It's a cute little cafe. The staff is extremely friendly. But there are no prices listed. I know I'm a lowly carpenter working in a rich neighborhood but geeze. Order the oatmeal special and it had no texture. You could have drank it with a straw. Holiday Inn has better two-day old oatmeal.
Sep 16 · Jon MurphyBAKERY PROFILE
Three Tarts Bakery & Cafe
★ 4.0222 recorded reviews$10–20
301 N Happ Rd, Northfield, IL 60093, USA
Directory information can change. Confirm current hours, prices, products, dietary needs, and custom-order requirements directly with the bakery.
PLAN THE VISIT
Essential details
- Address
- 301 N Happ Rd, Northfield, IL 60093, USA
- Phone
- (847) 446-5444
- Website
- Visit official site
- Rating signal
- 4.0 from 222 recorded reviews
HOURS
Listed operating hours
- Monday7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Tuesday7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Wednesday7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Thursday7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Friday7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Saturday7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- SundayClosed
About and visit notes
For over 25 years, Three Tarts Bakery & Cafe has established itself as a premier destination in Northfield, IL, serving the entire North Shore with a delightful blend of gourmet baking, fresh cafe fare, and specialty catering. More than just a bakery, this local treasure operates as a full-service cafe, a dedicated breakfast restaurant, and an experienced wedding bakery. Identified proudly as a women-owned business, Three Tarts offers a warm, friendly, and inclusive atmosphere, welcoming all members of the Illinois community, including being an LGBTQ+ friendly and Transgender safespace.
The shop’s offerings are extensive, designed to cater to any craving from a quick morning coffee to a full, satisfying lunch, all while maintaining a reputation for exceptional, handmade baked goods. While the menu of delicious, freshly prepared food is vast—featuring inventive toasts like the Avocado Tahini Toast and hearty lunch options like the Chicken Pesto Panini—it is the bakery that truly shines. Patrons rave about the dessert options, with one customer noting that their "bakery options (especially the shortbread cookies) are to die for." From the moment you walk in, the "sweet, fresh baked creations all over" make it clear that this is a true baker’s haven.
With a strong focus on utilizing seasonal ingredients from local farmers across the Midwest, Three Tarts ensures that its constantly evolving menu is as fresh and flavorful as possible. This commitment to quality and community sourcing is a key reason why this local business has become a longstanding favorite in the Northfield region.
***
Location and Accessibility
Three Tarts Bakery & Cafe is conveniently located in the Northfield Village Square, making it a highly accessible spot for commuters, local residents, and visitors in the North Shore area of Illinois.
The address is 301 N Happ Rd, Northfield, IL 60093, USA.
Accessibility is a key priority at Three Tarts, ensuring a comfortable experience for every patron:
- Parking: Features a Free parking lot and Free street parking, making it easy to pop in for a quick visit or stay for a relaxing meal.
- Mobility Access: Provides a Wheelchair accessible entrance, Wheelchair accessible parking lot, Wheelchair accessible restroom, and Wheelchair accessible seating.
- Amenities: Offers complimentary Wi-Fi and a clean Restroom for the convenience of dine-in guests.
- Payment: Accepts flexible payment options, including Checks, Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.
***
Services Offered
The business is defined by its four main service categories: a full-service cafe, an experienced bakery, a catering specialist, and a dedicated wedding cake provider.
- All-Day Dining: Serves an extensive menu for Breakfast and Lunch, prepared fresh to order.
- Gourmet Coffee and Beverages: Offers a full-service beverage bar, featuring Drip Coffee, Cold Brew, Espresso drinks (Latte, Mocha, Cappuccino), and specialty teas like Chai Latte and Matcha Latte.
- Custom Bakery and Desserts: Specializes in daily-fresh, small and large desserts, including cookies (especially the famous shortbread), tarts, cakes by the slice (Carrot Cake Slice, Banana Cake Slice), and seasonal items.
- Wedding and Special Occasion Cakes: Operates as a Wedding bakery, offering consultations, tastings, and beautiful, custom-designed cakes that have been praised for being both "delicious and gorgeous."
- Convenient Service Options: Offers a range of ways to order and receive food: Dine-in, Takeout, In-store pickup, Curbside pickup, and Delivery.
- Pantry/Take-Home Goods: Carries a selection of retail items, which historically has included cookie dough, sauces, pestos, and soup to take home and enjoy.
***
Features / Highlights
Three Tarts Bakery & Cafe is distinguished by its commitment to fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and its vibrant, inclusive business identity.
- Commitment to Local and Seasonal Ingredients: Actively partners with eight different farmers across the Midwest to incorporate the freshest seasonal produce, from Michigan apples to local microgreens, into their menu (e.g., Michigan Apple Oatmeal Special).
- Extensive and Creative Menu: Offers a wide variety of inventive and classic dishes for all dietary preferences:
- Breakfast Standouts: Creative options like The Girlboss and four unique styles of Avocado Toast (including Avocado Tahini and Goat Cheese Avo).
- Lunch Variety: A large selection of gourmet Sandwiches (like Roast Beef and Chicken Artichoke), hot Paninis (like Ham & Brie), and fresh, creative Salads (like Spa Salad and Nicoise Salad).
- Soup Excellence: Offers homemade soup in three sizes, up to a Quart (32 Oz), perfect for a substantial meal or for taking home.
- Acclaimed Bakery Products: While everything is fresh, their shortbread cookies are cited as "to die for," and they are known for quality, custom-order cakes that are both beautiful and delicious for weddings and other events.
- Inclusive and Community-Oriented Atmosphere: As a women-owned business and a recognized LGBTQ+ friendly establishment, Three Tarts fosters a welcoming environment for everyone, supported by an "extremely friendly" staff.
***
Contact Information
For catering orders, wedding cake consultations, or to inquire about the daily specials, residents in the Illinois North Shore area can contact the cafe directly:
Address: 301 N Happ Rd, Northfield, IL 60093, USA
Phone: (847) 446-5444 (or +1 847-446-5444)
***
What is Worth Choosing
Three Tarts Bakery & Cafe is an absolute must-visit for any Illinois local seeking a high-quality, reliable, and welcoming culinary experience in Northfield. It is worth choosing for its rare combination of three core strengths under one roof: a top-tier cafe, a commitment to local sourcing, and excellent custom baking.
You are choosing a destination that can perfectly meet multiple needs: from an energized morning with a Fresh Squeezed Juice and a specialty Breakfast Sandwich like The Girlboss to a midday indulgence with a fresh, savory Ham & Brie Panini and a slice of their famous Carrot Cake. Their versatility extends to life's biggest celebrations, as they are a highly-rated Wedding Bakery in the Chicago area.
Ultimately, by choosing Three Tarts, customers are supporting a longstanding, women-owned business that invests in the regional community by sourcing locally. The consistent praise for the food quality, the "extremely friendly" staff, and the bright, inclusive atmosphere solidify Three Tarts Bakery & Cafe's status as an essential, high-quality local gem on Happ Road.
VISIT FEATURES
Services and accessibility
These attributes come from the directory record and should be confirmed when essential.
From the business
- Identifies as women-owned
Service options
- Curbside pickup
- Delivery
- In-store pickup
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Coffee
Dining options
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Crowd
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Planning
- Quick visit
Payments
- Checks
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
PHOTOS
See the bakery
VISITOR FEEDBACK
Reviews and recurring themes
Read individual comments as personal experiences, not verified guarantees.
lunch 21cookies 17coffee 13soups 8price 6scones 5holiday 5birthday 5chain 4panini 3
I was there with a friend, we didn't have much expectations walking in, but man, were they good. The service was friendly and quick, and they had a ton of dessert/bakery options to try. We tried their Carrot cake, Shortbread cookies, Almond Tart and also a salad, and a couple sandwiches. The sandwiches were okay, but their bakery options(especially the shortbread cookies) are to die for. I can't wait to go back.
Nov 8 · Sudheer SThree Tarts Bakery & Cafe really surprised me. Their owner, Kate, is super friendly, and their malted chocolate cookies are insanely good. They also sell some great savory sandwiches. My girlfriend Lauren has a severe nut allergy, and they are super good with food allergies marking this bakery as one of the only places where she can eat. I will definitely swing by next time I am in town!
Aug 27 · Andrei Jaume WillenskaBought a Jenniper Salad today. Over $10 for 95% lettuce / greens (yes I get it’s a salad) but very poor value for money. Think I will stick to Whole Goods Salad Bar going forward.08/01/25 Further to above I felt had to add and compliment the Manager for the way she handled my issue. Outstanding service and they could not have done more to rectify the situation. Thank you.
Aug 1 · Graham ReidKnown for their exquisite cakes... But also an excellent spot for a simple coffee and sweet roll! Their buttercream frostings are the real deal, their ganache and fillings are heavenly. Cake decorating as you can see is one of a kind extraordinary for the area... if you want a breathtaking special occasion cake, Three Tarts is the place to go! ps, because of the over the top richness of their ingredients, even the smallest cake serves at the top end of its size...
Mar 31 · Gary RejebianNEARBY ALTERNATIVES
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This page combines directory records, available business details, submitted photos, and visitor feedback. Information may be incomplete or change without notice. For corrections, contact server@heavenlydelightsbakery.com.