OUD Coffee & Cafe River North — Restaurant in Chicago

Last weekend I discovered the Dubai chocolate and a day later I saw someone post about this new cafe in Chicago that was selling it. Earlier today I dropped my kids at camp then made a trek into the city. This isn’t the first time I’ve gone on a mission into Chicago looking for some random food item but this is the BEST time.

I was somewhat surprised to find that OUD was packed. I don’t know why… maybe I’ve been living in suburbia too long. There were plenty of tables considering the size of the space and they were all full. There was also a line to order.

I ordered an iced Spanish Latte, a box of baklava, knafeh cake, and, of course, the Dubai chocolate.

I grew up in the Detroit area, where baklava was a regular treat. There’s none in my suburb, so this was an incredible treat. Of course there was traditional, but some others I hadn’t tried before (like chocolate-covered). Another review said they thought all the baklava came from a box but I didn’t get that impression at all - it was all fresh and tasty!

I’d never had knafeh, or knafeh cake before, but after eating it the first thing I did was look up whether I could make it myself, which is high praise considering I don’t cook. I was advised to heat it up for a few seconds so the cheese got melty, and omg it was so good. The flavor was unlike anything g I’ve ever had before.

Now, for the Dubai chocolate. 😍😍😍 I love dark chocolate and used to shell out big bucks for gourmet chocolate. But at some point I realized I prefer my chocolate (and ice cream) with texture. I need some crunch. So this bar, to me, was pretty close to perfection. The crunch, pistachio, and dark chocolate create a combination that’s incredible. Truly. It is, however, a little on the small size. Would I get it again, though? Heck yeah! I’ll be back the next time I’m in Chicago!

I’m so happy a Palestinian coffee shop serving middle eastern treats exists in Chicago. I will...

If you're looking for the ultimate coffee shop experience, Oud is an absolute gem! From the moment you walk in, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee is irresistible, and it only gets better from there. The coffee is exceptional—rich, flavorful, and crafted with care. Whether you're a fan of a classic latte, a bold espresso, or something more adventurous, their menu has something to delight every coffee lover.

But it’s not just about the coffee here. The food is equally amazing! From flaky pastries to hearty breakfast sandwiches, every bite is fresh, delicious, and made with high-quality ingredients. I highly recommend trying their za’tar and cheese Manakeesh—it’s a game-changer!

What truly sets this place apart, though, is the service. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about what they do. They make you feel welcome and go out of their way to ensure you have a great experience.

Yes, there are long lines, especially during peak hours, but trust me—it’s 100% worth the wait. The buzz and energy of the shop make the time fly by, and once you take that first sip of coffee or bite of food, you’ll understand why this place is so popular.

If you’re in the area, don’t miss out on this coffee shop. It’s a five-star...

I have really enjoyed coming here and getting the Oud latte each time. Lately, I’ve noticed that they do not process pick up orders until you come in and state that you have a pick up order which defeats the purpose of having a pick up time. Today, (7/12/25), pickup order of course was overlooked until I informed someone that I had a pick up order. Seemed like there was a water leak of some sort which one of the baristas took care of before proceeding to make drinks (understandable). What I was not a fan of is the sanitary of making drinks. There was a young lady (with locs) who was making drinks that (probably subconsciously) started touching her hair and then breaking up mint to place inside someone’s drink. After mopping, this same young lady did not appear to have washed their hands before getting back to service. She also used her phone (which we know how germy a phone can be) and she just casually proceeds to working (making drinks).I believe those in a food service need to be conscious of what they’re doing as they’re making food/drinks for someone other than themselves. I have been coming here consistently and ordering at least two drinks and sometimes food items, spending anywhere between $14-$25 each visit. I will...