1 check-inWe stopped by Plein Air for brunch on our final day in Chicago before heading to the airport. Its super convenient to the University of Chicago, so the vibe is very young and airy.Theres plentiful outdoor seating and the inside of the restaurant is beautiful - lots of bright, clean whites and modern furnishings. They were very busy when we got there, with no signs of letting up. You get in line to place your order at the counter. We arrived at around 11:20 and didnt get up to place our order until 11:55. It was a pretty slow moving line.The specific time only stands out because they serve breakfast items until 12. Thats what I wanted to eat. Mercifully, even though we cut it super close, the employee agreed to put in my breakfast order. Unfortunately, they were out of breakfast potatoes and they asked if they could substitute with a salad. That really wasnt what I wanted at all, but not much to be done about it, so I accepted. We all placed our orders to go.To-go orders are shouted out through a window into the outdoor dining area. We tried our best to sit and enjoy our drinks while we waited, but they had a serious influx of yellow jackets that day that simply would not leave us alone, so that dampened things some. My two friends orders came out a lot quicker than mine, perhaps because they ordered from the lunch menu, but eventually we got it and walked onto the U Chicago campus to escape the yellow jackets.My food was alright. I ordered the two egg plate, with scrambled eggs, bacon, toast with jam and breakfast potatoes (which were substituted with a side salad). The eggs were beautiful and overall decent but cooked a little hard for my preference - I prefer runnier scrambled eggs. I didnt like my salad because it was mostly arugula and I just straight up dont like arugula. The bread for the toast and jam was nice and crusty, but the jam (Im guessing blackberry?) wasnt sweet at all. I was really hoping for some fresh, sweet, preserve-type jam, but this wasnt it. The bacon was definitely the best thing; very crispy, as is my preference, with a great balance of saltiness and subtle sweetness. Awesome bacon!Plein Air is a beautiful place to study and they have an attractive menu with lots of tasty sounding options. If I lived here, I would consider trying it again, just maybe ordering something different to see if I liked that a bit more.

The home baked pastries that were fantastic. I recall saying this is really good several times while eating.The Mocha was probably the best I have had.The patio was lovely and the property butts up to a Frank Lloyd Wright building.The breakfast burritos and potatoes were good.There were a fair amount of yellow jackets outside which were annoying at times.

Spent several hours and two meals there. The homemade chai mix was flavorful and not too sweet. The beignet was very doughnut-y and light. The tomato avocado salad was delicious but a tad small. Sandwich was large and very good. Staff was nice even when it got very busy for late lunch rush.

If youre looking for a beautiful place to do some sketching, online work, or studying - this is the place.The menu has coffee as well as food, which is always nice. They have a great cappuccino.There are multiple options for outdoor seating under tree cover, or umbrellaed tables. Inside, there are a decent amount of outlets so youre devices will be just fine.Plein Air Cafe is tucked into the University of Chicago campus, so youll be sure to bump into interesting people if youre looking for them.

Great place for breakfast, had a croissant egg sandwich and chai. good vibes and service. The home made chai could be more authentic in my opinion, hence a 4.

Great brunch spot! Terrific coffee. Can be a long wait and a struggle to get a table.

Great spot. I spend many hours here. I hope they bring back online ordering. That seemed to work so well!

Plein Air is consistently delicious. There can be a bit of a wait for coffee sometimes, and its not the cheapest, but its a real treat-yourself place. The mascarpone-stuffed french toast is incredible. The pastries are incredible. Its all delightful.

Excellent coffee is available to go with snacks and light meals.

The food is really good. The drinks were tasty, but a little lukewarm. There were a lot of bees in the outside seating area. But nice space inside as well.

This is the super secret hangout on UChicago campus. Good treats. Great coffee.

Food was good but had to eat outside. (57 degrees is c old for this floridian.)

Great place, nice dishes they supplied.

This is one of my favorite lunch/ coffee spots on U Chicago campus. This coffee house is very quaint. It has a decent amount of seating (inside and out), and the food is great! I like the tuna sandwich and croissants. I also love their chai tea latte! Keep up the good work Plein Air!

Beautiful space and great coffee! Currently, you order online for pickup at the window and theres a one hour table limit. It was busy! Definitely the place to meet if you are on U of Cs campus.

Great location and coffee, but prices are a lot higher than local competition.

Amazing!!! Such a cute little cafe! Will definitely be back to enjoy the atmosphere while blogging. Super friendly staff and the Chai Tea was AMAZING!

Good cold brews for those warm summer days. Outside seating adds to the relaxed atmosphere.

The pastries are solid, but the lackadaisical service, long wait times, and highly variable coffee quality adds up to a subpar experience. Its unfortunate, really. This cafe could be great, but as things stand, I typically warn University of Chicago visitors away from Plein Air.

Plein was plain to me, but Id imagine better experience if youre a UChicago student or a local.I had an omelette, made with gruyere cheese and cherry tomatos, and serve alongside red potatoes. The ingredients in the omelette each stood out individually, instead of melding together, and this made it an enjoyable eat. The temperature was tepid for the potatoes but each bite was delicious.Pairing my omelette was a premium cold brew, which was $4.50 and tasted about the same as an iced coffee. Looking back, I think orange juice or even a soft drink would have made a better pairing. But that one was on me.Free WiFi, but its reach outside was very limited. Staff was happy to provide it.

Amazing service 😌 10/10 recommend the matcha 🖤🖤🖤

Casual French inspired breakfast and lunch spot. Simple but satisfying! Really enjoyed the ham and swiss baguette. Their drip coffee was fresh with some tasty dried cherry notes. Smooth online ordering and pickup window. Lovely courtyard with tables next to Robie House. Friendly service.

Ordered a Chicken Chipotle baguette, it was very tasty.

The crowd is more than the place can handle well. The charm and quality is lost a bit.

A very nice cafe located on the campus of the University of Chicago. Its situated next to the Seminary Coop Bookstore (one of the finest independent bookstores in the world) and the Robie House by Frank Lloyd Wright. The cafe features a full menu, great coffee drinks, cool music, indoor and outdoor seating, and wifi.

I highly recommend the tomato avocado salad! Delicious

Plein Air Cafe was recommend to me by someone that works there and Im glad for the recommendation. This is a smallish French inspired cafe in Hyde Park at 5751 S. Woodlawn on the University of Chicago campus right next door to the beautiful Frank Lloyd Wright, Robie House. It is a very busy place most if the time, visited by many students and faculty of the University. They serve coffees, sandwiches, salads, quiches and a thick marscarpone stuffed french toast, which is what I traveled there to consume. It is topped with a house jam. I think it was blackberry(but dont quote me).Maple syrup can be had for an additional charge. I would suggest you try it with the syrup. I did not, as Im attempting to cut back on my sugar intake otherwise I would have had the toast francaise with maple syrup as it was a little dry w/o it but, still delicious. Some fruit on the side would have been nice but, that wasnt offered. Prices ranged at $6.75 to about $10. The students say the place is expensive but I felt that its not bad for a sit down breakfast. Seating can be limited so I shared a small table with a nice young man and we had a very amicable convo about American consumerism and corporate greed. Parking on the street was free but limited. I parked about 3 blocks away, and me and my arthritic hip limped like quasi-moto on a good day to the restaurant.*I gave this place only 4 stars because I had to order at a window then find seating and wait for my order. I would have preferred to be handed a menu and been served at my table but, thats just me. Service was good, it is clean and the vibe is friendly.I recommend going there if you can one day. They are open untill 8pm. Its a quaint place.

Cute place! lots of bees tho

Nice environment to hang out with friends

I have been here and they are consistent with great coffee, bagels and fast service. Nice food and coffee shop. I recommend this coffee shop.

Food was good, outdoor seating was great, two dudes working were not friendly at all

Great food and coffee, grateful for their outdoor seating.

Really deliciouse cofee and vreat customer service. Lovely place to sit and sketch away. With a beautiful view and small birds in the garden.

I wanted to like this place after many highly rated reviews, but I had a very unpleasant experience. I am not a UChicago student so it was a little confusing to find this cafe and when I went inside the building, the door was locked to get in. There’s no sign saying to order at the outdoor window, only that ordering is available online. Finally, a random person from the bookstore told me to go outside to get my order.I had been standing there waiting for my order with numerous employees walking past me and calling out names for other orders, yet mine was never called. However, I was trying to adhere to the wait times so I didn’t go up to the window. When some random guy walked up and instantly got coffee, I became annoyed and I asked if my order was there. The entire time I was waiting in the freezing cold, my order had been ready. It was incredibly frustrating and I’m disappointed in the treatment I received today.

I cant get enough of their biscuit sandwiches!

One of my favorite spots in Chicago. I make sure we pass by at least once during any Chicago visit. This last time we were in town we went there quite a few times mostly for breakfast but I’ve tried their other options too in the past. I love their veggie burrito. Check out their daily quiche option(s) if you stop by for breakfast, or soup options to go with a sandwich for lunch. Their coffee, chai latte and matcha latte are good too. Non-dairy milk options. Very friendly staff. Generally calm ambiance even if it happens to be crowded, and attached to a great library/bookstore.

Fix your bee problem outside, it is a literal health hazard

Very good coffee and great breakfast. Nice soft music.But there was a bad smell in the room

Wonderful cafe. Good food. Good service.

Fantastic spot! The spot is beautifully laid out, I love the walk up counter, the crowd is a good mix of students, young professionals, and older crowd. The decor is chic.I had the soy milk latte. They have the Pacific Barista blend which works beautifully, would give it a 3.5/5. The chocolate croissant was fantastic, 3.5/5 and can use some heating before they serve it but the chocolate hazelnut poundcake takes the cake, no pun intended 4.5/5. It is soft, crumbly, nutty, and baked extremely well.

Great taste coffee

A solid spot for lunch. Its attached to the college bookstore, and has indoor and outdoor seating. But the albeit pricey food is always dependably good, and their coffee is usually worth the wait. The decor is full of fun art, and their outdoor area is lovely and well taken care of. I eat there often, whenever Im willing to brave the line of the lunchtime rush. I recommend going especially when you can eat outside, as the inside seating options are limited, and the stool options for indoor seating can be uncomfortable

Love this coffee shop. They have delicious cappuccinos and a fantastic menu as well.

Amazing apple danishes and chocolate chip brioches. Great place to chat with a friend or do some work. Outdoor patio is 🙌.

Beautiful outdoor seating, great cappuccinos, and so many options for food (especially for a small cafe). I also love how short a walk it is from campus, very convenient.

Great food and coffee, not to mention the view of Robie House right across from the Cafe. Overall everything is more than satisfying; I dont even need to tell you that though, every time I come in it is packed!

The atmosphere and service is better than the consumables. Coffee is good quality. Pastries are good, but delicious pastries are easy to find in Hyde Park!

A solid spot for lunch. Its attached to the college bookstore, and has indoor and outdoor seating. But the albeit pricey food is always dependably good, and their coffee is usually worth the wait. The decor is full of fun art, and their outdoor area is lovely and well taken care of. I eat there often, whenever Im willing to brave the line of the lunchtime rush. I recommend going especially when you can eat outside, as the inside seating options are limited, and the stool options for indoor seating can be uncomfortable

We found this place on our first morning and ended going back every day. Very pleased we didnt book breakfast at the hotel after all!

Love love love. Great food, lovely outdoor eating.

Fun lively coffee place in an old pharmacy. The place you take someone out for a first date. Place where you finally get in the rhythm for that thesis. The place where you get crumbs of Danish all over you. Great coffee, solid recommendation.

Wonderful breakfast

Great option during COVID restrictions. Good food. Fast service.

The chorizo burrito is good, and the biscuit egg sandwich is very filling. Ambience is what really makes this place special.

A bit of a wait at peak hours but worth it.

Lovely coffee shop and restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating. It’s connected to Seminary Co-op, one of the best bookstores in the country. Coffee is hot and strong. Our favorite food is the grilled cheese, any soup they’re serving, and the tuna salad sandwich.

Excellent food and service!

Fun lively coffee place in an old pharmacy. The place you take someone out for a first date. Place where you finally get in the rhythm for that thesis. The place where you get crumbs of Danish all over you. Great coffee, solid recommendation.

So fancy!

Good coffee, not very strong, more light. The patio is also really nice for conversation and drinking. The pastries dont seem very good...had the hazelnut beignet and it tasted like a hamburger bun with Nutella, barely any powdered sugar. Stick with the drinks.

Last time I went, I got food poisoning from their Breakfast Croissant.

Great cafe. Its on the University of Chicago campus, and draws a college crowd. They stock good coffee and pastries, and have lunch and food options though Ive yet to try any. The staff is nice and the layout is excellent. There is an outdoor section as well, which is open during the warmer months. Theres good space to work, and plenty of room to accommodate even a large crowd. Recommended.

First time and it was great if Im in the area of love to go more

Great coffee, espresso based drinks and lunch. Service is generally good, the atmosphere is generally great, but some counter staff could definitely cool down the attitude a little. Im sorry Im troubling you for a coffee, its kind of the point. Overall, this place is spectacular.

One of my favorite spots in Chicago. I make sure we pass by at least once during any Chicago visit. This last time we were in town we went there quite a few times mostly for breakfast but I’ve tried their other options too in the past. I love their veggie burrito. Check out their daily quiche option(s) if you stop by for breakfast, or soup options to go with a sandwich for lunch. Their coffee, chai latte and matcha latte are good too. Non-dairy milk options. Very friendly staff. Generally calm ambiance even if it happens to be crowded, and attached to a great library/bookstore.

I have to say Im in love with this place. Im obsessed with their quiche as well as their coffee. The decor and feel is definitely appealing.

The coffee is fresh, smooth, and rich, with no sourness. The food is excellent. If there was a little more I would consider it fairly priced, but the portions just a bit on the small side.

Best customer service in the area. Felt really welcomed even at rush hour. Very clean and nice people. Liked their work ethic. Would recommend for brunch with friends or place to study because of the wifi access.

Loved the ambiance of this coffee shop. The espresso was top-notch, and they had non-dairy milk. They also sell the world’s best bottled sparkling water, Topo Chico, and some gorgeous, delicious chocolate bars. The pastries looked delicious. There was a decent amount of seating both indoors and outdoors, the latter offering natural shade from the trees. Plus, you can’t beat sitting next to a Frank Lloyd Wright house while you sip your coffee. I noticed a decent amount of outlets inside, maybe ~6 with 2-4 plugs each, so you could bring your laptop for an afternoon of studying or charge up your phone while you enjoy a bite.

Fresh air, fresh food, great coffee, lovely customer service. Its on the UofC campus - the University takes care of its own and you can benefit, too. Get in where you fit in and behave. Carry on!

Horrible tasting food and coffee

Is often physically crowded, and the employees bustle about within the patron space often enough to make waiting in line uncomfortable. Yet for the bustle, the speed of service is middling and falls to poor if something needs to be warmed. The reward of waiting: simply good-enough faire. Worth a shoulder-shrug and thence forgotten.

Great coffee! Great staff, with a knowledgeable of making proper drinks. Had an great cortado. The breakfast food is amazing!!!

Free sparkling water from a self-serve tap. Lovely patio. Awesome place for the atmosphere, though usually crowded.

Excellent latte. Nice outdoor space.

Excellent cup of tea! High quality leaves. Brewed with fastidiousness. Served in a mug.

Sweet Cafe! When paying I was like uh I dont want to pay that much for that. Then when it arrived it was huge! And it tasted wonderfully. I got kombucha, not sure if they made it or just sell it, but it was like no other that Ive tasted(in a good way). When in Chicago again I will definitely go back.

They offer pour-over coffees that are made from beans roasted once or twice a week so its always fresh. With fresh beans, a truly delectable coffee can be made. Let me also add that its the ideal coffee shop for people like me who cant decide what to want from a coffee shop because they serve an extensive coffee menu.

Lovely little coffee shop with a great atmosphere. Staff very friendly, the food is delicious and the environment is very cozy.

Great breakfast and pastries.

Super cute cafe for coffee and sandwiches. Nice indoor/outdoor spaces.

A marvelous little cafe nestled on the University of Chicago campus. The staff was quite friendly and helpful to new customers. They offer a pour over coffee which seemed divine, by description. We enjoyed beverages: a classic ginger ale and coffee. This is a great place for a casual conversation or a place to meet before a date. Evening parking was not too complicated, though that can be different during the day when university classes are in session. The food menu deserves a return visit and try, for sure. There is a very interesting bookstore, just across the lobby. This would be a great place to catch up on some reading, while enjoying a nice sandwich and coffee.

A fantastic cafe with some really great food. It’s sleek, airy, and bright - a great vibe. After you grab lunch, head through the foyer and go check out the bookstore.

Perfect outdoor setting with best and fresh food

One of the best Cafes on a campus filled with them. Best campus breakfast options including sandwiches and pastries. Expect it to be crowded on winter days when classes are in session. In the summer there is ample outdoor seating next to the Robie house.

Great

Lovely cafe right next to Chicago Booth. I took to scheduling the majority of my meetings here to enjoy the menu and buzzy inside environment. When the weather turns warm, the wooden tables outside become a hive of activity for students from the business school and from across campus.

My favorite hidden gem in Hyde Park! Their spiced honey latte, hazelnut beignets and mushroom quiche are my favorite. Be sure to check out their coffee specials because they always are creating yummy unique things!

Such a gem in Hyde Park. Beautiful baked goods and fresh espresso drinks made with good beans and experienced baristas. Beats the crap out of the Starbucks on campus, though perhaps rivaled by the Divinity School...Regardless, a great place to study with lots of seating including some benches with tables outdoors. Has a vintage look to it.

First day we could sit outdoors. Lovely place. Good coffee.

Great coffee and baked goods. However, the service isn’t very friendly or memorable. It’s also typically crowded so placing your order to go might give you an overall better experience.

Small but comfortable place to go for a quick bowl of soup with a delicious biscuit.

Great drip coffee, and some delicious dishes. Their bowls are delicious, and they have some great sandwiches and hardy breakfasts. All of the food is super fresh.

Great coffee and breakfast. Amazing location to soak up the sun and grab a bite to eat. Large outdoor seating area.

Great space, nice location and awesome outdoor patio. Coffee and food are both excellent. Can get very crowded inside. Some of the seating options (some stools inside and some of the outdoor seating) can be a bit uncomfortable.

Nice place for meetings or working while you sip on your coffee, their sandwiches are really good too! The outside section is lovely in the right weather

Really nice cafe, the interior is well decorated and the drinks are phenomenal, the place is pretty packed around the afternoon but Id say the place is worth it

The cutest cafe I have ever seen in Chicago! They had a great variety of teas and the atmosphere is so awesome! Looking forward to returning in the summer to enjoy their outdoor area!

Really great espresso at Plein Air Cafe. It did seem pretty busy around lunch time but they do have a fairly large food menu, might want to avoid peak hours but excellent coffee.

Wonderful quiet cafe to stop mid or post ride.