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Bonjour Cafe Bakery
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
85 reviews for Bonjour Cafe Bakery
Review Highlights
"An entire side is dedicated to croissants."
(in 29 reviews)
"The morning roll was also amazing."
(in 5 reviews)
"My chocolate croissant (pain au chocolat) was good, not..."
(in 3 reviews)
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85 reviews in English
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Review from Kudo Z.
Chicago, IL
12/28/2011
Hidden gem in Hyde Park!
Run by a nice and trendy French lady. Pastries, esp. their flaky croissant is the best you can find in Hyde Park. Their desserts look sooooo yum as they really put an effort in presentation.
yet their lunch menu is a bit pricey. -
Review from Lisa K.
12/1/2011
My favorite traits in a bakery:
1) mini-versions of baked goods (Bonjour has many, including varieties of croissants, morning rolls, and some cookies - makes it easier to try more things)
2) free samples (oddly plentiful here)
3) day old goods (ok Bonjour doesn't have those but I hear they donate their day olds).
I was really happy with the quality of the items here. Everything is nicely, but not excessively, buttery. The baked goods are mainly French but there's a healthy dose of American treats too (the M&M cookies were good). I liked the bread pudding, which was moist without being soggy. We tried an awful lot of the items and the only thing I wasn't happy with was the heart-shaped cookie - very cute but pretty flavorless, in my opinion. I could have used some stronger flavors in the croque monsieur, but it was nicely cooked and the ingredients were all top-notch - even the white bread. The employees seem a tad on the snooty side and certainly aren't in a rush for anything, but neither am I at a bakery, so it wasn't problematic. -
Review from Helena G.
Chicago, IL
9/25/2011
I was curious about this place! Today I went there to have a snack (in Portugal is lanche, the meal between the lunch and dinner). we tried a raspberries muffin and an almond croissant.
The muffin was very good, it had many fresh raspberries inside! And the croissant was also good, but it wasn't fresh!
This place is nice but a little pricey! -
Review from Matt P.
Chicago, IL
1/2/2012
Attractive food and French Belle femme. ;)
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Review from purpleties b.
Chicago, IL
12/7/2011
The ONLY reason I'm giving one star is because the Yelp will not allow for zero stars. This place SUCKS! The owner (a french woman) is RUDE and NASTY. She berates and belittles her staff. Which is made up of YOUNG high scholars or college student's must speak french. If you have a complaint it falls on deaf English understanding and french speaking ears. She ONLY address her staff in french and her responses are dramatic with her pointing at her chest saying "is it my fault" or "what am I to do about it" You're the owner fix it its your goods and services you are selling!!
The prices are to high for the nasty, unfriendly and unapologetic service. She is another business owner in Hyde Park who's business model is to 'mistreat your customer and they will come back because there is nothing else in Hyde Park'.
Don't waste your money that YOU have worked hard for and don't WASTE your time. Time you will NEVER get back! She seems as think her sweets walk on water...NOT!!! -
Review from Peter H.
Chicago, IL
9/2/2011 4 Check-ins Here
Sometimes this place feels pricey, but then you consider what you're getting and its worth it. Everything's made in-shop, and the atmosphere is really nice. I've never had an issue with the staff there, and the French music playing isn't ever too loud or annoying. They have water for dogs outside as well, which is considerate of residents/customers.
You go here to feel good, and from the looks of it a lot of people do. Plus places like these are few and far between, it's nice having an alternative to some coffee chain.Listed in: Hyde Park
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Review from Kristen R.
Oak Park, IL
9/18/2011
There are a zillion yummy looking desserts and pastries, and the few I've tried are quite good, but felt a little pricey. Even though this place is all about the baked goods, I'm in Hyde Park for night classes, so I'm hungering for more than dessert, and I come here for the sandwiches. Never been disappointed. Last week, I had the goat cheese panini, which I figured would be totally hit or miss. Total hit-- cooked perfectly, peppers were perfect, and the bread totally complemented the cheese. And --best of all-- was very reasonably priced!!
I will certainly return here for the food, but as others have mentioned, the owner could use some Customer Service 101. She's no gem, but the young staff who cower around her are nice and make yummy food. -
Review from William L.
Chicago, IL
Well, this is a tough one for me. I like the little plaza it is in, especially when they have some live music or other cool thing going on, but other than that, I am not too crazy about the area.
The staff are hit or miss. Some are great and others take the traditional French approach, stubbing their noses oh so well.
I have had the same experiences with the food: some great and others seemed to be a bit stale.
Maybe I just never get their at the right time or day. I will try again, though. -
Review from Phil T.
Chicago, IL
11/10/2011
I love their pastries! Yes, it can be a bit more expensive than buying sweets at the grocery store, but I do not care. This is one place where I will splurge, because the quality is SO good.
Almond croissants never tasted better anywhere that I've ever eaten them. Trust me, try Bonjour Bakery. I think you will think so too! -
Review from Meghan K.
Chicago, IL
6/5/2011
Sweet Jesus the Croque Monsieur Poulet is FANTASTIC! It is so simple and beautifully delicious!! I get one every Sunday after Church and they are always amazing!
The one downside is the fact that they are rather slow, but it's completely understandable since they make most of the food when you order it and don't just throw it in a microwave. -
Review from g r.
Chicago, IL
2/21/2011
They're A-OK a solid three star, I guess that isn't enough to keep you in business though, I'm not sure if they're closed down or just closed on Monday's, or are they remodeling, since there is white kraft paper on the windows and they place had a closed for business vibe about it.
I enjoyed going there for the soup and sandwich combo in the past, I wanted to bring my Mother-inlaw to this cute little place. Even though their bakery is good, but a little pricey.
I did always think the croissants were a bit overdone, they seemed to turn to dust after a bite.
Oh well...so long, I guess? Well I'll check back. -
Review from Chrissy N.
Chicago, IL
4/11/2011
Best pastries in Hyde Park! Come here, because they really ARE French!! So there's no funny business.
Come for the amazing pastries, croissants, stuffed croissants and tarts. The coffee is good, but it's the smells of the fresh baked items that will make you want to stay her for good.
They are always friendly, and the goods are always fresh. This place can get crowded, and it's not a pop in and run out place. Not gonna happen. Plan for a few minute wait before being helped (due to crowds).
The fun part- once you get your order- head outside to the relaxing courtyard area with little tables and chairs, flowers, and a little fountain. You'll feel like you're in a little European cafe, if only for a moment. -
Review from Natalie W.
Chicago, IL
9/25/2011
I come here like, every day, because I live around the corner and work across the courtyard at La Petite Folie. Their pastries are the best and most authentic French pastries I've had outside of France, and the coffee is really good, especially the iced coffee, which is always really strong. I've never eaten breakfast here, cause its a little pricey, but it always looks so good and I keep meaning to. I would have given them 4 or 5 stars if not for a little off-putting experience I had the other day. I didn't realize I'd reached my (modest) credit limit on my card, and it was declined. I didn't have enough money to pay for my pastry, and I was really embarrassed. I understand its frustrating for the business, but the owner was really rude to me, and rolled her eyes and said something snippy about me in French to the girl working the other register. I would understand a little more if I didn't go there all the time and give them so much of my money. I'll keep going back, but the experience left a sour taste in my mouth. Whenever I'm there it seems like the owner is rude to a lot of her customers and the girls (she only hires girl) who work for her, which is sad, cause they all seem really nice.
Oh, and lol at the person who said Treasure Island was 1/4 mile away. Its in the same plaza and is like 30 yards away, and the walk is covered the whole way. -
Review from Morgan M.
10/28/2010
Almond Croissant et une tasse de café sont rien de moins que le ciel.
When you enter the pearly gates to the biggest party of your life, or after life where caloric intake mean nothing and you can eat whatever and whenever you want, what are some of the things you would like to be surrounded by? Whether it is white velour sweat pants and a tank, whip cream flavored vodka or almond croissants. I'd like to say all of the above, but place high importance on the almond croissant.
Forget maple and bacon donuts, forget the crepes (okay maybe not the crepe because they're delish too) but finding and sticking with a good pastry let alone a croissant is like looking for a needle in a haystack. Thus brings me to Bonjour, a cute Parisian style café that caters to the early morning-lunch crowd. A small shop cozied up in the Hyde Park Shopping Center; where you're bound to find an eclectic mix...try Rick James look-a-like cruising in a hoopty 1989 big boat Caddy sportin' a shimmery gold hat followed up by a couple who have probably been married for 80 years carting their groceries across the crowded streets waiving to each passing car. You gotsta rock what ya got.
Back to the café. The glass cases are filled with an extensive variety of freshly baked pastries that include lots of croissants: almond, pain au chocolat, butter, cheese or even sausage filled. An entire side is dedicated to croissants. There is also quite a bit of delicate cookies: Palmiers (mini), coconut brioche, raspberry cups, rugelach, almond dusted, etc. But the real place to stop and shout about is the tarts. There's so many and they're all mini in 4" tart tins, beautiful and delicate desserts that are a perfect addition for a stay in date night.
Bonjour is a full on café that serves more than pastries and offers croque monsieur in a couple of different forms like chicken apart from the original ham (very intrigued about this), salads and quiche. They offer Metropolis coffee beans so you're bound to get a good cup once it's brewed.
Almond Croissant
*Slightly disappointed, the top layer was hard, to the point where I threw it out because I couldn't even enjoy the almond center that was soft but beginning to have the effect that it was baked a tad too long.
Apricot Raisin Rugelach
*Rolled up like a pinwheel, this was a nice cookie. Light on the spices, the dough was full and fluffy. I missed the nutty texture but opted to try this style for a different take (they do have one with walnuts).
Coconut Brioche
*It's basically a macaroon. Petite, bite size and holds enough flavor for the taste buds to savor for a few minutes.
Raspberry Cup
*Hmm, I'm not sold on this. I like the concept and the dough was light and buttery similiar to a soft shortbread, but it seemed like such a simple cookie and was out of place for the café. It's more of a Christmas/Holiday cookie you would make at your house.
Raspberry Rugelach
*Different take on rugelach, but only houses jam instead of raisins or nuts and is not pinwheeled nor rolled like a croissant.
Almond Cookie
*Defo need some coffee on hand, the cookie is just like biscotti. Packed with almond extract and actual almond slivers throughout the dense cookie it was my favorite of the lot.
I like the concept of Bonjour but I'm not sure I would be a regular. If you live in Hyde Park, it's a great place for dessert pick me ups most definitely. The girls behind the counter were on top of everyone in the cafe, the frilly white shirts and blue bonnet type headbands were cutesy. Prices are a little higher than average but they're a specialty bakery so be prepared to drop $2.00 for a single cookie and more for croissants.Listed in: A moment on the lips
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Review from Kate B.
San Francisco, CA
10/23/2010
I wanted to love this place, I really did. I gave it three tries and now it's out. First I tried the quiche lorraine as it's my favorite, but it was so SO greasy it was unbelievable. And no it wasn't just the cheese or butter, it was just straight up greasy and about 75% crust.
Salmon quiche was not any better. The macarons are okay but expensive, and the tart I had was sort of bland. My latte was bad and tasted burnt. Twice I've had them forget to make my order, and being a painfully patient person I will almost never pester staff about how long my order is taking, so I had to wait 20 minutes to figure that out.
I'm not cutting this place slack just because it's the only bakery cafe in Hyde Park other than Medici, but I can see why people like it. Unfortunately though with multiple tries and none of them ending with me scarfing down something I'd order again, I'm just going to have to give up. -
Review from Mae M.
Chicago, IL
8/30/2011
This morning we waited for over an hour for our breakfast while people who came after us got served. When we asked the proprietor for an explanation, she was beyond rude and obnoxious. She arrogantly told us if we wanted fast service to go to Jimmie Johns. We demanded our money back, and her arrogance was apparent to many who witnessed the exchange. The excuse was that two people quit her this morning.
Shocker. -
Review from Vladas K.
Chicago, IL
6/24/2010
Oh, Bonjour Cafe Bakery... I frequent it often enough and spend lots of money there in order to feel entitled to say exactly how I feel about this place.
Yes, pastries are expensive, but they are really good. If you are a chocolate lover, get Chocolate Entremet. It's definitely not low-fat or low-sugar, but it melts in your mouth and does not leave bad aftertaste as most of the pastries from the neighboring Treasure Island do. It's just different level, you can't even compare.
Also, as much as I love Whole Foods, their pastries cannot compete with Bonjour, not at all. So this is one of the best places to get unique, great tasting, not mass-produced cakes, cookies and croissants.
Service is mostly great, even at times when the place gets busy. The owner is a different story. I find her extremely entertaining, a real oddity that makes you feel like you're in France. However, in order to hold this opinion one needs to have a sarcastic sense of humor.
The experience of France, of course, includes owner's inability to speak English and lack of understanding of customer service 101 (U.S. version of it, of course).
She addresses her customers and staff members in the same "I'm-giving-orders-here" tone. She can easily slam cash register and give you a dirty look just because she does not like you. Once she threw a towel on the counter, yelled something in French and stormed out when a friend of mine complained about the way his Americano was made.
I think this is charming, in a strange way. However, I have seen people seriously offended by her way of customer service. It does not bother me at all, as I find it funny and would not hesitate to give the place 5 stars. I am giving only 4 because the way she treats her staff is despicable.
I heard her yell and swear. I've seen her humiliate servers in front of the customers. I've seen her literally pushing a girl aside because she was trying to reach something and not bothering to say "excuse me" and "sorry."
Knowing that most of the staff members speak fluent French, treating good and smart employees like that is completely wrong. If not that taste of Entremet melting in my mouth as I write this review, I'd be giving Bonjour 2 stars, just because of the owner's attitude towards her employees. I hope she pays them decent salary... doubt it. -
Review from Katherine O.
Chicago, IL
8/10/2011
As a person who works at a cafe I am very picky about the cafes that I'll go to. First off my favorite coffee is Metropolis and I like it served in just the way they instruct to serve it. I don't however like attitude. So this place was kind of a miss for me. Decor was cute enough but the large woman running the register was just plain rude and it would be silly to give her a pass because she's French. She is disgusting in the way that she treats her staff and clearly doesn't care for the customers. Also 6 dollars for a latte with a double shot? Are you kidding me? It was good but I probably won't be going back unless I'm ever in a serious coffee conundrum.
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Review from Karen T.
1/27/2009
Hyde Park is definitely not known for its fine cuisine. Maybe for an amazing dichotomy and ratio of Nobel laureates produced to shootings, but it's no destination spot in a Zagat guide. Aside from an overflow of Thai restaurants on 55th Street, there wasn't too much in this mile stretch of "U of C" territory. To give you a semblance of an idea, the entire campus got REALLY excited when the Jimmy John's and Potbelly's opened up a few years back.
So yes, Bonjour Bakery runs unopposed for best bakery in Hyde Park, asides from the Med, but it's earned its reputation. The croissants here are comparable to ones you'd find in a Parisian boulangerie, and definitely as good as it gets here in Chicago. I highly recommend the filled ones, sweet or salty - they're all delicious. And they're not just experts with the French baked goods, oh no. One of my favorite finds here was and continues to be their rugelach - apricot or raspberry. I don't know what manna from heaven actually tastes like, but I imagine it tastes something like their rugelach - mazel tov!
When I fell seriously ill once during my college years, my roommate, sweetheart that she was, ran to Bonjour to pick up soup for me. And it was the perfect remedy to my ailment. Take your pick of any of the comfort foods.... soups, cookies, croissants, Bonjour envelopes you in a cloud of warmth, love and baked bread upon entrance to their cozy, unassuming shop. You won't be sorry you went. Unless you try on a Monday, which I've definitely done before. Seeing the "closed" sign on their door is probably how a crack whore feels when she can't find her dealer. Don't do it.Listed in: Hyde Park: Ivory Tower of the…, Get BAKED...
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Review from Samson P.
Chicago, IL
6/16/2011 1 photo
My girlfriend loves sweets and European pastries. So being the good boyfriend that I am, and my girlfriend will vouch for me, I decided to drop by her house to surprise her. No special occasion, just 'cause. I bought some croissants, ham and cheese croissant, chocolate eclair, bread pudding, and vanilla and raspberry macaroons. My girlfriend was pleasantly surprised and satisifed with the tasty treats. She especially adored the raspberry macaroons. I will definitely be coming back for more, that's a promise.
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Review from Colleen C.
Brooklyn, NY
2/25/2009
The South Beach Diet does NOT approve of this place.
However, I do.
A cute, quaint little shop in Hyde Park run by REAL French people. (Just ask our resident French expert, Aurore L). In the summer I imagine people sprawling out into the courtyard to enjoy their little poofs of pastry. Mmmmm.
After overloading a bit on sugar at Medici, I opted for a fresh (LARGE) plain croissant. Even an hour later it was buttery, fluffery, wonderfully lovely. Sinful. Delicious. I am glad I reside far, far away from here....
The staff was very cute and pleasant, and were quick to make helpful suggestions and explain certain pieces. The macaroons were screaming to me...but alas, I left them orphaned. I just could not.
Diet Coke for $1. Nice!
Most definitely worth a stop in, and many thanks to Aurore L & Reuben H for the little Hyde Park exploratory field trip!Listed in: France via Chicago...
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Review from Mary T.
2/23/2009
Cher Bonjour Cafe:
Je t'aime!
Baisers,
Mary
First off, I must thank Reuben and Aurore for coming up with the fab idea of coming here after Office Hours at Medici. I got a plain croissant and a chocolate one for the road (sorry Rhonda for taking the last one). The warm, buttery, flaky croissants made fresh for our arrival were amazing and brought back warm memories of France. There was decent group of us so I didn't really check out much more than the bakery case.
My chocolate croissant (pain au chocolat) was good, not great. However, I did eat it the next morning so I won't deduct any stars. I'll have to come back and try to get one fresh from the oven to get an accurate read. Even a day old though, it was a pretty solid item.
I will say the items in the bakery case looked like works of art; delicate, pretty and sinfully delicious works of art. Service was very warm and friendly, the two young girls manning the counter were adorable in their little red berets.
I rarely get to Hyde Park, but a croissant craving would send me back for these. Next trip I also want to purchase a baguette, mmmmm!Listed in: Pour some sugar on me, Southside!
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Review from Aurore L.
Updated - 10/5/2009
To all macaroon lovers out there -
Oh - I mean French macaroons....not the yummy coconut kind.
The Laduree kind. These little wheels of pure heaven.
I know you are out there - you keep starting threads on the subject.
Don't deny it.
So......I have news for you!!!
And there are GOOD!
Bonjour has just expended their line of wonderful delights. Now besides the classic vanilla, coffee, pistachio and chocolate you will find, among others....ready?!?!?
- Orange macaroons
- Cinnamon Sea Salt macaroons
- Chocolate Orange macaroons
- Lemon Basil macaroons
- Passion Fruit macaroons
And they are still working on new flavors....
Just sayin' guys...just sayin'....
I was fortunate enough to have a sampling of all of them and they are scrumptious!!
Alors?!?!? Depechez-vous!!Listed in: Sweet Dreams, I would die happy here, French connection, Un cafe, s'il vous plait!!, Hyde Park - the 'living in'…
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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12/31/2008
OH MON DIEU.
When I decided to have my little 'cocktail' reception at Bonjour to celebrate our… Read more »
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Review from Reuben H.
12/8/2008
Simply put- the BEST French-style bakery (more like a salon de thé) in Chicago for all of your pastry and small bite cravings! Pascale, one of the owners, is awesome and the bakery that her and her husband procured has turned into this wonderful place to go anytime you long for something delicious. Everything from their croissants to their macaroons to their wonderful tart-style cakes, and even all of their savory options are all mouth watering and executed masterfully! She runs her business with an eagle eye and strives for perfection- all in the name of quality and to ensure that she stays as close to her French roots (specifically Paris) as possible.
My personal favorite here is the individual bread pudding. For around $2.50 you get this rich and large (perfect breakfast size) muffin size individual bread pudding which has a layering of flavors that brings something new to your mouth almost every time you take a bite. Filling and completely satisfying, and yet an hour later you long for one more bite- until you find yourself back there the next day.
Service is a great experience as well- especially for those that would like to practice their French. Almost all workers there have a good command of the French language, and the decent-sized French population in Hyde Park, along with many more French coming from throughout the city makes this just about the closest thing to a Parisian experience that you can find in Chicago.
The space inside is fairly small and seats are limited, however in the summer months when the weather is nicer- there is a lovely courtyard with a fountain out front and plenty of room to find a bench or a table to enjoy a delicious pain au chocolat, and some great Metropolis coffee. On top of that- there is a good size parking lot for this shopping center- the only one in Hyde Park with a decent size that is completely free! Next time you are anywhere in the vicinity of Hyde Park (finally checking out Co-Op Seminary Book Store, or the campus of the University of Chicago, or doing a tour of the Robie House, or maybe making your Barack Obama tour)- make sure you say "Bonjour!" to this amazing place.Listed in: (Dr. Jekyll and Mr.) Hyde Park
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Review from Jenna S.
Chicago, IL
2/28/2009
Looking for the most European corner in Chicago? Look no further than 55th and Lake Park Ave. There's Bonjour Cafe and Treasure Island - all in one place!
Bonjour Cafe is a quaint little bakery right near the center of Hyde Park. The owners are French which is something I love. I was really excited to hear the owners and some customers speaking French - I wanted to butt in but I was way too nervous!
There was a huge selection of yummy croissants to please every pallate. I decided to go with the multi-grain croissant because I have never ever heard of one before. It was pretty good, though a little dry. The classic croissant probably would have been a better choice because I presume it would have been flaky and buttery. I'd like to go back to sample some more of the yummy special croissants.
There were also pastries galore (lots 'o chocolate) and a good variety of drinks (both hot and cold) to make everyone happy. I decided on a diet Coke (yep, I'm lame) but it was nice and ice cold. I hope to be back to this place because I love all things French (je suis nerd) but when am I ever in Hyde Park? Go if you're in the area.Listed in: La France à Chicago
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Review from Kelly S.
Chicago, IL
2/23/2009
I really want to LOVE this place, and I will definitely head south again for another try.
Maybe I should have gotten one of the two varieties of croissants that were prepared for our group. I had my heart set on a chocolate croissant and chose to order from the pastry case instead. It was a bit dense and dry... perhaps left from the morning.
Bonjour! I will be back! -
Review from Randy R.
Chicago, IL
10/21/2007
There aren't too many places you can go get a chocolate croissant or a decent piece of opera cake around Chicago, fewer on the south side. However, this is an awesome destination when you'd care for some quality pastries and Hyde Park is on the agenda.
This is not cheap...but where can you buy an opera cake cheap? There is plenty of choice, including breakfasty options like quiche and the place is often hopping, without too much of a wait. There is also outdoor seating and this is a fairly cool plaza to begin with. The coffee is quite good, and the people watching ain't so awful either. -
Review from Rhonda G.
2/23/2009
This review will be brief. just like my visit to Bonjour.
I had a huge peanut butter cookie and a cup of coffee. Bonjour's Peanut butter cookie is now on my list of favorite peanut butter cookies. And considering their wasn't a list before, this is quite a feat. The coffee was pretty good too, nothing fancy just coffee which is exactly what I wanted in this world of latte-mocha-blah-blah. Small place so don't go with a huge group (like we did).
I wanted a choco-croissant but they were out.Listed in: Baked!
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Review from m l.
Chicago, IL
1/26/2009
Two words: Morning Roll.
Also, it's fun to be in a place where French is flying every which way.
That is all. -
Review from nick a.
San Francisco, CA
2/20/2009
I love how all the girls here can speak at least a little French. Bonjour made me thankful that I took French in high school so I could flirt with all of the cute girls working behind the counter.
Outside of the cute staff... I loved how there were always papers to read (back before everyone read their news on their Blackberry or iPhone). All of the drinks were reasonably priced and I loved the assortment tarts. -
Review from Gordon D.
Brooklyn, NY
6/4/2010
It's mostly all been said. This spot has GREAT pastries and good (Metropolis) coffee. It's not great for studying (less than comfy ambiance) but I don't think that's what they're going for;certainly they've done well considering the suburban-style shopping center setting, and the outdoor seating is pleasant and dog-friendly.
I mostly wanted to review this place so that I could dock them two stars for not recycling. Like literally when you ask "where can I recycle this bottle?" the answer is "we don't recycle." This is a problem in many cafes that is shocking in this day and age, but it's all the more so at a pleasant, independent coffee shop in Hyde Park. Figure something out Pascale! -
Review from Honey B.
Chicago, IL
5/15/2007
I love this bakery. The staff is always so friendly, and the pastries are really really good. I've had friends complain about the cost, but I think it's priced pretty accurately for the quality.
Surprisingly, the yellow cupcake is awesome. Light and spongy, and then they throw a ton of real whipped cream on top, and cover that in chocolate ganache. GIANT, and only 2.50! -
Review from Vespa R.
Chicago, IL
10/17/2011
There are plenty of cafes in Hyde Park. Choose one other than this. I was there Saturday morning. I ordered a coffee (weak, and otherwise unremarkable) and a cranberry muffin. The muffin was only partially baked. After some effort, I got a young woman's attention behind the counter to show her the muffin. Despite clear evidence to the contrary, she insisted the muffin was baked, and walked away. No apology, no offer to swap out for another baked item, no refund. Just turned her back, and walked away, never to return, as I waited. So, I ended up spending $4 on a small cup of below-par coffee, and went about my errands hungry. If I'd known there was a Julius Meinl in the Treasure Island down the mall, I'd have gone there. You should, too.
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Review from Jeanie P.
5/5/2009
oh la la! This place is quickly becoming quite addicting...
After studying abroad in France, I have a particular weakness for boulangeries/patisseries, and I was so surprised to find this wonderful neighborhood bakery in Hyde Park! Just to give you an idea about my bakery obsession, while studying abroad in France, my host family literally lived a block away from a patisserie that I would pass everyday on the way to and from school.. And yes, I ate from that patisserie twice a day.
The atmosphere at Bonjour Cafe is really wonderful and relaxed. There is always an interesting mix of families and locals. It is a great place to grab a breakfast treat and coffee or a light lunch (they always have great lunch specials-soups,sandwiches, and quiche!). They have indoor and outdoor tables.
They serve the typical croque monsieurs, but I've only tried the turkey and brie on the baguette. French sandwiches are always so simple, but yet so delicious! It must be the bread...
Also, the bread pudding comes in muffin form here, and is a perfect mix of soft layers and crunchy top-- every bite is delish. The croissant des amandes (almond croissant) is sweet, almondy, flaky glory. The morning roll was also amazing. The croissants here are so light and are beautifully layered. And once you've had a real French croissant, you can never go back! Though the prices can be a little high (I paid 1.05 for a small walnut cookie- which by the way was SO good!!), it's a nice place to come when you want to treat yourself.
They also have a variety of cakes, colorful macarons, and beautifully crafted petite desserts. Oh and the owner is tres francaise, so you can pretend you're in France-- at least temporarily. So if you're in the Hyde Park area, definitely check it out! -
Review from Sam K.
Chicago, IL
1/11/2008
I walked into this place expecting the staff to be rude.
You see, I'm an especially stupid kind of racist. I have the impression that British people are awful, even though I've never met a Briton I didn't like. Same with the French. On the other hand, I also think Norwegians are awesome, even though 8 out of the 12 or so Norwegians I've met were complete assholes. But in theory, Norwegians are pretty awesome.
But in real life, of course, the French are lovely. Especially here. This bakery is sweet, friendly, and open. It's quaint and pretty but unpretentious, and all the people who work here are sincere and helpful. I love the fact that you can get bite sized desserts; nothing better than spending an afternoon with a good book and a good espresso while nibbling on something tiny and sweet - a little tart with a single blueberry on it, or one of those little walnut cookies. The croissants are great too - flaky, and delicious if you're lucky enough to get there while they're still warm.
They only lose a star for those awful chairs that leave indentations on my poor bum. :(Listed in: My obligatory South Side List
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Review from Benjamin H.
Chicago, IL
8/16/2008
I would give my left arm to have Bonjour Bakery nestled in my Lincoln Square neighborhood. Unfortunately, if I ever want what I consider to be the best chocolate croissant in the Chicago-land area, i have to truck down to Hyde Park. Se la vie. This place is hands-down the most authentically Euro cafe i've come across. From the shining glass dessert displays to the napkins and straws littering the floors, this place is the real deal.
I had an oportunity to have a sandwhich one afternoon. I opted for the Croque Monseiur, since it's sort of a French litmus test. Well, it blew my mind wide open! The bread was of great quality, which was key in order to hold the plethora of Emmenthaler cheese and pefectly smoked ham. I loved that they served it to me on a paper plate. Whoever said the French were pretentious?! I finished the meal with a lovely chocolate croissant and an espresso. The chocolate croissant was absolutely heavenly and set the standard for everything else i've had in the city. The outside being glazed and crispy, leading to an absurdly buttery texture. Going with tradition, they used two nice strips of bittersweet chocolate through the center. Heavenly. The espresso was also top notch. How can you argue with a place like this when 80% of the clientel and employees are speaking French!Listed in: Chocolate Croissants
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Review from Ben V.
Hyde Park, Chicago, IL
6/19/2008 3 Check-ins Here
Settled in a little shopping courtyard, the Bonjour Cafe Bakery makes a wonderful contribution to the ambiance of the inner-city open space. The goods are wonderful, but a bit expensive. The range of pastries varies, but there's always something interesting to try. The staff are helpful and friendly.
Stop in for a good coffee, pastry and sit for an hour taking in a gentle summer morning and all will be right in your world, at least for that hour. -
Review from Kate F.
Chicago, IL
10/9/2011
Great pastries, and tasty sandwiches. A little pricey, but worth it. Only four stars because of the unfriendly Madame who is often rude to her staff (in French), but unfortunately, I speak enough French to understand her.
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Review from Ben C.
Los Gatos, CA
5/17/2007
Mmmmmm. The "Morning Rolls" were bundles of sticky goodness. I lived up in Lincoln Park but would drive down to Hyde Park just to taste these babies.
(Actually, I lived up in LP, but my girlfriend-now-wife lived in HP so that's why I was really down there) -
Review from Natalie M.
Chicago, IL
8/12/2008 3 Check-ins Here
This lil french bakery located in Hyde Park is wonderful! Their crossiants are my abosolute favorite. They have traditional plain, strawberry cream cheese etc, but my Aunt is madly in love with their turkey/cheddar cheese crossiant. I am a huge fan of their spinach/feta.
They also have some lovely lil pasteries and cakes, the variety changes daily. Even though the prices are a tad high I love the place because they offer something I cannot easily find. I dont eat in often as there arent that many tables. I enjoy riding my bike over and bringing crossiants home. I suggest you definately check it out!Listed in: My Neighborhood
