The Spoke & Bird (Pilsen)

This charming little shop offers a delightful selection of artisan goods and coffee shop treats. I indulged in their banana bread latte and a breakfast sandwich, which quickly became one of my all-time favorites. The freshly made sandwich was a culinary delight, and the coffee was perfectly balanced, not overly sweet. The friendly staff added to the overall pleasant experience.

My favorite spot to grab a matcha, and get thee most delicious sandwich the Bird 😋.Love the music, the staff is sweet & sincere, because the building is on the Northside of the street they get such pretty natural lighting. And its a micro convenient store, they have cat food, paper towels, fresh flowers, olives, lots of local stuff - its so cute.

I’ve been to Spoke & Bird three times now, and while the first two were “just okay,” this third visit made it clear that this café doesn’t respect its customers or the neighborhood it’s trying to profit from. There were four people behind the counter, yet it still took over 20 minutes just to get our coffees and a breakfast sandwich. We only received our food after asking—where we were then handed items that had clearly been sitting out. The staff was polite enough, but there was absolutely no urgency, no work ethic, and no respect for the customer’s time. What makes this even more disappointing is that Spoke & Bird loves to advertise with the phrase: “Be local. Act local. Buy local.” But if you’re going to stake your identity on being a neighborhood spot, you need to actually show care for the locals who support you. Instead, what we experienced was exactly the opposite—a business that wears “local” like a marketing badge while operating with the same careless detachment that fuels gentrification: taking space, collecting money, but offering very little in return. If your motto is “Be local. Act local. Buy local,” then here’s mine after this visit: “Be better. Act accountable. Serve your customers.

So happy this neighborhood spot opened back up in Pilsen! The team was super friendly and I enjoyed browsing all the local pantry items they have stocked while my to-go sandwiches were being made. The French dip is truly inspired and a big fan of the chicken Caesar as well as that Jambon!!! Fresh baked bread coupled with the highest quality ingredients make for a perfect sandwich. We are looking forward to trying the rest of the menu. See you soon :)

I’m from out of town so i’m not sure if this location was previously closed and is opening up again but i came in with a couple friends in the afternoon last week and they were stocking new items on shelves and they looked to have a really good variety of specialty items! i ended up ordering the french dip sandwich and it was amazing!! i’m typically not a fan of horseradish so i’m not sure if it’s how they portioned it but the sandwich was perfect!! the service was also super great! the woman who was behind the counter that day gave us samples of their chocolate covered almonds (super yummy btw). i don’t live in the area but my friends said they’d be back for sure :)

Great pastries. They have really great coffee around $4 a cup, very attentive to weight, brew time , temp...so if you're a coffee lover you'll appreciate how they make the coffee

Great place! Needed something new this morning. I am a new customer and the gentleman who assisted me welcomed me to their establishment. Also, he recommended his brewing coffee of today, and if I was interested and I went with coffee and their blueberry muffin. Great choice! I will come back again!

Very cute place; I ordered a hot chocolate and a veggie quiche. The hot chocolate was a little cold and the quiche was ok. Next time I will try one of their pour overs. A nice place to hang out.

I can't help it - I got the kale salad again and this time I added a scrambled egg for more protein. Something so simple yet so unbelievably delicious and fulfilling! Topped with a hot latte and I'm good to go. Remember to sign up for their account to add up those points, which come in really handy to treat yourself when you least expect it.

Wonderful selection of cheeses, tea, canned goods and more. I just had the best sandwhich Ive ever had in Chicago by far. Check this place out ASAP

It will be great when we get past the current conditions and we can sit down inside somewhere and enjoy again. This place is so cute. But for now, ordered to go and set outside in the car. Great coffee! Great pastries! And the bagels were wonderful toasted with cream cheese the next morning. We will definitely go back for coffee and grab some bread or pastries too.

I had to do my part to keep this gem of a place rating high. Definitely worth more than a 3.5 in my book. I came in yesterday ordered the honey lavender latte with egg mushroom sandwich (substituted bun for their biscuit). So incredibly delicious, I came again today. Same order this time I asked for the jelly on the side. I did not want the chips that came with it but they offered me a banana both times. I love their open kitchen. Perfect latte, delicious biscuit and friendly staff. Worth every penny

Oh my goodness. I sadly do not have a picture of my food because it was so delicious that I devoured it within minutes of getting it. This was my first time at Spoke & Bird Bakehouse - and it definitely will not be my last. I ordered the egg sandwich and banana bread latte. I wasn't sure about the egg sandwich - it is "just" a breakfast sandwich, how good can it be? Well I savored every single bite. The egg sandwich came on a house made roll, with white cheddar, house mayo, and your choice of ham or mushrooms with your egg. I opted for the mushrooms which were full of flavor. The cheese and mayo added the perfect amount of creamy tanginess. The house made roll was fluffy, the perfect foundation for the other ingredients. The banana bread latte was really yummy too! I appreciated how the banana flavor was not artificial tasting, but subtle. I got it iced but have heard it is equally tasty hot as well. Warning - you will definitely be tempted to buy a pastry or some bread within seconds of walking into the building (apple pop tarts, blueberry muffins, cookies).

The hours are bizarre. Sometimes open, sometimes closed, sometimes closing early. Staff was nice, but the food is disgusting and now I know why. The place was closed by order of Chicago due to having an open sewer in the basement and a bug infestation. Go anywhere else

The service is INCREDIBLY slow. I waited 20 min for a sandwich with no one else in line (this isn't the first time). The service is not great (it also shows with how the owner responds to comments on here- very patronizing).

Great little neighborhood coffee/bake house. They have awesome pour over coffees from Counter Culture. Looks like espresso will be coming very soon as the machine is almost installed (super excited about that ). The smell in this place is to die for. They bake fresh bread and bakery items every day. Customer service is A+++ It seats about 10-12 people around 2 communal tables.

Great coffee, had a latte with an extra shot of espresso. Excellent pastries, the cinnamon rolls warmed up are legendary. Leah (worker there!) was amazing. Going back just for her!

This place is what it is - an expensive coffee shop with, inexplicably, no bathroom for customers. I'm fine with a place like that existing, and wouldn't mind patronizing such a place on occasion, but I cannot support a business like Spoke & Bird. The owner's responses to customers on Yelp are rude, unprofessional and condescending. Check it out below! She responds to one customer who complained about what he perceived to be overpriced products by sneering "I'm sorry you aren't in the financial position to afford quality food." This kind of attitude has no place anywhere, but certainly not in a mixed-income, gentrifying neighborhood such as Pilsen. That the owner's tone-deaf and frankly stereotypically yuppy responses have not been deleted suggests that she stands by them, and didn't just react in the heat of the moment. We don't need businesses like Spoke & Bird on 18th Street.

Their Bronut it such a bomb!!! Super soft, fluffy and delicious. Staffs are super nice and I love the atmosphere here. It's not a big store so limited sitting but good for a quick breakfast or afternoon coffee! Would love to try other bakery items later!!

The bagels are really good, but was kind of disappointed that this was the amount of cream cheese that they put on my bagel with cream cheese. Good coffee, very clean and covid cautious, nice staff

Passed by with my girlfriend and wanted to try out some fresh made baked breakfast. Since we came early in the morning on Saturday we assumed we'd get some fresh out of the oven treats. I was wrong. We got the cinnamon roll and breakfast biscuit. Both tasted old and stale. The biscuit was like eating cardboard, the dryest piece of old bread I've ever gotten at a bakery. The cinnamon roll was sweet and buttery, but again stale. If I'm paying $5 for a muffin and $5 for a biscuit, I at least expect it be soft. Starbucks doesn't claim anything to be handmade, but at least their baked goods are soft and warm. Tip: if you choose to come and waste money here, do not let them give you anything out of the Tupperware containers. I will not be coming back here but I bet they have me previous day batches.

Amazing atmosphere and ambiance. The staff is very welcoming and helpful. Coffee is amazing and so are pastries that are made in-house. Great spot to hang out and do some work while munching on deliciousness and sipping the magic elixir

Good espresso based drinks and I enjoy the loaves of bread. Not a huge fan of the pastries as they don't offer same day pastries. Would return for the bread and lattes.

Today I went in and bought a coffee, tea, and two pastries. The drinks were fine but the pastries were very dry. It was the end of the day so I could see why they wouldn't be the freshest. The cinnamon bun has been changed and when introducing people to S&B that was my go to. Today I bought it and it was a square, dry, flat, and the cream was a little sour. The free smells light was off and it was befitting because there was no enticing smell today either.

4.85$ for a drip coffee. I pass thanks Not going back anytime soon. Alex was friendly tho but still doesnt make it up to the pricey coffee After message from the owner: Not a drip coffee. Fair enough but a pour over. 5$ for a pour over and time consuming? Not worth t. If it was Chinese coffee beans, yes id pay 5-10$ a cup. Better coffee shop within 2 blocks for half the price

Not sure what's going on with some of the reviews below...had a very plesant experience. Dropped in for something sweet and was promptly greeted and even received an extra free cookie. Very delicious...will be back.

Stopped in here for two cups of coffee and a scone. I thought for $13 it wasn't too bad considering that's normally what I'd pay for pour over coffee anyway. There were only two tables and they were taken so we had to sit on a bench by the window. I'd definitely come back here but maybe not to hang out with family/friends due to lack of seating. The scone, by the way, was delicious!! I'll be back!

Stepped in here with my daughter for iced coffee and a snack. Unfortunately after ordering, we were told there was no bathroom available to customers. [in fact, he said the bathroom was in back so it wasn't legal for customers to use and therefore they send everyone a block down to the library.]. In fact, what is NOT legal is serving food and drink in the City of Chicago and not having a bathroom. Legally if you do not have a customer restroom, the restaurant is obligated to offer an option to use the employee restroom. (Google it!) My daughter really wanted a coffee. So I cancelled my order, we paid for hers, and left. Unfortunately- her coffee was so bitter she couldn't drink it.

Thanks Spoke&Bird for the free smells! This was a really eccentric little bakehouse // coffeehouse found in Pilsen! I loved the large glass windows which provided a lot of natural sunlight. The interior was very minimalistic, orderly, and natural. The design was woody and simple, and the ambience was light-hearted from the music that played overhead at the prime volume for background noise. Their pastries were delightful, with fun names and flavors, and the tea was great! I would definitely come back to do some casual meet ups with friends and for the pastries!

We really like this place. We had a breakfast tea, a ginger lime roobois tea and a lovely bread pudding. The two guys that run the business are really friendly and kind. We recommend this place for a nice break.

I feel like this place mistakes taking forever--with things like taking 10-15 minutes to deliver an order of toast--with quality. Most of the items in the shop are pre-baked and already prepared. So, if you're not really cooking anything in order to fulfill my order, why does it take so long? There were also two other employees in the back who were just talking while I was waiting for my order to be taken with just one other person preparing coffee for another person. It's inconsiderate of your customer's time, especially in the morning when you're trying to take stuff to go. The baked goods are good. There's specialty coffee. But I'd rather have better customer service than all of this pretentiousness.

Average coffee with a great cinnamon roll. I stop by here on a walk through Pilsen. I got a vanilla latte and a cinnamon roll to-go. The latte was just okay. It tasted mostly like milk, but the cinnamon roll was great. I believe it had homemade icing and was even better after heating it up. Both were about $5 a piece. In the store, I noticed they also sell bread starters, coffee, farm fresh eggs and other pastries. I might stop by again and get a bag of coffee. They will ground it for you if asked.

I stopped by here after walking back from an errand. I just moved into the area so I was pretty excited to see a bakery/coffeehouse right down the street from my new place. Inside, it's clean but small but also cute. The woman at the register was kind and attended to me right away. I got their new matcha sugar cookie which I loved and then I ate some sort of danish berry filling pastry. I can't remember the name of it but it was okay. Something I don't think I'd buy again, unfortunately. Ultimately, it's a decent place to grab a snack from but not a place I'd tell someone they have to go to nor hang out at considering the seating is quite limited.

Really enjoy this place when I am out on a walk down that way. It was a godsend these past few months. Located in one of the nicest areas of the entire city. Great pastries and their mushroom sandwich with cheese grits is a favorite of mine. Plus they have a great beer selection and massive shady patio. I am waiting for their large patio to open but I completely understand the safety issues and am content just taking my grub over to the Women's Park and Gardens (another amazing city gem) until we beat down Covid.

I asked for two wet cappuccinos. I was curious about the homemade syrups so I asked "what kind of flavoring do you have?" Thinking the employee would tell me about how they make them and what flavors they have, he tells me "we don't like to put that in our caps, we like YOU to taste the coffee in them". I said I didn't want flavoring and was curious if they had any because I didn't see any out on the counter. He then told me about them. When I got my two wet "caps" well they were lattes. I understand asking for a wet cappuccino implies I like more milk but I don't like all milk. If I want nearly no foam I would've asked for a latte or flat white. Thanks for taking my 8 bucks to tell me how to enjoy a drink you all can't even make correctly and then make me feel guilty for asking about flavoring.

Spoke is a cool, tiny little spot in East Pilsen serving up freshly handmade sweet and savory pastries. I've had several of the French and Mexican inspired goods, along with their sliced loaves and they've all been quite delicious. They pair the offerings with Counter Culture pour overs and cold brews which go along nicely. The bakery is quite small, which really exalts the character of the place, with just a couple of tables. It's certainly a nice place to people-watch or get some work done. Lovely little place with a friendly and welcoming staff. I stop by often but would certainly frequent it more if they had La Marzocco for espresso.

Smells great but for me it stopped there. In the window sits a cappuccino machine. At the counter no espresso drinks to be had. Pour-over coffee only. Only one size. Only one size cup. Too bad if you need to put cream in. Although the "barista" did offer to pour some of my $4 dollar coffee down the drain so I could have room for cream. Need to use the restroom? Nope, not here. And as I'm sitting here the staff is bad talking a customer who came in and got a refund for some product that wasn't satisfactory. Well, they're probably going to talk about me too after they read the review.

This place is overpriced, for a neighborhood that is barely up-and-coming. They want big money for a poor neighborhood. Did they forget they were in Pilsen. $Four dollar Coffee, you could make funny The poor neighborhood you're in, by your overprice products.. Thanks for giving back to the community.

We love S&B! Delicious coffee drinks (there is a cardamom flavored iced latte that is particularly good, imo) and good snacks. I get just plain coffee sometimes if I'm passing through, and it's good as well. Staff is always very friendly. Nice big patio that always has seating. Yes it is slightly more expensive than a chain coffee place, but it's a significantly better experience.

I noticed this bakehouse quietly opened recently on W 18th and stopped in to see what they had to offer - teas, pastries, and breads, not an extensive menu or high-volume. I bought 2 black sesame bagels to go, which came with small containers of cream cheese, and an Elderflower sparkling lemonade, as the other choice for a juice-like beverage was Elderflower Rose lemonade, and I opted for the less floral drink. Ack! That elderflower lemonade was definitely not for me; I've had elderflower liquor in a fancier cocktail or two, but neither I nor hubs enjoyed the taste of this lemonade impostor and we dumped it out. The sesame bagels were tasty, though a bit harder and tougher to chew than your standard bagel shop bagel. I'd be open to stopping in again as they ramp up and increase or vary their offerings, but I wasn't wowed this time.

Delicious pastries and delicious coffee. Staff was very friendly. The banana bread is so good

If you enjoy paying almost five dollars for a small mediocre coffee that's called a large then go ahead and check this spot out. Nothing too fancy either. They also don't have too many amenities for your coffee. The syrup is watery and the cashiers aren't very friendly. I came in here to check the spot out since ima coffee addict and I live on 19th and Racine, been trying to come check the place out and I'm glad it took so long. I'll pass on this spot from now on. In addition: Why would a comment from Alicia B. Of Spoke & Bird tell a fake story of me sending someone else in (I came in alone lol nor did I have anyone with me) after reading a $2 dollar option (something I didn't even consider because I wasn't looking for a discounted coffee lol) and then say I was impatient?! Maybe you read the ending wrong, I'm glad it took long for me to check out the coffee spot, I never said the coffee took long to be made. The marathon had nothing to do with an over priced weak coffee that isn't worth the purchase. Please pick up your pride from where you left it and continue to keep it moving. Your cameras were aiming at a different person because I clearly wasn't the person you were observing with all these weird false details that don't apply to me. Haha "I muttered something and stormed out?" You definitely have the wrong person in mind. None of this ever happened.

Such great service! The people here are friendly as soon as you walk in the door and the coffee is absolutely fantastic! Couldn't recommend this place more. There are so many pastries and bread to try, we ended up taking one to go just to try it. Prices are reasonable and the atmosphere is very laid back and comfortable. Overall a great experience. Thanks so much guys!

cutest bakery ever!! the staff is always so nice and they have your order out so fast. my roomates and i come here a lot. the baked goods are okay, the 2 times i've gotten something it has been stale. i really love this place! great prices too.

The Bakehouse has become my go-to coffee shop. My first time in I was on my bike passing by when I caught a glimpse and wanted to check it out. I had forgotten a bike lock and was a bit conflicted as I peered in the front. The owner must have seen my dilemma and quickly came to the door with a smile and invited my bike and I in! Some of the reasons I love this place: 1. All their pour-over craft coffee is made fresh when you order and it's worth it! Sure, it's pricier than coffee at a Dunkin', but that's the difference between just grabbing any cup of joe or truly enjoying your coffee. Sit back, relax a few minutes, and get something you will savor. 2. The staff is friendly and are attentive to clearing your dishes and delivering orders to the table. They are also great people to simply talk to and get to know! 3. Their new lunch menu is bomb, and I just need to plug their homemade peanut butter if you're grabbing a bagel or other pastry. So good... 4. The environment it cozy with good music, great natural light with a view out at 18th, and large wooden tables to work from with outlets. Sure there are some downsides noted by other reviewers, such as not having a public bathroom, but the space doesn't allow for it, and you can easily plan ahead by going before you stop in. Overall, this has become my go-to place to read, study, or meet with people when I just need to get out of the house. When I'm feeling an afternoon beer, the beer garden at their primary location a couple miles east on 18th is a also a clutch spot!

When Beurrage closed I was wondering what would take it's place. You can imagine the thrill when I drove by this little gem and was treated to some sort of Mexican bready deliciousness coupled with a cup of Rooibos tea (a favorite of any South African lad like me). It was the perfect morning pick me up. Really hits the spot. Friendly service and quality locally sourced ingredients. Me likey. Me likey a lot. Spoke and Bird have another location in the South Loop. I need to check that out too for brunch.

Always very good and reliable! Pick up orders are always ready when they say they will be. They are also quick if you order at the counter. Coffee taste great!

Soooo, I am actually really confused by this place. I have gone here a couple of times, and the baked goods and coffee are good. I loved the cinnamon roll I had. But sometimes when I stop in during what are supposed to be their regular hours, they are either unprepared for customers, or just straight up say they are closed. Today, a Tuesday morning at 8:30 AM, I stopped by to grab a coffee and a pastry, but was informed by the two people working there that they were closed and are not open at all on Tuesdays (mind you, their website and door says they are open M-F, 8 AM - 3 PM). I like the place, but I am weary of ever going out of my way to stop there again if their hours are so inconsistent.

I love this place. The pour over coffee is great and pastries are delicious. If you're not in the mood for something sweet, try the toast. They'll serve any of the breads they bake as thick slices of toast with jam or butter - the ultimate comfort food and very filling.

I had an everything bagel from here once and I remembered it being pretty good. I revisited for another. I was very surprised by how small the bagel was, unsure if it was a mistake or a miniature bagel. Bagel was okay the but almost comedically small.

Kind of tight, but it's a great location (plenty of street parking) and the flavors are unexpectedly divine. Everything was fresh and beyond our initial expectations. Servers could be friendlier but other than that I highly recommend their breakfast and coffee

I wish I could have their coffee and pastries everyday but I do like to treat myself here whenever possible. I don't remember the name of the coffee I had I just know it was a coffee from Peru and it was so good! A good coffee needs no sugar added or any milk/ creamer. I also tried their pb & j and it went well with my drink. The quality of the bread and pb & j was worth the $5. Good quality is what I enjoy and it's worth every penny.

It was a cute environment, but the service was bad and they won't let you use the bathroom..???!!!! What kind of coffee shop doesn't have a bathroom for customers. Snobby vibe.

I am one of the dentist that practice across the street! I am impressed with the pastry selections you offer and absolutely love your dark roasted coffee! I appreciate walking into your cafe the beautiful decor reminds me of Europe! Thank you for the great service and coffee.

I go to this place about once a week. Sometimes for high-quality fresh bread or pastries, and sometimes just for a really good cup of coffee. Nice neighborhood spot. Pleasant no-nonsense environment, kind staff and even friendly customers if you happen to share a table. Decent reading materials are on the tables, such as local media like the South Side Weekly to The Economist. Feels like a bakery that you'd find in a small town. If you're looking for real coffee, real bread or an original selection of pastries, check it out.

This place is cool but expensive. Their coffee is expensive. Their grilled cheese is expensive. They have two nice big tables and big windows and copies of the economist. I dig all that. Cinnamon roll is decent. Peace.

This is the best place in chicago. Just happened across when visiting and now wind up there any time I am in the city. Try it you'll like it.