
Modern, locally focused French cafe turning out baguette sandwiches, breads, pastries & espresso.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 106 N Marion St, Oak Park, IL 60301
Phone: (708) 613-5994
Website: https://leafrenchcafe.com/
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Order: Order online
Photo Gallery
Related Web Results
Lea French Café: French Café in Oak Park and Chicago
Contact Léa French Café
Léa French Cafe (@leafrenchcafe) · Chicago, IL – Instagram
Reviews
Le LaFayette is an elevated egg/cheese/bacon (or veg) delight on a buttery, flaky croissant. I was impressed by the care in seasoning the omelet and the contrasting texture of the crispy bacon.
Speaking of that bacon, it’s prominently featured on the Croque Monsieur. My husband complimented the bechamel, which was herby and not overly cloying. Paired with the saltiness of that lovely bacon, his sandwich was perfect for me to sample. It’s certainly rich, as one expects, and it was more my speed sharing it rather than committing to the whole plate. Bags of chips were nice, just not a standout among the rest of our meal.
Our drinks were a well balanced lavender lemonade and a gingery Rishi Masala iced chai latte.
The pastry case and plentiful baguettes were entirely tempting, and several takeaway customers were there just for bread. Our Apple Tartlette was the right size for dessert. Glossy lattice pastry was the star, just salted enough and very tender. We would have loved a bit more apple filling to be on par with the pastry.
Seating inside was comfortable and overall we got a pretty chill vibe from this spot, though I could imagine a rush particularly in the morning. If it hadn’t been sprinkling, the small storefront patio tables also looked pleasant since the street was surprisingly not chaotic either.
Order kiosks at the entrance were easy to navigate and pay. It wasn’t busy and we could have approached the counter but I suspect the staff appreciates the kiosks, as they also seemed to be continually prepping online orders.
Our mid-morning Léa stop was perfect to fuel up before back-to-back Frank Lloyd Wright tours Merci!
Quiche + Coffee + Apple Tartlette = $20.
Firm Quiche is mostly egg with a few bits in a useless soggy crust. Bento Box tray with disposables (let’s hope it’s 100% biodegradable).
Default milk for CAFE AU LAIT is whole milk with Spicy Metropolis Coffee. With zero human interaction as I ordered from kiosk: (1) IDK if whole milk was the best choice for optimal coffee flavor, or it’s just a “European” preferred milk; (2) IDK if Metropolis Coffee is dark roast or not.
I truly enjoyed APPLE TARTLETTE with caramelized edges. Yes, they did stick to my teeth for a moment.
1-star less: (1) Background music is from radio with ads and all, (2) when Printers print from kiosk orders, boy o boy, it feels like you are in a factory. Vibe is cold with excellent devotion to cleanliness, orderly and simplicity.
I see on pictures that service was better before. It is inexcusable when business is using COVID as reason to decrease service level and at the same time raise prices.
Waited over 40 minutes for two sandwiches. Everything was ‘subbed’ because they ran out of product. Never got my refund for the ‘extras’ I ordered and was charged for. Called today to check on refund status only to be told there is NO manager at this location. Way to set up your business for failure! That poor prep team hustling like crazy to meet demanding OPers (iykyk). Icing on the cake while waiting 40 minutes was watching the counter lady/teen who avoided anyone when they step up to the counter for service (jumping on a long call like she’s working). Guess that explains why the restaurant is filthy with overflowing trash out of both bins placed right in the front entry as a welcome sign. Never again!