- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Fabcakes
Categories: Restaurants Cafes Food Bakeries Food Coffee & Tea Cafes, Bakeries, Coffee & Tea [Edit]
714 N Wells StChicago, IL 60654
Neighbourhoods: Near North Side, River North
(312) 397-3300
- Nearest Transit:
-
Chicago-brown (Brown Line, Purple Line)
Chicago-red (Red Line)
Grand-red (Red Line)
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 7 am - 6 pm
Sat 9 am - 6 pm
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Paid
- Good For:
- Dessert
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Has TV:
- No
23 reviews for Fabcakes
23 reviews in English
-
Review from Stella W.
Updated - 4/30/2012
They have expanded the menu! YAH! YUMMY mushroom open face sandwiches melt, and good suggestion of sticking to the authentic polish street food tradition by adding the ketchup on the sandwiches!
I smelled something delish immediately after i opened the door. It smelled similar to the truffle smell, but not as distinctive...so i asked the barista what's cooking, and she told me that the owner is making some sauteed mushroom (duh!), and pointed to me to one of the newly added items on the menu!
She also told me that they are adding more and more items to the menu, I can't wait to go back to check them out!1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
4/8/2012
I was so happy not only that I finally find a cute little mom and pop cafe in the downtown area, but… Read more »
-
-
Review from Colleen C.
Chicago, IL
Oooo la la, quite the Euro coffeehouse vibe pulsing on this dilapidated stretch of Wells. Who woulda thunk it? Fabcakes.
Popped in here for a quick coffee meeting that turned into a 3 hour work session...just because I was feelin' it THAT much. I started with a Vanilla Rose iced latte (divine) and a sugar-free, gluten-free brownie. Surprisingly, it worked. What is in it!? I do not know, but I think it burned calories for me. ($3.99)
An hour or so later I tried a Pepper Fig latte. I can't even tell you which flavor I liked better, they were both just a wee bit different, but wonderful. And, all of the syrups are made in-house by the owner. Brilliant! She's working on some sugar-free recipes as well, so stay tuned...however, as a SF-devotee myself, I will tell you that a little splurge on the sweet stuff for one of these lattes is worth it. For what its worth, friends.
The interior is...not what you'd expect. Kind of dark (hence the Euro reference). Red draped walls, dark floors, dark bar. Kind of romantical and makes you feel like you should be smoking, but obviously thats not allowed nor is it healthy. The furniture is sort of...outdoor patio furniture, but it works.
In the winter, this place would totally be my jam. Hot vanilla rose lattes, pretty radical wifi, dark interior, candles. I think it could work. Peace and blessings for Fabcakes to weather this stretch of Wells...try 'em out and see what you think.
*small menu of breakfast/lunch items consistent with a coffee shop.
*Friendly staff.
*takes credit cards.
Pepper Fig Latte or Vanilla Rose. If you read nothing else, read that. And go order one.Listed in: Individual., Wonderfully FREE wifi., River North
-
Review from Veronika G.
Chicago, IL
4/6/2012
This is an unpolished little gem in River North. Unpolished because it's new and still missing a few bells and whistles, lika a big sign or advertisement. If you work/live/hang out in the area your only option has been the Starbucks underneath brown line Chicago stop. Long lines, mechanical service and coffee brewing, all for a hefty price. When Fabcakes opened I almost tripped running so fast for my coffee.
The coffee is high quality and unique in flavors and options. The lavender latte is incredible. Plus knowing that the lavender syrup is made in house and not a Starbucks factory helps me sleep better at night.
The pastries are to drool over. Lot's of variety of flavors, textures, consistencies. They are never too sweet and always so fresh. I've yet to have lunch there, but when I do, i'm sure i won't be disappointed.
I'm thrilled to support a local cafe business especially in an area that thrives on tourists and monopolies. -
Review from F. G.
Chicago, IL
5/23/2012
We ordered the tiramisu truffle and two regular lattes. The truffle was fresh and delicious, dusted in bittersweet cocoa, and served on a real plate. The silverware was wrapped in a paper napkin and tied with red yarn, a cute touch! The lattes were served in large, black mugs, complete with latte art and delicious creaminess. The atmosphere at Fabcakes is very nice, too. I liked the color scheme of black, red, and earth tones. We had a pleasant visit and plan to stop by again sometime. What a fantastic alternative to the busyness of Starbucks!
-
Review from Andrea R.
3/26/2012 1 Check-in Here
I've been avoiding this delicious sounding bakery since it opened with the fear of eating too many desserts and being called "fatcakes." However, my dessert lovin partner in crime Johnny T insisted we check it out.
This lovely bakery is the perfect spot for a meeting or better yet make it your office for the day. Johnny and I only had an hour to spare for our meeting since we were headed to meet some more colleagues at the nearby Farmhouse. However, we did have just enough time for coffee and a muffin. We shared the muffin so don't start with the fatcakes quite yet.
The latte was one of the best I've had and all the credit goes to the lavender shots! Absolutely genius! Our blueberry muffin was a little on the small side, but the half of it I had was so beyond delish. Now that I've seen the light I don't think I"m going to be able to avoid their lavender lattes, blueberry muffins and other scrumptious looking pastries.Listed in: Coffee in Chicago!
-
Review from Carol K.
Chicago, IL
4/4/2012
Take my three stars with a grain of salt. I have not had any of the food off the menu. I ordered a custom made cake for a work colleague's birthday, Fabcakes is down the street so I went for it.
I ordered a vanilla cake with chocolate and vanilla butter cream frosting. Hello.
It was insanely rich and decadent. The cake was like pound cake, super dense and moist, easily a pound, pound and a half of butter and a dozen eggs (I'm exaggerating, well, sort of, but let that be indication of how literally solid this cake was). The butter cream frosting sounds like what it is, again a pound, realistically two of butter, with a touch of sugar, melted chocolate and full fat whipping cream. My arteries were screaming for help.
Some would say this is the perfect cake. I like things a bit lighter, airy, with fresh fruit and such. But alas, it was not my birthday.
It's a very American way to have cake, er, maybe a very Parisian way to have cake. If you dig that sort of thing, go nuts, but make sure to take a jog the next day. -
Review from Mickey A.
3/17/2012 3 Check-ins Here
Mocha in a mug!
Make that a big mug for having ordered a small. Yup, if you're dining in and drinking your choice of coffee/hot chocolate/drink, it will be served in mug. That got me immediately because how many coffee shop places downtown use real mugs? Plus, the employee made a really cool heart shape with the froth. Neat-o.
The place is a bit dark with the red curtains lining the interior walls which kind of gives off that cozy feel that makes you want to sit, eat, drink, read, or just hang out. At least, that's what I feel like doing every time I walk in here. I have yet to try this lavender latte, but it's on my to-do list on my next visit. Pastries are good (i.e. the spinach, tomato, spinach and goat cheese quiche and almond cheesecake), as are the mochas.Listed in: Mocha me this
-
Review from Susan B.
Chicago, IL
2/14/2012
Still looking for a treat for your Valentine or for you? Skip the chains and stop here for some fantastic desserts that will make anyone's day. They have a wide variety of interesting and unique pastries:
Salt caramel and chocolate dessert bar
Fresh berry meringue
Red velvet heart with a mascarpone filling (as adorable as it sounds)
Blueberry cheesecake
Coconut bonbon
Plum tart
Tons more!
The pastries are beautiful, and the prices are very fair.
And to top it off, this is a family-owned business--in River North! I met the son and niece of the baker, and they were genuinely nice, excited about the shop, and so (rightfully) proud of their mom/aunt's talents.
I left feeling better about the world. And not only because I had chocolate in my hands. -
Review from Wesley R.
Danger danger danger! My diet is in danger with this fabulous looking spot serving up delicious pastries and breads to tempt me on a daily basis!
They should be officially open next week, but they are in the midst of a soft open. I was able to bring back the Chocolate Carmel Sea Salt cake to the office, and it was a big hit. I also can't wait to try another serving of the Strawberry Peach Cobbler, which had a nice surprise of nuts inside.
They also serve croissants as well, so I'll update this review once I give it a try. They'll have coffee, and they have some seating options if you need to sneak away from the office to have a snack and a casual conversation.
I'll be watching your career here in the River North area with great interest, Fabcakes! -
Review from michelle p.
Chicago, IL
4/7/2012
I love this place. I work in the neighborhood and I am always looking for new places to get lunch. The sandwich I had was yummy and their coffee is great. They have a bunch of different creative latte flavors.
The pastries are sooo good, they have some really great stuff.
Fabcakes is a wonderful and very welcome addition to the neighborhood.
You should definitely check it out!!!! -
Review from Gremlin J.
Chicago, IL
4/20/2012
I was lured in by the sign offering some creative lattes and went ahead and ordered a lavender latte (with soy). It is FREAKING delightful!! Great tasting coffee that blends well with the lavender flavor with just a hint of sweetness. Super smooth.
I've only given 4 stars because their menu seemed limited, but if everything is as good as this coffee, then I'll up the star quota.
Also - the woman behind the counter was super friendly and chattable. Always a good sign.
I will be back! -
Review from AJ K.
Chicago, IL
2/13/2012
Great pastries and damn fine coffee.
Very friendly folk.
Largest tables I have ever seen in a cafe. Lots of room to spread out and work. They basically have four patio tables in the front, with three chairs at each. Plent of room for three laptops, food and drinks without crowding. -
Review from Grace N.
Chicago, IL
2/27/2012
they had me at "lavender latte".
i passed by this cute little cafe today and didn't think much of it at first (nor did i know it was relatively new), but saw a sign on the sidewalk advertising their lavender latte and thought that sounded amazing. on my way back home i passed by again, and then decided to stop in and give it a try. so glad i did!
upon tasting my latte, i immediately began texting my friend with my one free hand (of course holding the latte in the other) about how delicious and unique the latte was. that's the only item i've tried so far, but i'll definitely be back to try others! -
Review from Char S.
Joliet, IL
3/22/2012
Small selection and cupcakes were just so-so
-
Review from Lauren C.
Chicago, IL
2/29/2012
Fabcakes is a wonderful, local, family-run coffee shop.
They make their own delicious syrups like lavendar and pepper fig to put in lattes, and the coffee comes from a local Chicago roaster. The staff has a friendly attitude and there are pastry samples out for tasting!
They also have lunch specials like delicious daily quiches, salads, and bagel sandwiches. Everything is affordable, homemade, I fresh.
This place is exactly the neighborhood spot this area of River North needed. Fabcakes is conveniently located only 1 block off the Chicago Brown Line stop and has great hours (open for breakfast, lunch, or late work meeting). -
Review from Christopher H.
Chicago, IL
2/15/2012
I stumbled upon this place while I was exploring the River North neighborhood last week. I have to say that I was really impressed! They have a great selection of menu items and the staff was extremely nice and helpful. I definitely recommend this as a tasty alternative to any chain store.
-
Review from Lindsey A.
Chicago, IL
2/8/2012
This cafe is so adorable! Friendly staff and amazzing tirimisu. i would definitely recommend stopping by and grabbing a cup of joe at this new gem! a welcomed addition to the neighborhood for sure !
-
Review from Heather W.
Roselle, IL
2/24/2012
If you normally go to Starbucks or any of those big corporate places, this place just blows them away! They have great pastries, made fresh every day. The cherry tart is to die for. Every day they have a different special that will blow you away. The coffee and tea beat Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts hands down.
It is a family-owned business, the entire staff truly cares about their customers. I have never had poor service or experience at Fabcakes.
Don't take my word for it - go check it out! -
Review from Karie V.
Streamwood, IL
2/24/2012
Fabcakes is FABULOUS.
A quaint little cafe with an excellent waitstaff, delicious pastries and wonderful coffee drinks. Stop in and have some of their decadent desserts or just to have a cup o' Joe. Very cozy and comfortable. Will definitely stop in again. Thanks :-) -
Review from Brianna L.
Chicago, IL
2/23/2012
This place is great. I work nearby and am tired of going to lunch at the same 5 spots, so my coworker and I were excited when we saw this place had popped up in an old gallery spot.
We decided to try it out. The first thing I noticed was how inexpensive everything was! I got the chicken salad on a croissant and it was delicious. Cheap too. I also splurged a little and got the mocha mousse with strawberries. I was a little hesitant because I am a bit of a mousse snob, but for the $1.50 it cost, it was great!
The decor is interesting, I felt almost like I was in a blackbox or backstage. The walls are covered in red curtains and the floors and accents are black. It was strange, but I liked it. Also, all of the employees were super nice.
The most memorable part was the tea.. it was a Lapsang Souchong Tea. I have never heard of it before but it TASTES SMELLS LIKE A CAMPFIRE. I was hesitant but decided to go for it. It was so strangely good.
Overall, cute little spot. They definitely need a little time to build a base, but it was great and I recommend it! -
Review from Sarah D.
Chicago, IL
2/8/2012
Pastries are amazing here! If you want to be wowed try the cheesecake my personal fav :))
-
Review from Azza A.
Chicago, IL
2/24/2012
We decided to venture out to try the new pastry place in river north.
Overall, the experience was great. A very cozy and warm family run business. If you are into chains (Starbucks lovers), you might want to get a feel of an independent community style place that actually SELLS good coffee and fresh out of the oven pastries.
The space is pretty big, much bigger than most coffee shops. They have samples of some of their exotic menu items, which I think us a great idea. We tried:
1. Freshly made croissant (I mean just came out of the oven), and, trust me, I know my croissant pretty well. Those were just perfect!
2. Tirmasu - a small cup of tirmasu (for $1.50, okay, The cheap side of me thought: i won't be too upset if it turned out horrible since it is only a $1.50). It actually is so good! Doesn't taste like a typical tirmasu but is really really good and fresh!
3. Creme burlee tart - now I didn't think those existed. It just sounds too good to be true, I mean a baked tart along with a creamy creme crunchy creme burlee? ... If you are thinking the same way, I won't judge, all I have to say is run there and find out for yourself.
I am glad we have a place like this in river north. It brings some neighborhoody feel to our neck of the woods! -
Review from Maciej O.
Chicago, IL
2/18/2012
With a cozy interior, amazing sweets and some of the friendliest barists in town this was an amazing stumble upon in the River North Neighborhood.
