Bittersweet Pilsen
Bittersweet Pilsen Review A Hidden Gem on a Great Little Block
Sometimes the best finds happen completely by accident. Mike and I were driving down Blue Island Avenue near 18th Street after spotting a classic pop-up car show packed with vintage rides, local vendors, and people selling everything from collectibles to novelty items right across from La Michoacana. While looking for parking, we ended up outside Bittersweet Pilsen and figured we’d give it a shot. We’re glad we did.
Bittersweet Pilsen is a charming bakery and café tucked into one of the coolest little stretches of the neighborhood. The space has a relaxed atmosphere, friendly staff, a solid pastry case, and a surprisingly diverse menu of sandwiches, desserts, and coffee drinks.
For drinks, I ordered a marshmallow latte with coconut milk while Mike went with a salted caramel latte made with 2% milk. Both were excellent smooth, flavorful, and exactly what you want while wandering around Pilsen on a nice day. A little over 6$ a drink for a latte they charge for .75 for milk alternative and .50 for each flavor. Receipt at the bottom.
We almost grabbed food but decided to keep exploring the neighborhood. That said, several items caught our attention, including the egg salad sandwiches and key lime pie, both of which looked tempting enough that we’ll probably be back for them.
One thing that makes this location especially fun is the company it keeps. Just steps away you’ll find Alulu Brewery and Pub serving their own beer, burgers, and beer cheese curds, along with Oso & The Bull, a neighborhood sports bar offering creative menu items like a mushroom grilled cheese and other elevated comfort food options.
The outdoor patio at Bittersweet adds to the experience and makes it a great place to relax with coffee before continuing your walk through one of Chicago’s most vibrant neighborhoods.
Bittersweet Pilsen isn’t trying to be flashy. It’s simply a really good neighborhood café that feels like it belongs exactly where it is. Between the coffee, pastries, patio, and surrounding restaurants, this little corner of Pilsen makes for an unexpectedly great afternoon destination.
If you’re exploring Pilsen, checking out local events, hunting for vintage cars, or just looking for a quality latte and pastry, Bittersweet Pilsen is absolutely worth the stop.
F’nAround Rating: 7/10
Great coffee, inviting atmosphere, solid pastry selection, and one of the cutest hidden little food-and-drink blocks we’ve stumbled across in Chicago.
Bittersweet Pilsen
2019 South laflin
Chicago, il 60608
Monday-Friday 8 am- 4 pm
Saturday-Sunday 8 am - 5 pm
Pilsen.bittersweetpastry.com menu
Instagram @bittersweetpilsen
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