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Oud Coffee & Cafe
Master Critic Review
Oud Coffee & Cafe
8.2
Oud Coffee & Cafe is a Palestinian-owned coffee bar and bakery where knafeh, specialty lattes, and a full bagel section anchor a polished, photo-friendly space. In River North, it functions as an all-day stop for lox bagels, Asiago bagels, and sweet snacks alongside elaborate matcha and espresso drinks.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lox Bagel, Asiago Bagel with Cream Cheese, Everything Bagel with Chive Cream Cheese
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 6.6
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Design-forward cafe where Middle Eastern pastries share space with a full bagel lineup.
Who should go: Coffee lovers wanting stylish lox and bagel breakfasts.
When to visit: Mid-morning weekdays for easier seating and calmer service.
What to order: Lox bagel, Asiago bagel with cream cheese, everything bagel with chive cream cheese.
Insider tip: Pair your lox bagel with a knafeh-inspired dessert and one of their signature matcha drinks.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and metered; most guests use nearby paid garages or rideshare, especially during peak brunch hours.
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual — athleisure, jeans, and daytime brunch attire are all common.
Noise level: Moderate — conversational at most times, with a livelier buzz during weekend brunch.
Weekend wait: Not typically applicable — the cafe skews daytime and early-evening service, but expect brief lines during late-afternoon rushes.
Weekday lunch: Light to moderate flow — usually minimal wait, though popular drink and pastry orders may take a few minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several bagels, spreads, pastries, and coffee drinks work well for vegetarian diners.
Vegan options: Limited — select drinks and plain bagels may work, but fillings and pastries skew dairy-heavy.
Gluten-free options: Limited — bagels and most baked items contain gluten; no dedicated gluten-free prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it works well for a casual daytime or coffee-first date, especially if you want a stylish space without a formal sit-down vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — seating is first-come, first-served. During peak brunch hours, expect to wait for a table or hover briefly for open seats.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes — counter-service format and pastries make it workable for families, though seating can feel tight during busy periods and there are no dedicated kid amenities.
Best For
Better for: Design-forward ambiance, specialty lattes, and Middle Eastern-influenced pastries alongside a full bagel lineup — ideal for photo-worthy coffee and brunch stops.
Skip if: You want a traditional New York–style bagel bakery with large portions, late-night hours, or extensive savory breakfast plates.