Suggestions
Explore the featured selections!
About
Courageous Bakery & Cafe
Welcome to Courageous Bakery & Cafe, a vibrant and welcoming establishment located at 736 Lake St, Oak Park, IL. This charming bakery and café specializes in an array of delicious offerings, including breakfast, brunch, sandwiches, and mouthwatering desserts. With a reputation for not only great food but also an inviting atmosphere, Courageous Bakery & Cafe has quickly become a local favorite.
One of the standout features of Courageous is its commitment to inclusivity. It proudly offers gluten-free, vegan, and many vegetarian options, ensuring that there's something for everyone. Their dedication to conscious dining doesn't stop there: you'll find all menu items served in compostable containers with plastic-free packaging, respecting both the palate and the planet.
As a women-owned establishment, it creates an atmosphere that feels both warm and inviting. The cheerful cafeteria feel, as described by patrons like Angela W. and Kyla K., makes it a perfect spot for gatherings, whether it’s a family brunch, a casual meetup with friends, or a work lunch. Reviewers often highlight the gorgeous decor and friendly staff, generating a welcoming vibe that keeps guests coming back.
The café not only meets the culinary needs of customers but also accommodates their convenience preferences. With options for delivery and takeout, alongside outdoor seating for those sunny days, your experience can be tailored to how you want to enjoy it. Plus, you can indulge in refreshments during their happy hour with a selection of beverages that include alcohol, making it an ideal place for socializing.
The menu is filled with delightful surprises. From beautifully crafted pastries that Sara Y. raves about to indulgent desserts like the Oreo cake, which one customer found irresistible—even against their usual aversion to sweets. Each dish tells a story of careful preparation and quality ingredients, ensuring each bite is as memorable as the last.
Whether you're starting your day with a hearty breakfast, enjoying a leisurely lunch, or catching up over coffee, Courageous Bakery & Cafe is a delightful choice. With friendly service, a diverse menu, and a commitment to community, it truly represents the spirit of Oak Park dining. So next time you find yourself in the area, stop by and discover your new favorite spot—you won't be disappointed!
For inquiries:
Phone: (708) 894-2253
Open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dessert; there's always something delicious waiting for you!
Book a table
Make A Reservation
“ Um, beautiful food, beautiful decor, atmosphere, beautiful PEOPLE! Love. Delicious. I love being here. ”
“ It's a cheerful cafeteria feel and the sandwich was delish potatoes were not greasy a little dry but tasty. Coffee was good I'll be back. ”
“ Just stopped at this place and had a Horchata loca latte, it tasted great, especially on a cold winter day. It wasn't that busy on Sunday and it was easy to find a comfortable spot to sit for a while 剛好在這個地方停ㄧ下， 喝杯Horchata loca拿鐵，味道很好，尤其是在寒冷的冬日。 週日沒那麼忙，很容易找到一個舒適的地方坐一會兒。 ”
“ The ambience is warm and welcoming, the staff is quite friendly, and the food is delish. Their pastries are the high point. Their menu items are pretty good. I will be back for sure. ”
“ Do not get their Oreo cake unless you want to be stalked by it day and night. I'm not a "sweets" person. Aside from that, sugar makes me feel bad and chocolate gives me migraines so I wasn't worried about having this cake in my house. We ordered it for my son's birthday and about 1/2 was left after the party. Well I discovered that the cake part is perfectly mildly sweet and that the cookies n cream layer of frosting perfectly balances the sweetness and was TO DIE FOR. I couldn't let this cake go from my thoughts! It was eyeing me every time I went into the kitchen and I slowly but surely ate so much of it and I'll say it again I DONT EVEN CARE FOR SWEETS. My husband was struggling too and we had to throw it away to release its control over us. Anyway we'll definitely be getting it again. It is SO GOOD ”
“ They had a lot of treats to choose from. I felt like their donuts were just okay. I think I like firecakes more because it's fluffier. The cupcakes are better than Magnolia's. Service is professional. There are tons of seats and it's a nice place to study or get some work done. ”
“ Courageous Bakery & Cafe in Oak Park has a heartwarming origin story. It was started by sisters Laura Pekarik and Kathryn Chandler after Kathryn was diagnosed with cancer in 2010. While supporting her sister through treatment, Laura hosted bake sales to help raise money for medical bills. The cupcakes were such a hit that they decided to turn their passion into a business. Laura expanded from a food truck into brick-and-mortar locations, eventually opening the Oak Park cafe in 2017. Today, their bakery continues to honor that courageous journey, offering a variety of pastries, sandwiches, and beverages. The inside of the cafe highlights drawings from local kids, and features an eclectic collection of kitsch. During my visit, I tried their pistachio croissant and Horchata Loca latte. The latte was decent, but the croissant stood out, although it was denser than expected, feeling more like a pastry than a classic flaky croissant. The croissant still offered enjoyable flavors, which made up for the texture. Overall, the cafe's story and its mission to provide comforting baked goods make it a special place in the community. If you're in the area, it's worth a visit for their pastries and the uplifting story behind the business! ”
“ Delicious ice cream made with real fruit! Options between dairy and non-dairy making dietary restrictions a little easier. You order through a pick up window outside but the line moves quick. ”
“ I did not feel like cooking breakfast this morning so I decided to order a breakfast burrito from here and it was delicious! The burrito was full of all the healthy good stuff. Scrambled eggs, red peppers, mixed greens, avocado and black beans all wrapped in a flour tortilla. The burrito came with a side of home fries (potatoes). You can get the salsas, the green one and orange one with a little kick and they both complement the burrito and add such flavor. I truly enjoyed it. It was the perfect size and quite filling, especially adding the side of potatoes. I've passed this bakery so many times and you notice it because it's so colorful and put you in the mind of an ice cream shop because the outside is so colorful. I want to try other items on the menu because their breakfast burrito was really good. ”
