Lovely: A Bake Shop

4.0 star rating
237 reviews Rating Details

Categories: Bakeries, Coffee & Tea  [Edit]

1130 N Milwaukee Ave
(between 1980 Stat Boundary & Thomas St)
Chicago, IL 60622
Neighborhood: Noble Square
(773) 572-4766
Nearest Transit:

Division (Blue Line)

Hours:

Mon-Fri 7 am - 6 pm

Sat 9 am - 6 pm

Sun 9 am - 4 pm

Price Range:
$
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Outdoor Seating:
Yes
Wi-Fi:
Free
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Review Highlights   

user photo
"My favorite so far are the blueberry muffins." (in 17 reviews)
user photo
"the mini pies looked amazing." (in 13 reviews)
user photo
"The cupcakes are deliciously homemade and authentic." (in 54 reviews)
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237 reviews in English

  • Review from Simeen A.

    •  
    • 7 friends
    • 30 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    2/7/2012

    I agree with the reviews- the blueberry muffins are so delish! Also the mini cupcakes are a great size- we tried the red velvet and carrot and both were very tasty. I had the quiche, it was good, and my husband had a croissant sandwich. The reviews here are spot on- that sandwich was tiny! It was made on a mini croissant, which let's be honest, for that much money you expect a WHOLE sandwich, not a cute mini sandwich that's like an appetizer before your real meal. The food was tasty, and the quiche slice was a good size, so those are plusses.

    My one real complaint is that the guy waiting on us at the counter was suffering from some serious a.d.d. In the middle of taking our order, without warning he just walked away to do something else. I was like, um, hello? Like literally just about faced and walked away. So my husband and I just stood around looking confused until someone else came up to help. Guy #2 asked if we'd been helped, and I said, well, sort of. Anyway guy #2 started to take our order again, and then a.d.d. guy returned and picked up like nothing had happened. And then, right when I started to order drinks, he wandered off again! It would have been funny if it wasn't so annoying and weird.

  • Review from Toni R.

    •  
    • 14 friends
    • 8 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    1/31/2012

    When I had their lentil soup, it melted in my mouth.. when I had their coffees I just swooned, and when I paired it with a velvet cupcake, I died and went to heaven..

    Oh never mind the orange souffle body cream (a random concoction that was sold and I bought two of them) which I use on special occasions (*wink, wink).  (please bring those back.. I need them in chocolate and whatever flavor you wish to make me smell like).

    BTW, One one trip I decided to splurge and use a groupon and keep buying.. I swear I bought over $60 in baked goods on top of the groupon just to give out to coworkers and keep extras at home for my bday... I think I OD'd on the tarts and peanut butter cookies.. I was driving home on the expressway and almost crashed due to my mouth-gasm with that cookie. Lolz.. memorable yes.

  • Review from Ariane S.

    •  
    • 3 friends
    • 18 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    3.0 star rating
    1/29/2012

    It's a really cute place that is literally decorated the same way my kitchen is decorated so sometimes I feel a little foolish for paying $4 to study in my own home, but the atmosphere is really charming and the Chai Tea Lattes are pretty good and I can't spend my entire life in one coffee shop so I like to move around.

    I'm not a big fan of muffins so there isn't a lot there that I want to eat and the cookies are pretty mediocre so I wouldn't waste my money on them, but its a cute place to go to if you're feeling something different.

  • Review from Diana P.

    •  
    • 30 friends
    • 11 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    2/1/2012 1 Check-in Here

    Today was the very first time I stopped by Lovely and guess what, I loved it! The bakery is very open and welcoming. There were a handful of people working on their laptops or studying quietly. I think I would be back just to study and have some treats.  The service was really great and the s'mores cupcake was super yummy! I can't wait to come back.

  • Review from Elle N.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 19 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    2/2/2012

    This is a really nice, low key coffee shop. It's perfect for setting up shop for the afternoon and just reading or writing away. The staff is really friendly and they have amazing baked goods! It's a pretty big coffee shop, but that doesn't keep it from filling up. If you want to get a table, you've gotta get in there before mid-morning. My only real complaint is the lack of computer outlets and the small portion sizes for their "meals".

  • Review from Ally C.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 3 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    2.0 star rating
    1/15/2012

    Beautiful atmosphere, palatable selection. Not the lovely-est.

    I would make the drive to spend an afternoon reading or knitting in this beautiful space - big windows, hardwoods, lots of light. A trendy crowd - glad I got a little dolled up for this coffee date. Horn-rimmed glasses, dark rinse skinny jeans and moleskin journals abound.

    A lactose-avoidant drinker, I was disappointed with their soy mocha. It cannot be difficult to master barista-ing with milk alternatives, and disappointing beverages make me wonder why I travel to support local coffee shops and pay more when my neighborhood Starbucks is more convenient and always gets it right.

    I had the apple walnut muffin. I've made better at home.

  • Review from Kathleen M.

    Frankfort, IL

    5.0 star rating
    9/17/2011 2 photos 2 Check-ins Here

    A friend is having her wedding reception here so we came to check it out.  Lovely indeed and perfect for her.  It will be fun to see how it is transformed for that event.

    I adore ginger - ginger ale, ginger tea, fresh ginger and most of all, ginger cookies.  But I must be picky about them and truly don't want to be, I want to accept all of the sweet gingerness that is out there.  I ordered a Chocolate ginger cookie, a mini red velvet and a Fall spice latte.

    The trifecta - all were perfect.  Loved the cookie so much that I wish I had one right now.  The coffee was smooth and spicy in just the right proportion.  My little mini was moist with creamilicious cream cheese frosting in perfect balance.

    We sat and chatted, used the clean bathrooms and had the perfect ending to our latest Adventure Friday.  For what kind of Adventure Friday would it be without a bakery ending?

    Not lovely, not lovely at all.

  • Review from Robyn T.

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    9/20/2011 1 Check-in Here

    I am smitten by the charming Lovely. She is oh so fair with vintage pressed tin ceilings, antiques dotting her interior, bright sunny windows and a fabulous outdoor space. The staff is friendly, the savory (love the quiche with a small side salad) and the sweet (anyone of their cookies) are worth making the trip for, and the space is comfortable enough I could spend the day relaxing in its confines.

    My one complaint? The hours! This would be the PERFECT spot for a later evening cup o' Joe or a late night snack. Sadly they close by the early hour of 6 pm...Lovely my friend, don't you know you'd have a following to support your evening hours too?

    Comment from Gina H. of Lovely: A Bake Shop 10/3/2011   
    We extended our hours as of today! Monday - Friday 7am - 7pm… More »
  • Review from B B.

    •  
    • 11 friends
    • 20 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    2.0 star rating
    10/4/2011

    UGH. I am straight up heartbroken. I walked home from Lovely, again, feeling kind of rejected and defeated. I have given this place a try at least five times. Each time it just gets more awkwardly bad.

    Let's get one thing straight though: The blueberry muffins are delicious. Once you have them you can't really forget them.

    Other things you can't really forget though is that one counter girl who is snobby and kind of mean?! I get it; People freak out about their coffee and morning people suck. However, I am not one of them. You can give me luke-warm espresso and it's whatever. And I know frequent asked questions are boring and lame but seriously, if I ask you where the bathroom is because it's my first time, you don't have to roll your eyes and sigh that it's in the back corner.

    A trainee forgot my Americano once, okay. Some wall outlets don't work...I'll move. $7.00 for a super tiny (but delicious!) quiche! The last straw, though...my internet never, ever connects there. Clearly my 2010 macbook is a dinosaur by now, but really?!

    I give up.

  • Review from Danielle F.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 12 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    3.0 star rating
    12/30/2011

    My mom and I stopped by Lovely for lunch.  I had the Groupon and one of my good friends highly recommends this place.  I ordered the Pesto Turkey sandwich and my mom ordered the Tuna Melt.  Both were good, but we waited about 20 minutes for our sandwiches!  Seemed like a REALLY long time to wait!  The sandwiches are on the small side, which was to our benefit , I guess, because we had plenty of room for dessert.  We shared the chocolate chip walnut brownie ... pretty good.  We took several desserts home to share with the rest of the family.  They were all just GOOD.  The staff was very friendly.  I will go back, but I agree with some of the other reviews, it is expensive!

  • Review from Justin J.

    •  
    • 6 friends
    • 51 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    10/18/2011

    I'mma give this joint four stars because of the way it looks. Big, open, kind of Amish looking, long wooden tables, looking all sit on me and drink some coffee and shit.

    I had a quiche, real men eat quiche, and it was tasty, probably straight outta the nuker, but who's counting, it was still good. The counter guy was the scratch pad. He made a couple of good jokes and we all laughed.

    The girl who took my order was kind of lost in space, sniffing the rings of Saturn and she heard not a word I said and walked away without hearing me or looking at me, but the dude made up for it and was super cool.

    My tea was delish and the ladyfriend's coffee was the tits.

    OVERALL: An often overlooked coffee barn where I should go more often.

  • Review from Amy M.

    •  
    • 5 friends
    • 11 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    9/13/2011

    I bought in on the Groupon that Lovely offered a few weeks ago, and went last week to pick up my order of cupcakes.

    The shop itself is adorable! I love the decorations, and my only comment is they definitely need a sidewalk sign or something, as I've been down that block a dozen times and had never noticed the shop before.. I think if I hadn't been looking for it I'd have walked right past!  But the interior is super cute!  The staff was very friendly as well, which is always a plus in my book.

    Most importantly however, the cupcakes were DELICIOUS!  Finally, a bakery in Chicago that knows what red velvet is all about!  The carrot cake was just as delicious, as were the vanilla and chocolate.  I've tried a few different bake shops in Chicago with disappointing results (here's looking at you Phoebe's) and Lovely is the best!  I need to make a return visit soon more of that red velvet.

  • Review from Becky G.

    •  
    • 7 friends
    • 18 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    9/22/2011

    A great neighborhood bakery and coffee shop tucked away from the craziness of the Division/Milwaukee intersection. When you walk in, you feel comfortable. It's big, bright, and everyone who works behind the counter is very friendly. No pretentious baristas, staff, or customers.

    The tables and chairs look vintage, and the furniture isn't consistent throughout. Love that, though - makes for a really unique and cozy feel. They also have a cute outdoor seating area.

    They serve intelligentsia coffee, which is delicious, and their pumpkin spice latte is really good too! I've had the quiche that they offer for breakfast specials and it's pretty good. Their mini apple pie was delicious and fresh-tasting.

    I love going here on weekend mornings. I'm so excited to have found my new neighborhood coffee/pastry shop!

  • Review from Amy H.

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    7/28/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Cutie cute ca-uuuute!!!  

    Lovely is adorbs.  I stopped in after an appointment to treat myself with a cupcake and was pleased to find a cute little dining counter with amazing little stools.  I want it in my house.  Now.  

    I ordered a cafe au lait, which was good, and a red velvet cupcake.  The red velvet?  The BEST!  For real.  This was the best red velvet I've ever had.  

    The service, provided by a Lovely hipster boy and hipster girl, was friendly and fast.  If I'm ever in the area again...

  • Review from Ashley M.

    •  
    • 15 friends
    • 122 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    3.0 star rating
    7/29/2011

    Decided to finally make my way to Lovely for lunch.

    Called in my salami order, but was told they didn't have that anymore.  My first thought: take it off your on-line menu then, please.  Opted for my second choice: pb&j.  The homemade raspberry jam was wonderful.  The mixed greens and tomato vinegerette was tasty too.  However, when I got there I saw their daily sandwhich specials.  I wish I would have thought to ask what they were on the phone because I might have chosen one of them.

    But nevertheless, my simpl lunch was good and I'll go back, but this time I'll make sure to find out what the specials are.

  • Review from Bryan V.

    •  
    • 8 friends
    • 75 reviews

    Milwaukee, WI

    4.0 star rating
    11/9/2011 1 Check-in Here

    My wife and I ran across this place while killing some time for an appointment in the neighborhood.  So glad we did.  The goods they have look top notch and they serve up a danky coffee.  We ordered a couple of cookies that were kind of expensive but they were damn good.  We can't wait to go  back to try something else.

  • Review from Kate W.

    •  
    • 97 friends
    • 178 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    3.0 star rating
    4/19/2011

    Well, the name is very fitting. It is indeed a lovely shop and I liked the decor a lot. Lots of wood, white tables, and just an all around cute look. Not the typical coffee shop motif which I find played out.

    I stopped in on a Sunday while I had some time to kill in the area and realized that I hadn't had lunch and it was already almost 3. I decided to skip the baked goods and have a sandwich. The first two I wanted they were out of one of the ingredients to make them. Finally I found something that they had the ability to make which still sounded good. I have to say that I was very pleased that instead of tomatoes (which I can't stand) they have roasted red peppers instead. I opted with mixed greens with my sandwich and chose a table to wait for my lunch.

    It didn't take long to get my food and the sandwich was very good. The bread was warm and crispy and they didn't skimp on meat or veggies like some places. The turkey, pesto and red peppers all worked very well together. The salad was over dressed though so I wasn't as into that.

    The employees were all friendly and helpful and I do love the decor. I wouldn't go out of my way to go here again but should I find myself in the area again I wouldn't hesitate to stop in.

  • Review from Karen S.

    •  
    • 1 friend
    • 6 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    6/16/2011

    Friendly service
    Great sandwiches and soups
    Delicious coconut macaroons and other treats
    Good vibe - great music playing and everyone happily doing their own thing
    Sounds Lovely to me

  • Review from Esther K.

    •  
    • 7 friends
    • 20 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    7/14/2011 1 photo 6 Check-ins Here

    Lovely is a gem among a long strip of stones on the Milwaukee/Ashland block.  What a surprise to find such a darling place right under our noses.  The antique furniture brings so much character and warmth to the space.  Dare I say, it feels cozier in there than in my own home!   PLUS, lots of big tables for getting some work done or having a meal without fear of your plates crashing to the floor.  

    The free wi-fi is awesome. One downer- the power strips are closer to the windows and lacking elsewhere. Another downer- their pastries are a tad pricier than other cafes. But whatever- Lovely looks at me with puppy dog eyes, and I forgive!

    They serve intelligentsia coffee here and delicious homemade pastries.  My favorite so far are the blueberry muffins. I adore the unique shape and the fresh-tasting blueberries. My boyfriend loves their quiches in the morning. Delicious!! He substitutes the greens for their soup. OMG their soup! We had the tomato bisque and you could taste the bits of tomatoes that were pureed.  You can tell it was homemade.  Can't wait to try their sandwiches next.

    We used to go to Alliance Bakery to get our coffee and pastries, but Lovely is so much closer and we like the feel of it so much more.  Lovely is just a darling cafe.  Feels and tastes like home.

  • Review from Amy Elizabeth S.

    •  
    • 26 friends
    • 93 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    5/17/2011

    I adore this place.  There are three other bakeries between my house and Lovely, but I always walk the distance for their amazing blueberry muffins and (as my older sister claims) "the best latte ever." Note:  I am a $12 hero when I bring folks working overtime at my office a blueberry muffin as a "thanks"

    One of the only reasons why I look forward to the dropping temperatures in Chicago is for their veggie chili and soups that Lovely serves in the colder months (they have this potato dill soup that is out of this world).  

    I love the atmosphere (perfect place to hang out and "work from home"), and both the staffers and patrons are as warm as the decor.

  • Review from Aurore L.

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    Updated - 3/6/2011 2 Check-ins Here

    So.........and just because I hate being a tease.

    - adorable setting, vintage furniture and pictures, white paper lamps, great tiled ceiling painted in this richest green tone that makes me happy even on a grey Sunday. Feels like Ireland, dollar-land or whatever else you like and that is green (Shrek? Hulk? the Grinch?)

    - mismatched tables and chairs; it feels like you are drinking coffee, munching and working in an antiquity shop.

    - bottomless cup of coffee. Intelligentsia. Served in an Intelligentsia cup with a cute little Chicago flag on it. Cheap.

    - excellent 'pain au chocolat, perfectly flaky.

    - sinful 'blueberry almondine' or blueberry/almond tart overflowing with almond paste (marzipan?) and topped with roasted crunchy slivered almond. Such a treat.

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    • 4.0 star rating
      3/4/2011

      Rarely a place has been that aptly named.
      :::::::total swoon::::::::::

      (you cannot elaborate when you… Read more »

  • Review from Natalie B.

    •  
    • 2 friends
    • 12 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    3.0 star rating
    10/24/2011

    The goodies are pretty amazing.  I bought a chocolate chip cookie whoopee pie and it was the best thing I've eaten there.  The atmosphere is relaxing and different then other bakeries in the area.  The reason I didn't give it  5 stars is because the girl behind the counter acted a little put out that I was picking out multiple baked goods and asked if she was going to put them in a box.  For me service is key and she wasn't very helpful, warm, outwardly friendly etc...

  • Review from JENNY C.

    •  
    • 4 friends
    • 6 reviews

    Brooklyn, NY

    4.0 star rating
    7/22/2011 3 Check-ins Here

    What a name, but the place definitely lives up to its name.  

    Full of nostalgia and warm feelings, this place is as cozy at its gets.  I like that its clean, but inviting at the same time.  It is a bakery - cafe, which means fresh yummy pastries!

    The decor is from another era and successfully blends in with some modern touches - like a  sculpture of a giant wooden egg beater.  There is also an outdoor space, did I mention that the place is spacious itself?

    My only small issue was that it closes early - for me at least at 6 pm on weekdays, but its does open at 7 am!

  • Review from Kate B.

    •  
    • 1 friend
    • 7 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    2.0 star rating
    3/20/2011

    I wanted to like this place so badly. It's right around the corner from my apartment. I'm a sucker for kitsch and coffee and buttery food. I have been miserable every time I have gone there, which has really been far too many times. They're just so darn close to where I live.

    The coffee and espresso are bad, but what I really have an issue with is the people who work there. I have worked in customer service for a long time. Part of the job is straight up being nice to people, even if you want to shoot the next person that comes in the door. Yes, I understand what that feels like, but there is no reason to treat your customers like they are in your way. I have been to Lovely enough times to know that I was not catching anyone on an off day.  

    As far as baked goods, I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt. And I guess they are a bakery, so I should forgive their drink-making. I did have a pretty rocking brownie there once.

  • Review from Lacy C.

    •  
    • 2 friends
    • 22 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    12/10/2011

    Best. muffins. ever.  Nice big tables for meetings.  So beautifully sunny. I do wish it were cheaper, but sometimes a girl can splurge an extra couple bucks for coffee and a muffin.

  • Review from Colleen M.

    •  
    • 50 friends
    • 272 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    4/24/2011 2 Check-ins Here

    What a lovely little spot!

    I've dashed in here before to pick up some cupcakes to go, but only recently visited for a bit of lunch. Fortunately, it was on a rare sunny and warm springtime day, so we were able to head out to the outdoor patio to soak up some much-needed Vitamin D. We had a bit of trouble finding a place to lock up our bikes, but once we found a pole down the street, we were good to go.

    Thanks to a Groupon, we helped ourselves to a variety of savory treats, including tuna salad on a croissant and a pesto turkey sandwich.

    How did we avoid the cupcakes tempting us from behind the glass display case? I have no idea.

  • Review from Taryn T.

    Chicago, IL

    3.0 star rating
    2/3/2011

    Note to people with tree nut allergies (like moi): the carrot cake cupcake is off-limits. ARGH!

    (Granted, I ate it anyway and painstakingly picked out each nut, but I wouldn't recommend anyone else try that.)

    I stocked up on cupcakes here for the first time today, but so far I think they're just good, not great. The frosting isn't too sweet (and I can never get enough sugar in my frosting), and the cake part of the cupcakes is heavy and on the dry side.

    With cupcakes, I tend to prefer the opposite - a little bit of moist cake and a tall, heavy dollop of supersweet butter cream frosting. On that front, this Lovely Bake Shop just didn't deliver.

    Also, when they put my cupcakes in a box for me to take home, there was nothing to prevent them from tipping over or squashing each other. In my experience, bakeries typically do a better job of packing their sweets.

    I would stop in this place again if I was in the area (cupcakes are decently priced at $2 each), but I wouldn't go out of my way for it like I would with Crumbs or Sweet Mandy B's.

  • Review from Christl C.

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    • 0 friends
    • 4 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    10/6/2011

    I work not far from Lovely and have found myself stopping in here every couple afternoons. The interior is beautiful (I adore the mismatched decor and the ceiling is breathtaking) and the coffee/baked goods are of high quality. A little expensive for me, but the atmosphere and service makes up for the price.

  • Review from Bunny H.

    •  
    • 3 friends
    • 10 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    9/21/2011

    Great Staff. Great vegan cupcakes. My only complaint is the lack of vegan frosting. Why make vegan cupcakes if you're going to put butter cream frosting on them?

  • Review from Dorian G.

    •  
    • 4 friends
    • 11 reviews

    Champaign, IL

    5.0 star rating
    9/20/2011

    I came in for the first (certainly not the last!) time this morning for a Fall Spice Latte and Quiche.  The latte (like the Starbucks pumpkin latte but UPGRADED) was hot and delicious and the quiche, which came with a delightful salad and piece of their french bread, was awesome.  Just awesome.  I love the space, I love the free Wifi, I loved everything about it except how far it is from my house.  They really just couldn't have made my morning, otherwise filled with stressors, any better.

  • Review from Masha G.

    •  
    • 28 friends
    • 27 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    5/6/2011

    love The Lovely. Everything is good about it. Except ... open hours- why do they close so early on weekdays? By 6 pm I am only done with the work day, and barely back home. SO if I want to meet a friend for a coffee or browse through the magazine/book sipping some hot chocolate in a cozy cafe - I am not able to cause they are already closed?! Bummer. Especially it sucks in winter, when I really don't want to stay home, but want to enjoy comfy and delicious place... and not walk too far...
    Otherwise - only the best words to say. Delicious! Cozy! Interesting! Comfy! Love the coffee! People are nice! Decor and atmosphere is great!

  • Review from Tina M.

    •  
    • 13 friends
    • 51 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    9/5/2011

    Great cafe with everything I like-cute, retro atmosphere, good coffee, and quiet setting. There's plenty of seating and a selection of magazines and games. I've been here on the weekend and it is never packed. There's also a nice patio to hang out on. I've had their sandwiches, which are pretty good, and served on whole grain bread. I do wish they had different types of veggie sandwiches. My favorite thing about Lovely is their mini cupcakes which are delish, especially the red velvet. The service, provided by a confused looking but friendly guy, was fine. Prices are standard but reasonable for a coffee shop. I don't often find myself in Noble Square but when I am I'll be hanging out here.

  • Review from Michael H.

    •  
    • 4 friends
    • 217 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    4.0 star rating
    9/16/2011

    Very cute coffee shop with a cool vibe. I'm definitely a fan of this place.

  • Review from Coyote D.

    •  
    • 1 friend
    • 7 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    5/16/2011

    I love Lovely!  As a business owner in the neighborhood, I drop by this spot about every other day for my afternoon coffee break.  Great Intelligentsia coffee, exceptional pastries, and friendly, personable staff.  I'm a big fan of the croissants especially, which are among the best I've had during my 30 years of life on this planet.  The macaroons, banana nut bread, and pain au chocolat are also crave-worthy, for sure.  

    Baristas Roy, Alexis, Tyler, and especially Mary are a comforting presence in my brief time away from work.  I wish I had more time to hang out, as the patio is a great people-watching spot, especially during the morning and evening commutes.  Keep up the great work guys!

  • Review from Paula L.

    Phoenix, AZ

    3.0 star rating
    8/25/2011

    I've been here many times. I've had the teas, soups, sandwiches and desserts. Everything was tasty. I stopped by yesterday for something sweet. Two chocolate ginger cookies (lovely combination), 1 mini red velvet cupcake (the frosting was divine) and 1 large vanilla cupcake with chocolate frosting. I didn't eat the desserts by myself, my husband had the vanilla cupcake and I had a bite. His cupcake was a tad bit dry. He only ate half and had the other half this morning....bad move, it was more dry than yesterday:(

  • Review from Jennifer L.

    •  
    • 222 friends
    • 316 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    3.0 star rating
    Updated - 9/9/2010

    I no longer Love Lovely.  Instead, I just sort of Like it.

    It's the power outlet issue.  And hey..it's their right to turn off the power, just as it's my right to not like it.

    I get that the day that the power went out, things were all cozy and happy and sunshine and kittens and unicorns...but in the real world I need to work.  And I'd like to work at Lovely.  In fact, I'd like to work at Lovely for several hours and buy a coffee, a croissant, and perhaps a few hours later, a quiche/salad and iced tea. Maybe a small pastry if I'm feeling it.  Instead, I duck in, get my coffee and croissant, and then hit the road. Staying there is stressful because of the amount of multitasking I do on my computer.  I drain my battery quickly and I don't want to constantly be looking at that dwindling meter thinking "oh crap I have to finish this but I'm not finished but acccckkk!"

    That's stressful.  That's not Lovely.

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    • 4.0 star rating
      6/30/2007

      Darn, Molly beat me to the first review.  Allow me to drown my sorrows in some madelines and an iced… Read more »

  • Review from Maryanne C.

    •  
    • 65 friends
    • 133 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    4.0 star rating
    3/10/2011

    I absolutely love the Anthropologie-esque look of this place.  Its a nice quaint neighborhood cafe.  I could see myself sitting here for hours chatting with friends over yummy baked goods and good coffee.

    I tried the turkey sandwich.  It was very tasty and satisfying.  I really liked the pesto spread.  I also tried the peanut butter cookie with chocolate chips and the oatmeal raisin cookie.  Both scrumptious.

    I'd like to come back and try their savory croissants for breakfast.  

    This place is really lovely.

  • Review from Ryan P.

    •  
    • 15 friends
    • 245 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    3.0 star rating
    1/11/2011

    Lovely is a decent bakery. I went a few years ago when they first opened and was very disappointed, but I went again recently and it was ok. I agree with other yelpers that some of the staff are real sour pusses, but I'm fully trained in blocking negative energy so I just order despite the frowny faces.
    So if you can muster the energy to ignore the sour pusses, deal with the ghetto neighborhood, stop by and get a cookie.

  • Review from Ashley G.

    •  
    • 17 friends
    • 18 reviews

    Brooklyn, NY

    4.0 star rating
    9/2/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Coffee and service was good. Didn't try the food but it looked tasty. Great atmosphere to study/read. But I wouldn't meet a friend here to chat because it's kind of a quiet and peaceful scene. It is lovely!

  • Review from Felice O.

    •  
    • 23 friends
    • 14 reviews

    Noble Square, Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    6/27/2011

    Service is AMAZING!!! Each of the Baristas are talented, capable, and more than willing to help you!    The soups are amazing, all of them, the sandwiches are delicious and fresh. I recommend lovely for lunch, brunch etc. again, and again, and again.

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