The story
Patti Smith once wrote about Lula Cafe in her memoir M Train, listing it among the great cafés of the world. It’s that kind of place – an unwinding pool of obscure angles, a glass of tea, and a round metal table. Since 1999, Lula Cafe has anchored the corner of Kedzie and Logan Boulevard, serving inventive, market-driven food in a space that feels both funky and welcoming. The restaurant describes its food as "mostly organic," and the menu changes with the seasons, drawing from local farms and producers.
Lula Cafe is known for its especially popular brunch, but the kitchen shines just as brightly at dinner. The menu is a mix of playful and grounded dishes. Breakfast might bring a Fennel Pollen Custard Bun with forced rhubarb jam and orange streusel, or the Classic Lula Breakfast Burrito with avocado, tomato, cheddar, and soft scrambled eggs. Lunch offers a Spicy Peanut Noodle bowl with marinated tofu and fresh herbs, and the long-running Lula ’99 Turkey Sandwich. Dinner expands into larger plates like Scottish Salmon with butter-poached romaine and favas, or Rigatoni with pork sugo and Calabrian chile. Even the desserts – a Burnt Bay Leaf Panna Cotta or Amaro Affogato – show a kitchen that takes small details seriously.
The Michelin guide has awarded Lula Cafe a Bib Gourmand for good quality, good value cooking. It’s a fitting recognition for a restaurant that has quietly defined a certain kind of Chicago dining: ambitious but unpretentious, seasonal without being precious, and deeply rooted in its neighborhood. Whether you come for a midweek dinner or a leisurely Sunday brunch, the cafe feels like it belongs to you.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
Location
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