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Fancy Plants Cafe
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Fancy Plants Cafe
8.3
Fancy Plants Cafe is a 100% vegan daytime cafe in East Lakeview from chef-owner Kevin Schuder, focused on coffee, pastries, and composed breakfast and lunch plates. Since 2019 it’s built a following for carrot “lox” bagels, croissant sandwiches, and seasonal pastries in a cozy, plant-filled room with sidewalk seating.
Must-Try Dishes:
Croissant Breakfast Sandwich, Carrot Lox Bagel, Breakfast Burrito
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: A dedicated vegan cafe where house-baked pastries and breakfast plates pair with serious coffee.
Who should go: Daytime diners seeking plant-based brunch, pastry, and coffee.
When to visit: Late morning on weekdays for easier seating and Wi-Fi time.
What to order: Carrot lox bagel, croissant breakfast sandwich, seasonal pastry.
Insider tip: On nice days, grab a sidewalk table—then snag pastries to-go before they sell out.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Primarily street parking — metered spots on Broadway and nearby residential parking; can be limited during brunch rush.
Dress code: Casual and relaxed — brunch attire, athleisure and jeans are common.
Noise level: Moderate — conversational indoors, quieter on sidewalk seating when traffic is light.
Weekend wait: Not applicable — daytime cafe that typically closes before dinner service.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait; brief delays during peak lunch and coffee rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — fully plant-based menu, all items suitable for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Yes — 100% vegan kitchen with pastries, plates, and coffee drinks.
Gluten-free options: Several options — some GF-friendly plates and alternates, but pastry selection varies by day.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — cozy, plant-filled space with light conversation-friendly energy, best for casual daytime coffee or brunch dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it operates counter-service with open seating; arrive earlier on weekends to secure a table.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for quiet daytime visits — no kids’ menu, but casual seating and quicker service work well for older kids.
Best For
Better for: Vegan pastries, composed brunch plates, and specialty coffee in a calm daytime setting.
Skip if: You want full table service, late-night dining, or a large-group brunch with extensive savory entrees.
Fancy Plants Cafe
8.0
Fancy Plants Cafe is a 100% vegan daytime café in East Lakeview where espresso drinks, house-baked pastries, and savory brunch plates share the spotlight. The small, plant-filled space leans more café than restaurant, attracting regulars for carrot lox bagels, croissant sandwiches, and occasional specials like smoked lentil lasagna.
Must-Try Dishes:
Breakfast croissant sandwich, Carrot lox bagel with cashew cream cheese, Smoked lentil lasagna
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 7.3
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: A cozy, 100% vegan café pairing serious coffee with inventive brunch and pastries.
Who should go: Plant-based brunch seekers and coffee lovers who like intimate cafés.
When to visit: Late weekday mornings for easier seating and a calmer pace.
What to order: Breakfast croissant sandwich, carrot lox bagel, smoked lentil lasagna slice.
Insider tip: Scan the pastry case as soon as you arrive—popular items often sell out early.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Primarily street parking in the surrounding residential blocks; metered spots along nearby commercial corridors and availability can be limited during peak brunch hours.
Dress code: Casual and café-appropriate — jeans, athleisure, and relaxed daytime attire are all common.
Noise level: Generally low to moderate — conversation is easy at most tables, with a gentle café buzz during peak brunch times.
Weekend wait: Not applicable — this is a daytime café and typically closes before dinner hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait; brief delays during the late-morning coffee and brunch rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — the entire menu is plant-based and works well for vegetarian diners.
Vegan options: Yes — this is a 100% vegan café with fully plant-based food and pastries.
Gluten-free options: Several items are available or can be adapted gluten-free, but options are limited — confirm with staff about pastry ingredients and cross-contact.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for a casual daytime or coffee-centric first date — the cozy space and quieter atmosphere work well for conversation, but it’s not a formal or evening date setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — seating is first-come, first-served and reservations aren’t used. Arrive outside late-morning peak hours if you want the best chance at snagging a table.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally kid-friendly for well-behaved children, but the space is small with limited seating and minimal stroller room; there’s no dedicated kids menu or play area.
Best For
Better for: Plant-based brunch, high-quality coffee, and vegan pastries in an intimate café environment rather than a full-service restaurant experience.
Skip if: You want large-group seating, a louder social brunch with alcohol, or a full sit-down dinner service — consider a larger dining room instead.