Loba Pastry + Coffee

Introduction / Overview

Loba Pastry + Coffee, located in the heart of the Lakeview/North Center area of Chicago, has established itself not merely as a neighborhood Bakery, but as a culinary destination for those in Illinois seeking truly unique and expertly crafted baked goods. Located at 3600 N Lincoln Ave, Loba goes far beyond the standard bakery fare, merging classic techniques with bold, unconventional flavor combinations often inspired by Latin American, particularly Mexican, heritage—a reflection of its identity as a proud Latino-owned and women-owned business, led by Chef Valeria Velazquez Lindsten.

The shop functions simultaneously as an artisan Bakery and a dedicated Coffee shop. While the pastries are the undeniable 'showstoppers,' their beverage menu is thoughtfully curated, offering a range of specialty options from a simple, high-quality Drip Coffee and Espresso Blend to innovative house creations like the Burnt Cajeta Latte and Kyoto Coldbrew. This intentional pairing ensures that every treat is accompanied by an equally exceptional cup of coffee.

What truly sets Loba apart for the discerning Illinois patron is the philosophy behind the baking. The offerings constantly rotate, ensuring customers are always "on their toes" for new creations. Staples that have garnered significant local praise include the Pineapple Sourdough Muffins, the savory and unique Cheese Kouign Amann with curry sugar, and the highly celebrated Black Mole Croissant. The commitment to catering to modern dietary needs is also a major highlight, with dedicated, delicious Gluten-Free (GF) and Vegan options available daily, proving that creativity and inclusivity can coexist in high-end pastry.

The entire experience is wrapped in a chic, Scandinavian-inspired atmosphere that, while compact, is bright and filled with sunlight, making it a perfect spot for a 'Quick visit' and a refreshing break. Loba Pastry + Coffee is a gem for the Chicago community, embodying quality, innovation, and a strong sense of local ownership.

Location and Accessibility

Loba Pastry + Coffee is conveniently situated at 3600 N Lincoln Ave in Chicago, IL 60613. This address places it squarely on the border of the desirable Lakeview and North Center neighborhoods, an area bustling with residential and local commercial activity. The location is highly visible, often described as being in the "shadow of the Addison Brown Line stop," which offers seamless accessibility for patrons utilizing Chicago’s public transit system.

For those driving from the Illinois suburbs or other city neighborhoods, the location benefits from both Free street parking and Paid street parking options nearby, which is a notable convenience in a dense urban environment. The commitment to accessibility is evident through the provision of a Wheelchair accessible entrance, Wheelchair accessible restroom, and Wheelchair accessible seating, ensuring a welcoming environment for all members of the Illinois community.

Its strategic placement on Lincoln Avenue, a major north-side artery, ensures that Loba is a convenient stop for locals grabbing a breakfast pastry or commuters looking for a specialty coffee. The combination of easy public transit access, reasonable parking options, and thoughtful physical accessibility features makes Loba Pastry + Coffee an exceptionally well-located establishment in the Chicago region.

Services Offered

Loba Pastry + Coffee focuses on high-quality, efficient service tailored to the pace of Chicago life, primarily centered around its pastry and coffee offerings.

Services Offered:

• Takeout: The core service for patrons looking to grab their coffee and pastries quickly, facilitating a smooth 'Quick visit' experience.
• In-store Pickup: Allows for pre-ordered pastries or bread—especially on busy weekend mornings—to be picked up efficiently, minimizing wait times.
• Dine-in: Provides limited but beautiful seating for customers who wish to savor their breakfast and coffee in the unique Scandinavian-designed space, though laptop use is typically restricted to bar areas to manage high foot traffic and maintain the social ambiance.
• Breakfast: Serving a wide range of pastries, biscuits, scones, and muffins, the bakery is an ideal spot to start the day.
• Coffee Service: Offers a full menu of Espresso drinks, Batch Brew, Coldbrew (Kyoto Coldbrew), and specialty lattes, supporting both the in-house coffee shop designation and the pastries.
• Electronic Payments: Accepts all major modern payment methods, including Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.

Features / Highlights

Loba Pastry + Coffee distinguishes itself through its culinary creativity, commitment to quality sourcing, and strong community identity.

Features / Highlights:

• Unique and Innovative Pastries: The menu is a rotating selection of highly unconventional and delicious items, often drawing on Mexican flavors, such as the famous Black Mole Croissant, the savory Cheese Kouign Amann with curry sugar, the Esquite Biscuit, and the seasonal Burnt Cajeta Latte.
• Award-Recognized Quality: The bakery has received high praise, including national recognition like a James Beard Nomination for Outstanding Bakery, highlighting the elite level of the pastry craftsmanship.
• Latino and Women-Owned: Identifies proudly as a Latino-owned and women-owned business, representing a vibrant part of Chicago's entrepreneurial spirit and community.
• Dietary Inclusivity: Features consistent, high-quality options for specialized diets, including popular items like the Emmie (an oat-based, GF canelé-style custard) and various Vegan (V) pastries, such as the Pineapple Sourdough Muffins and Oat Bar (DF) options.
• Exceptional Atmosphere: The interior design is celebrated for its bright, minimalist, and "showstopper" Scandinavian aesthetic, using natural light and wood to create a unique and cozy environment.
• Commitment to Local Sourcing: Prioritizes high-grade ingredients, utilizing local suppliers like Kilgus Farm for dairy and local farms for seasonal fruits, reflecting a deep commitment to quality and supporting the local Illinois food ecosystem.

Contact Information

For Illinois residents wishing to contact the Loba Pastry + Coffee team for inquiries or to confirm hours and specials, the following details are provided.

Address:

3600 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60613, USA

Phone:

(773) 456-9266

Mobile Phone: +1 773-456-9266

What is worth choosing

For patrons in Illinois, Loba Pastry + Coffee represents the pinnacle of modern, independent bakery experiences, making it unequivocally worth choosing over conventional options.

The primary reason to choose Loba is the sheer innovation and quality of the pastries. This is not a place for mass-produced, overly sweet confections; it is an artisan workshop where the menu constantly evolves. The opportunity to taste a Black Mole Croissant, a savory Curry Scone, or a sophisticated Burnt Cajeta Latte—flavors that truly "explore outside of the classic selection"—is a rare find in the local bakery landscape and is what makes Loba a subject of significant culinary discussion and praise in Chicago. This level of culinary adventure and execution, recognized even by major food critics and award panels, positions Loba as one of the best bakeries in the city.

Secondly, Loba makes a deliberate effort to be an inclusive space. The guaranteed availability of exceptional Gluten-Free and Vegan pastries allows those with dietary restrictions to participate fully in the high-end pastry experience, a thoughtful service that is highly valued. Paired with its identity as a Latino and women-owned business, a visit to Loba is a conscious choice to support a unique and diverse voice within the Illinois small business community.

Finally, the atmosphere itself is an escape. The bright, minimalist Scandinavian design creates a beautiful, calm environment perfect for enjoying your meal. While Loba encourages a social, quick-visit mindset over long hours of remote work (by limiting Wi-Fi and power outlets), this focus is precisely what ensures the space remains available for patrons primarily interested in savoring the unparalleled quality of the food and the company. For a truly memorable and inventive breakfast or coffee break in Chicago, Loba Pastry + Coffee is the destination.

Loba Pastry + Coffee

3600 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60613, USA