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Goddess and the Baker
Master Critic Review
Goddess and the Baker
8.2
The 44 E Grand location of Goddess and the Baker is an all-day café where colorful cakes, croissants, and cookies share the case with brunch plates, salads, and coffee drinks. It’s a busy, design-forward stop between the Mag Mile and River North offices, popular for both bakery runs and sit-down breakfasts.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ham & Cheese Croissant, Avocado Toast, Rainbow layer cake slice
Scores:
Value: 6.4
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: A high-energy café-bakery hybrid known for rainbow cakes, croissants, and all-day brunch in a central tourist-and-office corridor.
Who should go: Visitors and downtown workers wanting pastries plus real brunch plates.
When to visit: Early mornings or midafternoon to avoid peak brunch crush.
What to order: Ham & Cheese Croissant, Avocado Toast, a slice of rainbow cake.
Insider tip: Lines move fastest if you know your bakery order before reaching the register—peek at the pastry case from the sidewalk while you decide.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet; limited metered street parking on Grand/State — most guests use nearby paid garages within 1–2 blocks.
Dress code: Casual and tourist-friendly; athleisure and jeans are common.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak brunch — conversation is possible but not intimate.
Weekend wait: Usually little to no wait — evenings are quieter and many guests stop in mainly for dessert or coffee.
Weekday lunch: 5–15 minutes during peak noon rush; sometimes immediate seating outside the rush window.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several pastries, salads, toasts, and breakfast plates can be ordered vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — a few baked goods or drinks may qualify; savory vegan options are minimal.
Gluten-free options: Partial coverage — some items are marked gluten-free, but prep is not in a dedicated GF facility.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual coffee-and-cake meetup than a romantic first date — the vibe is lively, bright, and often crowded rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service with first-come seating. During busy brunch periods, expect to order at the register and wait for a table to open.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for school-age kids and families grabbing pastries or brunch; space can feel tight for strollers during peak hours and there’s no formal kids menu.
Best For
Better for: Colorful desserts, pastry-case variety, and an energetic café setting steps from major hotels and the Mag Mile.
Skip if: You want a quiet, linger-friendly brunch or chef-driven breakfast — choose a slower, full-service restaurant instead.