It's little...and cute. This place is so hard to find...but when you do you will always remember where it is at. Hidden inside a tall building...it is cute and cozy. Love the decor but it was hard to figure out how to order. Guess there is no wait staff...you order at the register. Coffee/lattes/mocha=amazing...not only the coffee art but the options and actual flavor. I ordered the breakfast burrito. Definitely a great breakfast pick. It's a decent size but not huge where you feel like you went into a food coma. It's fresh and light...and the nicest looking burrito I have seen. Overall a great find thanks to my Yelp App! read more

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Who would've thought that inside a condo building there would be a snazzy cafe on the ground level?? Hint: Not this guy. Little Branch Cafe is so well hidden (completely engulfed in a residential area...no parking) that most would miss it if they didn't live in the building. I've gotta say that this place was aesthetically perfect. Great ambiance, especially for the morning after New Years festivities. Friendly staff, cozy atmosphere. LBC serves a variety of cafe fare, ranging from breakfast burritos to numerous paninis. I went with some friends and family and we ordered a variety of things, including the breakfast burrito (vegetarian) and a couple paninis (prosciutto/mozzarella). In addition, we ordered the french toast. There was more to the order, but I only tasted these items. The burrito was grande and tasty. The prosciutto/mozzarella panini was delish. It reminded me of a caprese salad on a very toasted ciabatta. The french toast was highly recommended, and it didn't disappoint. In short, it was pretty awesome. While I enjoyed everything that I ate, nothing truly "wow"ed me outside of the french toast [it was good....but I'm not sure if $10 is worth it]. LBC is definitely worth a shot, especially if you live in the South Loop and can walk over to the spot... PS: They serve Metropolis coffee. If you don't know what that means, you need to find out =) read more

Little Branch Cafe - French toast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Walked in and got a table within a few seconds. Ordered the breakfast burrito and the 2 egg and meat something. Nice waiters. Close to the aquarium, just a few minute walk. read more

Little Branch Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Nice place off the beaten path. We were here for breakfast and it was so delicious! Perfect place to start the day. Coffee was perfect! read more

Little Branch Cafe - Breakfast Burrito - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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So I'll preference this rating that it may be move up once I try more items on the menu. The location itself is a little hidden, but easy to find to those that live in the neighborhood. My friend just got a condo across the street so this maybe our spot to come to grab something quick to eat. Last night we went to just pick up our food cause we had to run. I had the chicken breast sandwich that included either fries, sweet potato fries or a salad. I went with the salad cause I already ate horrible earlier. The sandwich wasn't horrible but it tasted like something I could whip up real fast at the deli. I did enjoy the garlic mayo though. Salad was okay but nothing spectacular. I look forward to going back and trying them for brunch...oh yeah and there dessert selection. read more

Little Branch Cafe - Banana Nutella Pancakes - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Two stars for the coffee and gelato, one star for potential. I tried the lavender-honey gellato and it was really wonderful. I never would have come up with that flavor combo, and was so curious that I ordered it. The coffee was standard, nothing awesome. I think the location is great, and the sitting area gets great light, but they are just still trying to figure out who they are. read more

Little Branch Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Out of towners from the Bay Area, California. My wife and two kiddos (9 and 6) were looking for some brunch after a couple hours at the Field Museum. Found this little gem that offered a great selection of breakfast and lunch items. Hefty portions too. Breakfast burrito with chorizo, bagel sandwich, quiche, salad with chicken were all top notch. Topped it off with some delicious gelato. read more

This is nice and unexpectedly spacious place with good choice of food and coffee. I ordered their famous French toast with mascarpone and a cup of regular coffee. The toast was smaller than I expected, room temperature, and if you don't like sweet pastries you would love this one. I tried to pay attention what coffee I drink (cuz I limit myself to 1 cup per day, so want to be sure it's a good choice). The bartender didn't know what beans they served, lol. Plus they made my cup by using two thermoses - I was almost surprised cuz coffee was good. Anyway, I can recommend this pls e for quick coffee or lunch, just don't expect much. And bring a book, because the place is really nice and you would love to spend here some time. read more

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Looking for a last minute brunch that wasn't an hour wait, and this place was it. They put a table outside for us so we could have patio seating. Almond milk late was so good, parrot smoothie was so good, French toast was so good, feta omelet was so amazing. Family owned and low key the best. read more

This place is awesome. Presumably family-owned, and it shows. It's kind of hidden in an area (very nice area, but just off any major roads) where you normally wouldn't walk by unless you lived in one of the surrounding buildings, but it's definitely worth finding it. The Greek Chicken salad is my go-to. The chicken and pita they give you with it is piping hot which shows that this isn't food that is just sitting around waiting to be served. The tuna melt is also very good. Really good flavor. They have coffee/breakfast/juices as well. They have healthy food if you're feeling healthy. They have heavier food if you are fighting a hangover. I highly recommend this place. read more

Super cute nook in south loop neighborhood! It's very quiet and homey-vibes. I had the espresso which was delicious! Lots of menu items to choose from! Will be going back soon! read more

Nice little neighborhood gem right in our building--great place to hang out all day with a laptop (well hopefully soon as we smash Covid down in Illinois). I tend to gravitate toward their Mexican breakfast items because they will make it to fit my tastes. I have had most items on their menu but usually get the lox platter if I am not doing a breakfast burrito or frittata sandwich with seasoned potatoes. I do not drink coffee but the place has a steady stream of coffee "regulars" every morning who seem to enjoy it immensely. I occasionally get a smoothy (the Sparrow is my favorite but I have not seen it on the menu lately)--quite tasty. Although not a tourist spot, in normal times (non pandemic) you will find many guests to the area flocking to this place, especially during the summer concert season. read more

This spot is really cute and convenient for the people that live in the neighborhood. I feel like over the years the chef has changed a few times and the food quality has gone down a little bit. I used to love the blueberry pancakes but the recipe is a bit different now. read more

The best breakfast in the south loop. Wonderful chefs and great customer service. One of our favorite places to do some computer work. It is small, so avoid coming with a large group. We love this local south loop spot. read more

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Love this spot. Quiet, romantic, and peaceful. Even to enjoy on your own. I ordered the English breakfast tea and the service was very nice and attentive. I'd like to return. read more

Little Branch Cafe - Sippin on some english breakfast tea. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

After deciding not to wait for a table at a popular brunch location when all we wanted was Bloody Marys, we Yelped our way to Little Branch Cafe. Tucked in a more residential area, we never would have found this place on our own, but were pleasantly surprised. They feature $5 Bloody Marys and mimosas on Saturdays and Sundays. I've had better drinks, but I've also had worse. There's a kick of lime juice to the Bloody Marys, which was unexpected, but not altogether unpleasant. My dining companion also had a bagel and cream cheese. She seemed satisfied with it. Service was good, though it's an "order at the counter and we'll bring you your stuff" kind of place so there isn't really much to screw up there (though, upon further reflection, we did have to flag down our second round of drinks because the server couldn't figure out where they belonged -- so there's that). read more

After realizing that it'd be virtually impossible to get into Yolk which is nearby we chose to dine at Little Branch. While the place wasn't necessarily empty we were able to be seated right away. Unfortunately the bulk of our meal was pretty bland however the turkey sausages were some of the best I've ever had, EVER! For all my hot dog readers the sausages had that perfect snap to them & to add to the decadence they were filled with some type of cheese .The croissant was nice & buttery but it too was just ok. I'm somewhat of an egg aficionado & to be honest there's not a lot of methodology to making them however these lacked flavor. The potatoes although looking quite appetizing were tasteless as well. The fresh squeezed orange juice, it was served in a mason jar, was a nice touch to them meal. Service was above average as the staff kept coming back to ensure we enjoyed our meal. There's virtually no parking nearby so be aware of that & the place is quite small but the menu is extensive to say the least. read more

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If you're looking for a new place for breakfast/brunch in the south loop, I may have found it for you. The little branch cafe brings a little love to the area of south loop that has little food/retail to offer. A little joint tucked away off of prarie and 13th st is a like a little french cafe with really good offerings for breakfast and lunch - and some other choices for brunch on the weekends. For brunch, we tried the Breakfast burrito w/ eggs, avocado, refried beans, ancho chili cream, pico, and chorizo. We also had Pancakes with white chocolate and raspberries. Burrito was def good and lighter than you may think, pancakes were just ok. Coffee and the Cafe au lait w/ soy that I had was so good on a cold day in Chicago. Service is fast and very friendly. Small place so even though it's tucked in, wait times are hit or miss. Also, parking is a bitch given there is no parking around the area - besides going to michigan ave and walking a few blocks. I'll come again if I'm in the area (and given their grilled panini sandwich line up that they have looked to come back and try) but parking may change my mind. read more

Little Branch Cafe - Breakfast burrito w/chorizo. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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So first time here. Food is ok. I got the turkey Ruben. It was kinda cold. Cold to the point where it wasn't tasty. I'm not sure if a turkey Ruben is like that. I'm used to corn beef so this was a change. My girlfriend got the BLT she said it was ok as well. Got the flamingo smooth and OMG was good. Deff get the smoothies here. All fresh. Really tasty. Plus once you check into here you get a free drop coffee with an entree. read more

Little Branch Cafe - Turkey Ruben - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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how is it that I have just discovered this place? The place is so cute and cozy ! Coffee is top notch brunch was on the spot (not as sweet as bongo and better savory selection), simple ingredients , not overly greasy and heavy as some brunch/breakfast places can get. no line!!! you pay at the counter and seat yourself cute outdoor seating as well only minus one star for no parking..but hey its chicago. I'm so jealous of the ppl living in the buildings that surround this lil spot. If i lived there I would come down everyday for coffee, breakfast, or just to hang out. read more

Little Branch Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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There was no one waiting in line when we went, and it was pretty empty, but we were instructed to sit down and look at the menu before we came back up to order, which was fine. The layout of the cafe doesn't leave much room for standing around. I enjoyed my lox platter, but my friend received the wrong sandwich order although it was good. Small black coffee was pricy (almost $3) and nothing special. read more

Little Branch Cafe - Lox Platter - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Never going back. Was in for a quick pickup, my first time & hoping to go for a dine in on a regular basis coz this is walking distance for me but the unfriendly lady who took my order made sure this was my last time giving them business... I don't care how the food is if you're not welcoming. Glad it was a to go... read more

This is a cute little tucked-away coffee shop and cafe. It's not someplace I'd say you should go out of your way for, but if you're in the area of the South Loop or museum campus, it's a great option. And it IS tucked away, and a bit hard to find. You access it from what's called S. Prairie Ave but looks like a private driveway for the residential complex. It's right at the end of the drive, where it meets 13th St. I wish my building had something like this. They have a number of breakfast options, including sandwiches, omelettes, pancakes, French toast and waffles. There is a also a selection of salads, burgers and sandwiches for lunch and dinner. This is all in addition to their coffee shop style drinks and pastries. I have only partaken of breakfast myself. If you're dining in, you order at the counter, then take a seat and your food will be brought out to your table. read more

Wow! I am hooked on this place. I didn't know how this place got any business because it's hidden inside Tower Residence Condos on Indiana Ave where there's little parking. After walking my dogs in the area, I saw that it was packed on weekends and heard they had great espressos. When you walk in, you do have to order like you're at Starbucks, but your order & food comes out fast with a food runner. Their menu has a variety of breakfast, sandwich and drink items. I had the Banana Batter pancakes & the Red Velvet waffles on another occasion. Let me say, it's the best breakfast entree's I've had. I don't mind that I'm paying a few extra bucks for great food. There's plenty of Subways & Starbucks to eat cheap. I also liked their Happy Hour drink specials. The $5 Mint Jelups on Thursdays beat other neighborhood bar specials. The Little Branch Cafe is a prime example of what word of mouth can do for a business. Obviously, the locals are aware of it. And if there was parking and visible signs, this place would be a mess with business. This is definately the definition of yoir favorite hidden find in the big city. I will come back here even with all the great options around me in Chicago. read more

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Pros: service was quick because i just ordered at the counter. Cons: this place was SO dirty. There weren't that many people in there and two tables had not been bussed after people left so plates of old food were just siting therefor what seemed like awhile. There was an employee in the back on her phone, so not sure why tables weren't cleaned. It looked like a storage room with boxes every where. Very disorganized. Pastries in the front looked limp. read more

ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!! This is my first time visiting Chicago and I'm soo glad we found this gem!! Service was excellent and our food was just superb!! Everything made fresh including my orange juice that tasted as if I was biting into a navel orange. I love everything red velvet and the waffle did not disappoint! Thanks so much for making my trip a little sweeter. read more

Little Branch Cafe - Red velvet waffles with caramelized pecans and honey. Meat & Eggs and FRESH squeezed OJ. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

A little bit hard to find, east of Michigan Ave., but well worth the find. Very reasonable prices - order at the front. We tried the strawberry pancakes and breakfast platter. Both dishes were very good. Would recommend to others for brunch. Nice tall windows to enjoy the views, if it's nice out. read more

Little Branch Cafe - Strawberry pancakes! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Excellent service. Delicious food and smoothies. I had the strawberry pancakes and they were delicious. My daughter had the egg sandwich which was very big! My husband and cousin had the egg Benedict which they both loved. I attached some photos. The parrot and toucan smoothie was very good as well. read more

Little Branch Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Eater listed this cafe among their "24 Essential Coffee Shops, 2017." Definitively, this is a far-reaching overstatement. They were applauded for their "adorable tree stumps used as counter stools." I would have enjoyed using the tree stumps at the counter. However, they have turned their counter into a make-shift store room. Trays of clean and dirty silverware filled the counter along with large boxes of cups, napkins, and straws. I could smell the putrid scent of the rotting food on the silverware collected from the morning customers. A large black refrigerator sat in the corner. It seems they have forgotten that milk and cream go in the refrigerator and NOT in the open cupboards behind the counter. There is only one hidden, dirty, and old power strip behind a column in the back of the cafe. NOT a cafe to sit down and work. My girlfriend and I were served two slightly burnt dark roast regular coffees. They did not even think to ask what roast we would like. The chocolate scone was delightful. However, for being listed among the best cafes in Chicago, this place leaves a lot to be desired. The cafe's interior design is reminiscent of days when the cafe had a personality. However, its dismal execution will certainly lead to a necessary end. read more

Mediocre food all around. Space is a bit dated and hodgepodge. Pricing is a bit high for what you get. Coffee was on the weaker side. Overall just better options around. read more

Awesome little breakfast spot. We do not live in the area but stumbled on it when looking for a breakfast spot before going to a game at soldier field. The food is great and the staff and service are wonderful. read more

Love this place. Great small business owners. Love the coffee and fresh muffins. I've enjoyed every meal I've had there. My dogs love to come with and sit outside in the summer. They always bring out water for them too :) read more

Excellent food served in a welcoming environment. Our order was taken quickly, everyone was nice and checked in on us. Delicious hot coffee. Breakfast burrito was yummy (could have used a bit more cheese). Bagel breakfast sandwich was crispy and filling. read more

This is one of my favorite breakfast & lunch spots! I walk there and dine there about four times a week. They have superb soup and coffee. Their help is outstanding. I absolutely love this place. read more

This cafe is at a really convenient and cute location as it's in the residential part of the South Loop. However, the service and food was absolutely horrible the last two times I've gone. Last Sunday, my friend had to wait nearly forty minutes for her omelet, only to receive it undercooked and the meat inside of it was pretty much sandwich meat. It looked and tasted really bad. I could have made her a better omelet at home. Not only that, but the smoothies that my roommate and I got were also really bad, and watered/iced-down, and not to mention way over priced. We both wished we had gone to Protein Bar instead. As cute as the location of this place is, I don't think I can go back to it sadly. read more

This place was so cute and cozy and in a quiet little neighborhood. Great place to grab breakfast and a coffee and good selection. The Lox platter was very tasty and the iced chai was perfect. read more

Little Branch Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Now, truly...if Yelp did not exist, I would have had little hope of ever running through this charming, sweet cafe tucked into a residential building. On a "private" drive (13th Street), no less! Warning: First of all, do not drive. I mean you could, but the closest non-restricted parking I could find was a private lot at the corner of Michigan and 14th for $7 (cash only). Not bad, but its still about 3 blocks or so away, not so good for the winter months. It's a few blocks from the Roosevelt stop, however...so public transit is your friend if you wish to be coupled with Little Branch. Or, a cab. But see next paragraph to give them directions as "Prairie" on this stretch is confusing. Directions: Just south of Roosevelt, just east of Indiana. It says "private drive." Pay no mind, Little Branch is on the first floor (well marked) of a building just as you walk up the drive. YES. A great Americano. Thank the lord. What do they offer? Well besides a lovely selection of breakfast and brunch options (I had the frittata with chicken sausage) they have a full coffee/espresso bar, baked goodies, and...A FULL BAR. Yes. At the far end is a whole bar area, but with a cafe vibe. I love it. I will be back. If ever there were a cute/comfortable place to enjoy a drink, this would be it. Though they've been popularized with the brunch/brekkie/coffee crowd, the boozehounds may just find their niche as well. Service was delightful. Counter ordering, delivered to table. Self serve ice water. Free wifi. Very stylish and cute interior with many tables. No glares upon me staying to work for an hour or so. Clean bathroom. (ask for a key at the counter). The only "minus" is the parking. Certainly something I can get over, even with my motorlovin' ways. A true find in the South Loop area. If Yolk is totally obnoxious (the usual) trot your fine self over to Little Branch for food just as good and crowds not so annoying. Truth. read more

Little Branch Cafe is like a little bud in the Chicago spring....you really have to look for it but once you found it it warms up your heart and put a smile on your face.... My bff and I don't see each other very much lately (ahh...dissertations and papers to write...) and decided to have breakfast together this morning. We also wanted to do that out of our usual haunt and check out once again this little gem tucked in the middle of a forest of high-rises. We chatted, shared the latest news, I received new kitchen gadgets from the Home and Houseware Show (I know you are jealous) and we happily shared a frittata sandwich (nice and moist) and a lox bagel (a little too cheap on the lox) while sipping on coffee. Pros : + privately owned + a pretty large choice of coffee and teas - hot or cold + wine, beer and coffee drinks spiked with all types of liquors! + interesting paninis (prosciutto, parmesan, fig jam and arugula on ciabatta bread...hey honey! I am here!) + gelati to die for (not for breakfast though...I am not that addicted just yet) + cute decor, sleek and modern with 'branchy' accents and bonzai-looking plants + very friendly staff Cons: - no parking space. At all. BUT you can ask to park in front of the store itself if you don't come on footsies. The owner explained to me once that it would be their responsibility to call the tow-truck and they wouldn't do it obviously if they know it's your car and you are inside giving them your business. - pretty limited food options for breakfast - a tiny bit expensive - loud zen music...you know the kind of music you are supposed to listen very softly in a spa room. Except it was LOUD. Which totally defeats its purpose. All in all - a good option and a great one for the neighborhood. read more

I live in the neighborhood and finally made it to this place and it was like meeting up with an old friend. Delicious food (nutella and banana on ciabatta), good coffee, friendly service; reminds me of the coffeehouses I used to go to in Wicker Park that are gone but not forgotten (RIP Urbus Orbis). They were even playing music that I listened to at that time; music I listened to when I listened to music. It sits neatly at the foot of a bunch of South Loop highrise condos and shiny town homes. I sat with my back to the window so it was weird walking out and being reminded of where we were. I just hope the neighborhood's 20-, 30-, and 40-something professionals realize what a gem lies but an elevator ride down. Truth be told, and at the risk of sounding douchey, I'm one of those professionals now. I also appreciate a glass of wine or a scotch on the rocks more than I did back then, as well as anything that involves butternut squash, and Little Branch Cafe can take care of me. But thankfully this place also reminds me of other things I still like -- and sometimes miss -- about myself and it can take care of that person too. Everyone gets older, but it doesn't mean you have to grow up. PS It's also a block away from a sledding hill in Grant Park and will be a great place to warm up. read more

The classic Huff and Doback song "Boats & Hos" contains the following lyrical gem: "The Nina! The Pinta! The Santa Maria! I'll do you in the bottom while you're drinkin' sangria!" I bet they got that sangria from this place. Oh. My. God. The people who run Little Branch need to crash the bar at Cheesecake Factory and show them how you do it. For the non-drinking populace, I recommend any sandwich on their rye bread. It's a marble rye with just enough caraway to taste, but not so much that the bread feels crunchy in your mouth. When I ate there, my sandwich bread was soft and fresh and pretty much exactly right. I don't like most rye because if I wanted to chew seeds for lunch, that's what I'd do, and cut out the middleman (bread). This rye was delicious, perfect, excellent, and whatever other superlative would apply to a bread. Another high point of visits here: CUTE DOGS EVERYWHERE! I think one of the local condominium associations must require their residents to have at least one cute dog, because the patio and its environs were packed with adorable hounds. Prices aren't always posted, sometimes there is table service but not always, and I am not sure when they do offer cucumber water and when they don't. It's better to confuse me when I'm not putting away sangria, and I wish there were some guidelines or additional info to help navigate the more confusing elements of dining here. I will definitely be back, though! Where else am I going to have a savory home-made pickle while I spy on pups? read more