Plein Air Cafe is a French-inspired cafe on the University of Chicago campus in Hyde Park, at 5751 S Woodlawn Ave. Come for coffee, pastries and a menu that ranges from breakfast plates to tartines and sandwiches. The hazelnut beignet and mushroom pie are standouts, while the outdoor patio gives you room to linger with a book or a coffee. Inside, big windows, greenery and warm lighting create a calm setting, though the cafe can get busy around peak times.
A cafe on the University of Chicago campus
Plein Air Cafe is in Hyde Park, at 5751 S Woodlawn Ave, on the University of Chicago campus. It is attached to the Seminary Co-op Bookstore, so you can pair a cafe stop with a browse through the books. The cafe is also close to Robie House, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, and works as a food or coffee stop while exploring the area.
The space takes cues from French ateliers. Large windows bring in natural light, while wood furniture, greenery and warm lighting give the interior a relaxed feel. There is outdoor seating as well, including a patio with wooden seats and tables. The cafe draws students who study between classes, so the atmosphere can shift from quiet to busy depending on when you arrive.
Coffee, pastries and a broad menu
Coffee is a central draw, with espresso drinks and cold brew among the options. The Premium Cold Brew and vanilla iced cappuccino are named choices, and the menu also includes cappuccino and cortado. For pastry, the hazelnut beignet is a popular pick. Food options extend beyond pastries to breakfast dishes, sandwiches, salads, tartines and bowls.
The mushroom pie is another strong order: its flaky crust surrounds a warm filling. Breakfast choices listed include omelettes, frittatas, eggs and breakfast sandwiches. The range means you can stop in for a quick coffee and pastry or sit down for a fuller meal. The cafe can be crowded, especially on Saturdays; going at a quieter time can make ordering and finding a seat easier.
FAQ
Where is Plein Air Cafe?
It is at 5751 S Woodlawn Ave in Hyde Park, on the University of Chicago campus, next to the Seminary Co-op Bookstore.
What should I order at Plein Air Cafe?
Try the hazelnut beignet, mushroom pie, Premium Cold Brew or vanilla iced cappuccino. The menu also includes breakfast dishes and French-inspired tartines.
Does Plein Air Cafe have outdoor seating?
Yes. There is outdoor seating on a patio, as well as indoor seating.
When is the cafe busiest?
It can be busy during peak periods, with particularly long lines reported on Saturday afternoons. Visit off-peak to reduce the wait.
