Kristoffer's Cafe & Bakery — Restaurant in West Chicago Township

I always go here for a coffee and a piece of cake, or even for birthday cakes. Their horchata latte and multiple cakes are fantastic, and the quality of their product is really great. But there’s always a catch.

The young lady who’s often in the back and sometimes at the register is amazing—she’s friendly, professional, and genuinely welcoming. But the same can’t be said about the gentleman who’s always there. Not sure if he’s the owner, but he has no customer service skills, no professionalism, and no basic courtesy. Every time he serves, it’s with an attitude—like he’s doing it out of obligation, not because he values his customers.

What’s even worse is his lack of respect. Most of the clientele aren’t Spanish-speaking, yet I’ve caught him making comments under his breath about non-Hispanic customers. That kind of behavior is unacceptable and disappointing. This is exactly why big chains like Starbucks come into our neighborhoods and gentrify everything—because people like him push customers away with terrible service.

It’s a shame because the product itself is amazing—but the way it’s being delivered makes a huge difference. If he is the owner, or if the owner allows this, it’s time for a serious conversation about customer service. No matter how great the food is, a bad attitude will always ruin...

I’m sorry, but a place that calls itself a bakery shouldn’t have to put out baked goods that have been stored overnight, some wrapped in plastic. The lady behind the counter had a beautiful smile, but the man who told me it was take-out only and pointed out a little makeshift sign on one table was pretty matter-of-fact. So I paid almost six bucks for a coffee and a mediocre bagel and had to eat them across the street on the litter-strewn sidewalk in front of the apparently defunct “The Original MAXWELL ST. POLISH ITALIAN ICE” which has a not-too-filthy elbow-level counter to put my coffee and bagel on, and maybe even write three pages into my journal. I feel very Continental, and really glad it’s not raining nor snowing nor brutally hot! Just a little disappointed at what the immediate neighborhood has to offer in the way of a warm, inviting bakery cafe where I could write in my journal or catch up...

The caramel tres leches cake was amazing! Even after days in the fridge, the leftover slices kept the same taste, 'structural integrity' and moistness as the day we got it. We called the day before to reserve our cake, they don't have many whole cakes at hand but they do have a variety of slices available and we got a slice of vanilla chocolate tres leches (only because they didn't have the chocolate flan cake), cold horchata latte and hot mexican coffee when picking up our birthday cake. They do have a savory menu of sandwiches and such, which we did not try. It's a cozy mom and pop bakeshop with a couch area and a few cafe style tables & chairs. The north 8 bus stop is right in front - very accessible on the CTA, parking is on the streets and it's an $10 uberX ride to lakeshore east area. If you're in the area or have a craving for quality tres leches cake,...