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Au Levain Bakery & Cafe
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Au Levain Bakery & Cafe
8.5
Au Levain Bakery & Cafe in North Center focuses on classic French laminated pastries, cakes, and a small cafe menu built around high-quality ingredients. Locals line up for croissants, kouign amann, and coffee in a bright counter-service space that works best for quick visits and small catch-ups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Plain croissant, Kouign amann, Breakfast sandwich on house English muffin
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: French-style laminated pastries with serious technique in a casual cafe.
Who should go: Pastry obsessives chasing top-tier croissants and kouign amann.
When to visit: Early mornings for best pastry selection and shorter lines.
What to order: Plain croissant, kouign amann, breakfast sandwich on English muffin.
Insider tip: Go early on weekends; signature pastries often sell out by midday.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in the neighborhood is usually available, but can be limited during morning rush hours.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable — think coffee shop attire.
Noise level: Generally low to moderate; easy for conversation except during peak weekend mornings.
Weekend wait: Not applicable — this is primarily a daytime bakery-cafe.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait, though pastry selection may be limited later in the day.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — many pastries and a few cafe items are naturally vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — most pastries contain butter, but occasional vegan-friendly items may appear.
Gluten-free options: Very limited — offerings focus heavily on traditional wheat-based pastries.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you're planning a casual coffee-and-pastry date. The bright, relaxed setting works well for low-key meetups.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — seating is first-come, first-served, but tables are limited during peak morning hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families are welcome, though space is cozy and best suited for well-behaved kids or quick visits.
Best For
Better for: Classic French pastries made with strong technique — especially croissants and kouign amann — and quick coffee catch-ups.
Skip if: You need a full sit-down brunch menu, lots of seating, or broad vegan/gluten-free options.
Au Levain Bakery & Cafe
8.4
Au Levain Bakery & Cafe is a North Center pastry-focused cafe where laminated croissants, English muffins, and breakfast sandwiches anchor a casual brunch scene. Recent coverage has highlighted its English muffins and chilaquiles, making it as much a destination for leisurely weekend bites as for take-home pastry boxes.
Must-Try Dishes:
Au Levain Breakfast Wrap, Chilaquiles Rojos, Sausage & Egg Sourdough English Muffin Sandwich
Scores:
Value: 6.6
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Laminated pastry specialist that now pairs standout English muffins with full brunch plates.
Who should go: Pastry-focused brunch fans who appreciate great breadwork.
When to visit: Early weekend mornings for best pastry and minimal lines.
What to order: Au Levain Breakfast Wrap, Chilaquiles Rojos, English muffin sandwich.
Insider tip: Grab a six-pack of sourdough English muffins or cookies to take home after brunch.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in the neighborhood; typically manageable but can tighten during peak brunch hours.
Dress code: Casual — weekend brunch attire and relaxed cafe wear are common.
Noise level: Moderate — conversational inside, slightly louder during peak brunch rush.
Weekend wait: Not applicable — this is primarily a daytime cafe and brunch spot.
Weekday lunch: Often minimal or no wait outside peak lunch/brunch windows.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several brunch plates and pastries are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited — pastries and most brunch plates lean dairy-forward.
Gluten-free options: Limited — gluten-free dining is not a focus given the bakery-forward menu.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you’re looking for a relaxed daytime meet-up over great pastries and coffee rather than a formal dining experience.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — service is counter-style and seating is first-come, first-served, though weekend mornings may require a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — casual seating, pastries, and breakfast plates make it easy for families, especially earlier in the day.
Best For
Better for: Top-tier laminated pastries, English muffins, and a casual but polished brunch experience with strong bakery credentials.
Skip if: You want extensive vegan or gluten-free options, late-night dining, or a full-service restaurant setting.
Au Levain Bakery & Cafe
7.8
Au Levain is a North Center bakery-cafe focused on laminated pastries, English muffins, and breakfast-lunch plates served via counter service. Limited indoor seating and a small seasonal patio make it a pleasant spot for a light outdoor breakfast, quick coffee meetups, or a pastry-focused weekend stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sausage egg and cheese on sourdough English muffin, Chicken pesto sandwich on sourdough, Chorizo danish
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 7.1
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Pastry-driven cafe where laminated dough and breakfast sandwiches shine on a compact patio.
Who should go: Pastry obsessives and brunch seekers who prioritize baked goods.
When to visit: Early mornings for best pastry selection and patio seats.
What to order: Sausage egg muffin, chicken pesto sandwich, chorizo danish.
Insider tip: Order pastries to stay and an extra box for next-day breakfast.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in the surrounding North Center neighborhood; typically easier earlier in the morning.
Dress code: Casual and relaxed — coffee shop attire is totally fine.
Noise level: Light to moderate — generally conversational, with quieter weekday mornings.
Weekend wait: Not applicable — closes before dinner hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait, though seating can be limited during peak hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several pastries, sandwiches, and breakfast options can be vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — some items may qualify but options vary by daily menu.
Gluten-free options: Limited — pastry program is primarily wheat-based, with occasional GF-friendly options.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it works well for a low-key coffee or pastry date, especially on the patio when the weather is nice.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter service and first-come, first-served. Arrive early for the best chance at patio seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — casual, welcoming, and relaxed, though seating is limited and there’s no dedicated kids’ menu.
Best For
Better for: Freshly baked pastries, artisan breadwork, and casual outdoor breakfast meetups.
Skip if: You want full-service dining, a large patio, or extensive savory brunch entrées.