Cafe Chien

When I used to live in Albany, Daddy J. and I always talked about the lack of neighborhood coffee shops in Albany Park. As a former resident of Albany Park myself, I finally gave in, knowing that there wouldn’t be a chic coffee spot coming soon. At that time I was semi-​reluctant to move to the new house we bought in Portage Park.
Lo and behold, Café Chien was established as I was leaving the neighborhood. This is a cute, cozy place tucked away near the corner of Lawrence and Spaulding, across from the side exit of the Village Discount Outlet parking lot. Since I was in my old hood taking care of some banking business, I wanted to check it out.
I love the logo with a French terrier wearing a beret. I LOVE pets, but the only thing I dislike is the Teacher’s Pet. Sorry, I didn’t include some kind of humor in the first paragraph, so that was it.
If that «Teacher’s Pet» thing was a bit dry, please disregard that. However, the almond butter croissant was nice and moist. I also ordered the cortado to go with the pastry. It was also solid.
They serve Metropolis Coffee. Actually, I did a bit «stalking» on the owner’s background and her Unilocal profile. Maxine, the owner who greeted and served me this afternoon, appeared to be an avid supporter for local businesses. I, therefore, wanted to present my precious five (5) star rating to Café Chien. I hope they continue to do well in the neighborhood. Albany Park may have a plenty of panaderias, yet it can definitely use a little «French rustic theme» to the existing diversity!

Charming café with a superb selection of coffees. Owners are welcoming and gracious. Check this place out.

I absolutely adore this little café. Delicious almond croissant, real lattes (a rarity in Albany Park) and metropolis coffee, all with Parisian décor… NOM!
The sign is super hidden but Im telling as many of my neighbors as I can! All have been charmed by Café Chien. Welcome to my neighborhood! :)

I don’t find myself way up on Lawrence too often but the next time I do and I’m in the need for some caffeine I’ll definitely consider stopping by this cute place again. I had a vanilla latte and a ham and cheese croissant when I went. The latte was good but the croissant was great. Super flaky on the outside and nice and chewy on the inside. I could see how people might say that it’s a little small but it was the perfect size for me and at a good price too.

Not familiar with the area but stopped in for a latté and enjoyed the experience. Fresh pastries available and atmosphere was very pleasant. Next time I’m in the neighborhood I will definitely be visiting again.

Great place and staff. Coffee’s a bit pricier than other coffee shops but worth it if you like Metropolis. Their small is super tiny and their medium is more like a small which kinda forces you to buy a large which in fact looks like a medium compared to other coffee shops.
Cons: Just wish they took Credit cards for below $ 5.00 items, most coffee shops do. Since I don’t typically carry cash on me it keeps me from going there more often.
I think if they adjust their size portions and their credit card rule they will most defiantly put them selves competitively with other great shops that are in walking or a short driving distance. Best of luck to them and welcome to the neighborhood. :-(

Clean, comfortable, and great (Metropolis) coffee. The staff is very friendly. I will definitely return when I’m in the neighborhood and need a coffee fix.

Checked out Café Chien this morning and loved the vibe there. It’s a nice, cozy, neighborhood joint and Albany Park desperately needs that! I’d love to see them turn up the heat a little bit. Our party of 5 were cold the entire time we were there. Also, they don’t have any decaf coffee on hand and the tea selection is good but very limited. Hopefully they’ll up their game a bit as they continue to grow.

This is a cute and quaint little coffee shop that’s tucked away like a hidden gem. The decorations add to the ambiance and make the place feel cozy and sophisticated at the same time. The pastries are tasty and the coffee is strong. What more could you ask for?

Love this cute little café in my hood. Offers good drinks (Metropolis coffee) and pastries.
My favorite pastry so far is Almond croissant that has custard filling. I had a regular croissant and it is very good as well. They could be on the hard side but they are flaky that I’d look for from croissants.
Though I haven’t stopped by, they are open at 6:30 am during a week so anyone who catches the Brown line (Spaulding station), I would encourage you to pop in.
It is off the Main Street (Lawrence) so it may be a bit hard to find it but be patience as it’s worth spending time to look for this place!
Highly recommend it and will be supporting whole heartedly!

I’m glad another little café opened in the neighborhood! A friend and I met here last week — here’s the scoop:
PROS
–kind baristas
–appropriately tailored drink menu
–the chocolate croissant was good!
–drinks and treats are served on proper dishes (unless, of course, you order to-​go)
CONS
–this place is not accessible; you have to walk down a flight of stores when you enter the storefront
–the chai latte is poured from a box of Oregon Chai… It’s a bummer they don’t brew their own
–the place is small, which isn’t a problem, but I felt the barista and other customers could hear the conversation I was having with a friend

I still remember when I first moved to the ‘hood.
I think I google mapped «coffee» (because I require about 48 ounces of it everyday) and the closest spot that came up was somewhere near the Ecuador building at Lawrence and Spaulding. I thought «well, I don’t remember seeing a coffee joint there but I wasn’t looking hard» and sure enough there wasn’t one. I think the next suggestion was that place near Great Sea with all the beer signs. Eventually, I ended up taking the train over to The Grind, spending about 30 minutes (and $ 2.25 extra) getting my coffee fix.
So of course this place is a welcome addition to the area.
I’m not too sophisticated on my coffee needs outside of brewed/​pour over with a dash of milk but the service was fast and I enjoy that they serve Metropolis. Having the option to buy a bag was great too since you never know when the caffeine need will strike. Sadly, I ventured in more towards the late side of morning so I’m guessing that’s why the food seemed sparse but I could see myself blowing some cash here with the addition of a few fresh sandwiches (entirely no hint intended).
In summary, Café Chien, I’m glad you’re here.

I’m so happy to have a good coffee shop in the neighborhood! It’s tres mignon (so cute), perfect to stop in for a coffee and a pastry on the fly or to linger and do some reading & writing too. Also! it’s dog-​friendly, though I don’t have one I get to vicariously now, and the house dog is so sweet & friendly.

I come in the mornings for my coffee-​to-​go before I get on the brown line. I always find myself looking longingly at the books they have there and the cute tables and wishing I could stay. Also, the almond croissants are quite good.

Very new so not quite up to the five stars yet but it will be in a matter of weeks.
Think quintessential Parisian café meets American coffee house. Lots of French décor, along with study wooden benches and tables. The seating plan is currently a little tight but I think they’re exploring that and seeing what works best. Free wi-​fi as standard. Owners/​managers are friendly, pleasant, and using top quality equipment including what looked like a stunning new Nuova Simonelli 4 group espresso machine. Not sure of the coffee bean source (s), and think they might still be establishing that.
They are set up for going far and being a hot-​spot of Albany Park. Judging by the set up and the eagerly friendly service provided, they will be going far and are set for coping with a busy store. Location-​wise this is perfect as it’s accessible for pedestrians walking to/​from the Kedzie-​Brown or Kimball-​Brown train stops. Service is quick too, which is paramount if you are running to catch a train and want a non-​chainstore coffee. (Note: Currently not taking card payment for purchases under $ 5)

Cute coffee shop, in love with the almond croissants, caramelized on the outside, crunchy, delish almond filling on the inside. Great place to bring your laptop and get some work done. spacious tables. ^_​^ thumbs up

This is a hidden gem! the atmosphere is lovely and the coffee selection is simple yet adequate

Every design choice was thought out, the staff is very friendly and its owned by a young female entrepreneur. Great place for good coffee and a truly unique environment in the neighborhood. Lived in Albany park 8 years and this place is a great addition to the neighborhood. I wish them success.