Welcome to Spoken Cafe, a delightful culinary gem nestled at 1812 W Montrose Ave in Chicago. This cozy cafe is not just another coffee shop; it’s a celebration of flavors that reflect the warmth of southern Louisiana, combined with a menu that caters to everyone, including the vegan-conscious.
As you step inside, the inviting atmosphere instantly makes you feel at home. The decor is tastefully done, striking a balance between rustic charm and modern comfort. Whether you're seeking a quiet spot to sip your morning coffee or a lively gathering place with friends, Spoken Cafe has it all.
One of the highlights of the menu is the build-your-own bagel and sandwich section. The combinations are endless. You can indulge in a classic lox bagel sandwich, where every bite offers freshness and flavor, or craft your very own masterpiece with various meats, cheeses, and vibrant veggies. The breakfast bagel made waves with its satisfying offerings, tailored to suit personal tastes. Vegan options also shine here, ensuring no one feels left out.
Don't miss their rich, creamy grits, a dish that stands out on the menu. Many patrons, like Carl Sessions, rave about the heavenly taste that brings comfort reminiscent of a home-cooked meal. The cheese grits, paired with house-brined turkey and served on a chewy everything bagel, is a true standout that you won’t want to pass up.
And let’s not overlook the sweet treats! From Lucila's homemade Alfajores to an impressive variety of pastries, every dessert is crafted with care and precision, perfect for satisfying that sweet tooth. The thoughtfully sourced Uglies kettle chips proudly use imperfect potatoes, aligning with the cafe’s commitment to sustainability.
Spoken Cafe does more than just serve food; it creates an atmosphere where the community thrives. Local artists contribute with exclusive merchandise like tote bags and posters, allowing you to take a piece of Spoken's charm with you after your visit. The friendly staff further enhances the experience, making you feel like part of the Spoken family.
Whether you're a local or just passing through, Spoken Cafe is worth a detour. With flavorful dishes, warm service, and a cozy vibe, it embodies what a neighborhood cafe should be. So, come grab a cup of coffee, enjoy a thoughtfully prepared meal, and soak in the community spirit unique to Spoken Cafe.
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Martin Li
07/08/2025
This cafe has such a warm and neighborly atmosphere. I really enjoyed the lox bagel sandwich I got. I don’t get bagel sandwiches often and at $15 before tax, the sandwich felt kind of small for the cost. But I enjoyed every bite of it- tasted very fresh. And I’m excited to come back and try other breakfast and bagel sandwiches.
Michael Damato
29/07/2025
Fantastic cafe and coffee shop nestled next to the brown line. A little slice of southern Louisiana, they have some very delicious options that can be very hard to find around the city like grits and boudin. Ontop of the standard cafe fare they have some packaged goods for sale like jams, pickles, and pre made dishes. Everything including the packaged goods are made in house as well. Decor and a very nice owner & staff round out a great experience. Very worth your time to go out of the way for this one.
Brent Schmitt
28/07/2025
We have regularly been visiting this cozy coffee shop and enjoyed it very much. The variety of donuts are appreciated by my kids and they gobble them down every time. Somewhat like a Louisiana Wolfhound. Today was no exception. One child consumed a chocolate topped brown donut with a smoosh Of Extra chocolate. Seems to me they also loved the cappuccino. The swirl was legit. Even the water with aluminum cups is sustainable. We achieved street parking so that was a good fit for Our busy schedules. Then we can walk to the brown line train L which is only steps away. School, breakfast, everything is within reach and we recommend more visits to SPOKEN. A chicago classic.
Carl Sessions
09/07/2025
This place is the real deal. The grits are out of this world, creamy, rich flavor, with cracklings and chili, it just fed my soul in a way that normally only mom’s cooking can. I highly recommend the grits. Seeing the turkey was brined in house I went with that and was delighted at how flavorful and moist the turkey is, they pull it like pulled pork, on top an everything bagel, so chewy and crunchy, is divine to dip in the cheesy grits. Saturday morning it was busy but moves fast. The inside is such a good vibe. The people who work there seem super cool and are friendly. Big selection of pastries with flavors you don’t often see, and they hand make jam. Not to mention the boudin. Already dreaming about next visit
Joanna Dobrowolska
25/06/2025
One of my favorite coffee shops around. It's kind of a small space but if you're lucky enough to find a seat, it's super cozy and a great place to hang out. Tasty coffee and a great place to people watch.
Griselle Quiñones
17/06/2025
I love this place. Definitely Ravenwoods, Chicago. Best biscuits and gravy I’ve ever had. Light, full of flavor and the right amount of liquid. I couldn’t take a pic. I don’t do that and I just had to enjoy it. I’ve treated myself to a piece of cake that had me at hello. Purple and had hibiscus in it. This is what I was able to take home after sharing a couple of decadent bites. “Must control and give me a couple more rounds to enjoy the rest of this gorgeous Mother’s Day.” Such a beautiful color.
Piper Grace
31/05/2025
Spoken Cafe is easily one of the best coffee shops/breakfast spots in the area. From their insanely good breakfast sandwiches, welcoming and cozy environment, and emphasis on being eco-friendly, you really can’t go wrong by stopping here. I recently went in for one of many visits and was met with the usual very friendly and personable staff. I ordered an oat milk latte and biscuit breakfast sandwich - both of which never disappoint! Their patio in the summertime offers a great spot to enjoy a sunny day in Ravenswood. Will be back again soon! (Also to whoever was playing all the Harry Styles music this weekend - I deeply appreciate you)
Jay Macarus
15/05/2025
While visiting family was really happy to check out this gem of a cafe! Staff are fantastic, and delivered top notch on the food and coffee. Love the space and the community that came and went as time passed. Plenty of options for everyone to choose from even with dietary restrictions, leading me to the shelf of Jams and jellies offered next to handmade crafts and some bagged teas and beans. There are books set up on the walls, companies by a lovely selection of art process to keep your eyes wandering around. Definitely will be returning here in the future. Bravo!