Loba Pastry + Coffee
Bakery · North Center ·
Specialty coffee & inventive pastries: try emmies, mole croissants
Specialty coffee & inventive pastries: try emmies, mole croissants
"Owner Valeria Socorro Velazquez Lindsten says, "I have banned people if they are slightly rude to my employees." The North Center pastry-and-coffee shop intentionally keeps a limited size and is officially a laptop-free zone—no Wi‑Fi or outlets at tables—with signs on doors and tables explaining the policy; in the past laptops were allowed at the counter but a recent refresh removed that bar space. When a customer allegedly working on her laptop was asked to leave, the husband later commented on Instagram accusing the staff of making his wife "cry" and alleging discrimination; Socorro responded that video footage contradicted the account: "She left promptly. No yelling, no husband, no tears," Socorro wrote in the shop’s Instagram stories. Socorro adds, "I’ve learned after almost 10 years of owning my own business that there is no limit as to what people feel entitled to," and says, "Call it being jaded or being a minority-, immigrant- and woman-owned business, but I will not accept this entitlement, not for myself or my employees." She rejects the "customer-is-always-right" philosophy while insisting, "They still deserve kindness, and we treat them with respect and try to hear them out." - Lisa Shames
"Everyone at Loba—from the baristas, to the bakers visible in the windowed kitchen, to the people inhaling pineapple sourdough muffins—seems to have one thing in common: A deep and abiding love for the pastries here. This minimalist coffee shop/small-batch bakery has unconventional flavor combinations (white chocolate curry scones for example), and unique creations, like a crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside, sesame-topped, oat-based baked custard. The menu rotates regularly, and hours and seating are fairly limited, so on weekends Loba gets packed with people angling to try things before they sell out. Plan accordingly." - veda kilaru, john ringor
"Approaching its second anniversary at its current North Center location, this bakery and cafe will close temporarily from May 12 through May 25 for renovations as it adapts to growing demand. Founded nine years ago in Roscoe Village by owner and baker Valeria Socorro Velazquez Lindsten, the shop relocated to 3600 N. Lincoln Avenue in May 2023 after a GoFundMe that raised more than $26,000 to support the move. A 2024 James Beard Award semifinalist for Outstanding Bakery, it’s best known for signature items like mole croissants, churro challah, and an iconic baked custard called Emmie made with oats and sesame seeds." - Serena Maria Daniels
"Loba Pastry’s return is much needed with truly unique pastries that Chicagoans can’t find anywhere else. Customers will find a variety of sweet baked goods drawing from international inspirations. There is also delicious bread and coffee." - Ashok Selvam
"The hard-fought bakery Loba Pastry + Coffee, from comeback queen Valeria Socorro Velazquez Lindsten, is a semifinalist for Outstanding Bakery." - Naomi Waxman
