices may seem 'moderate' on the menu but will seem cheap after you see and taste the food or drinks. Coffee is perfect always, which is a huge plus of course. No snobbery or difficulties over whatever your fancy may be, and the coffee cherry seeds (aka, beans) are brewed oh so delicately. Coffee drinks are presented as you would hope all cafes would present, with love and attention. Ambiance is, as above, adorable but without being at all trite. Clean and chill enough daily to study or read if one were so inclined. Chalk board drink menu/specials list, tree trunk bar stools, get-your-own-water stations with cucumber water. In summary, go to Little Branch to breakfast or brunch, go here to eat or grab a quick coffee buzz, go here for a quick mixed drink or beer, or go here on a date or with a small group to hang out and just pass the time but whatever you do just be sure you go here! read more

A MUST try brunch spot! A bit on the pricier side but completely worth it. I ordered a breakfast frittata and oatmeal smoothie and loved every single savory bite. Well lit and clean interior, coffee refills, and tons of table space make this a great place to relax and read, enjoy a long brunch with friends, or grab a quick bite to eat. read more

First off, this place is not really made for folks that don't live in the area. You can't park on any of the surrounding streets and it definitely is for the local condo and families. While the staff was friendly enough, the clientele was pretentious. Good coffee and omelette but not worth the headache. read more

the food was really good and the lattes were amazing! super friendly staff and the best atmosphere!!!

This adorable cafe gave me a good vibe. The interior is clean and modern, but has just the write amount of natural touch - from polished rock to bare wood and plants. We stopped here on a chocolate tour and sampled the chocolate covered orange cocoa - it was delicious! They shared freshly baked sweet treats and gelatto with us as well (I recommend the vanilla bean). Bonus: they just got their liquor license and offer a full brunch on the weekends, so you can really enjoy this gem anytime. read more

Good food. Good coffee. Seems little dirty especially the restrooms.

This place is an absolute gem and a real neighborhood hang out. The food is great for the coffee house-type setting. I reccommend the quiche and the stuffed french toast. I also recommend springing for a honey latte - they are carefully drizzled and inevitably appear with a cute foam pattern. The ambiance is laid-back and quiet, although the lack of outside seating in the winter is a bummer and makes it a bit crowded as soon as more than 5 people are sitting to eat. The best part about Little Branch is the gelato - don't leave without some! read more

I go here all the time, absolutely recommend the Snow White Omlette, it's divine! The smoothies are pretty good too! My only issues are that there's no parking (not even street parking) and depending on which chef is working depends on how good the food is. But even when it's not it's best, it's pretty good. A little overpriced though. read more

Marscapone stuffed French toast is amazing. This cafe is wonderful if a little hit or miss. The cafe is not well organized and at times chaotic. That aside this is a great spot in the south loop! read more

Living literally directly across the street, this is my local cafe, and my home away from home. The coffee is great, but if you want a real treat, I would recommend the smoothies or gelato. I can't recommend any flavor because so far, they have all been awesome. My favorite sandwich is the vegetarian panini, which is to die for. There is always a friendly vibe and great tunes giving the cafe a light and relaxing ambiance. The service is great and the staff is always friendly and outgoing. The new outdoor seating area is very tranquil and I am eagerly awaiting the addition of a beer/wine bar which is coming soon. Simply put, this is the kind of cafe you LOVE to have right next door. read more

A little jem in Southloop. Being a huge fan ( and very particular about) espresso and gelato, this became my favorite morning place during my time in Chicago. The sweet atmosphere doesn't hurt either. read more

Tried this place last week with a "groupon now" coupon. The food was good, a little on the expensive side i.e $10 for a sandwich and chips. However, the asian lady at the counter was weird. Plain rude and pissed off that I was using a groupon and that I wanted to sit in the restaurant and eat instead of packing my food away. Maybe she was just having a bad day. But it left a sour taste in my mouth. To note other things - The cafe is located in museum park and is quite cute. I really do like this south loop neighborhood. I don't think there is explicit car parking for the cafe, so call and check before going. Also, as another reviewer noted, sandwich prices are not posted anywhere. So, I had no clue that my sandwich cost $10 until after the order was placed. Since they write everything on blackboards (which is quite quaint), adding prices should not be a big deal! One star deducted for missing prices Two star deducted for bad customer service. read more

Fantastic local hideaway for breakfast. Still feels like a South Loop secret. Fantastic smoothies, great baked good selection, but we come frequently for the breakfast burrito and fantastic coffee. Bring your Sunday paper, eat, chat. Wonderful place. Need to come back and try dinner menu soon! read more

Oh what a delish little find!! We enjoyed every food that we ordered. The lox was yummy, turkey sausage and breakfast sammies were so tasty. The drinks were a treat, especially the lavender chai latte~ that was the winner for the day!!! read more

I'm a fan - good food, free wifi, and a chill atmosphere. What's not to love?