Bombon Cafe Menu

  • Breakfast
  • Ensaladas
  • Mini Sopecitos
  • Mini Taquitos
  • Tamales
  • Tortas
  • Tres Leches
  • Individual Tarts

Healthy Meal suggestions for Bombon Cafe

  • Breakfast
  • Ensaladas
  • Mini Sopecitos
  • Mini Taquitos
  • Tamales
  • Tortas
  • Tres Leches
  • Individual Tarts

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  • Laurence K.

    Homemade pazole delicious tamales were quite good too

    (4)
  • Karen N.

    My review is for a birthday cake. I ordered a cake for father in law's birthday, the cake tasted amazing! It was the LUISITO cake, which means: mango and white chocolate cake brushed with tropical rum, filled with mango syrup, white chocolate cream and mango cubes. And they used whip cream as frosting, so each bite feels very light in your mouth. Everyone raved about it afterwards and took left over pieces home! Our cake that fed 20-25 people was about $70. So you can be the judge if it's worth it or not. I think it's worth it for a special occasion, it will wow your guests.

    (4)
  • Marissa D.

    So good, just a little pricey. The salads here are killer!

    (4)
  • Elle N.

    Came to Bombon to get some brunch and what do you know?! It's closed!!!! The sign on the door states that they are open on Sundays from 8-4 and open for brunch. Guess I won't be having brunch there anytime soon! You may want to update your hours if you aren't going to follow them.

    (1)
  • Jason L.

    As we were searching for a great wedding cake, we were referred to Bombon by a family member. We met with Laura the owner, and from the first meeting knew we wanted to get a wedding cake from Bombon. All of our guests enjoyed the cake as well as the cupcakes. We appreciate Bombon going above and beyond for us even after the wedding. We loved the service and consider ourselves new customers :) Thanks Bombon! - Jason and Abby

    (5)
  • Dani W.

    In love with this place and Chef Laura! I stop talking about the Tres Leche, delishious! I have finally found my go to bakery for all occasions- cakes and treats. Actually ordered a cake for a Super Bowl party today and I can't wait to share it with all my friends. If i could give them 10 starts, I would! A must try! They have a few locations to choose from too.

    (5)
  • Aria D.

    Rude employees and unjustified prices. To say the food is mediocre would be a compliment. Bom Bom cafe wish they could muster up mediocre fare. Parsley lemonade was interesting though. Although this is the closest coffee house/cafe to me I'd rather trek the additional four blocks in a blizzard to patronize the next closest.

    (1)
  • Viv P.

    We agonized over the dessert option for our wedding (held 10/04/14) and after considering a gelato truck, a pie table and even a cupcake tower, we decided on a cake table. I really wanted cakes that were beautiful, unique, light and delicious. BomBon was all of this and more! First let me say that Guillermo was very helpful in helping me to determine how many cakes I would need to feed the number of guests we expected. I initially planned to buy four 9-inch cakes at Bombon and two cakes at a more traditional bakery. A couple of days later I decided to get all of my cakes from Bombon and added two more to my order. I ordered only a week in advance and they were able to fulfill my order easily and were able to have my cakes ready and waiting for me to pick up. I ordered the following cakes: Rosita Fresita, Chapicuara, Celeya, Bombazo, Acapulco, Convecto. All three tres leches cakes were the perfectly moist, not lacking any of the milk mixture, but not overly saturated. All of the cakes were gorgeous and all of them were delicious. I got particularly passionate reviews for the bombazo, celeya and chapicuara. People were so excited to try the cakes that the line for the cake table formed so FAST! I couldn't believe it! And most people tried multiple cakes so there was not a single slice left at the end of the night. My mom was so disappointed at the lack of leftovers that she asked us to take her to the bakery the following Monday and we were compelled to purchase another cake to bring to a dinner party the following week. With family birthdays around the corner, I am sure that we will be ordering more cakes soon! So glad that we used Bombon for our cake table!

    (5)
  • Aja G.

    I was having a sugar craving and cookies was the only cure. Bombon cafe was the perfect discrepancy for my medicine. The cookies wear soft, cheap and delicious. They only problem was the bag emptied mysteriously quickly.

    (4)
  • Cathy L.

    The birthday cake we ordered for our son's party was better than I expected. It looked and tasted amazing. We ordered the chocolate tres leches signature cake with the requested design about 4 days prior to the party. It turned out wonderful. Thank you Bombon for such a tasty birthday cake!

    (5)
  • Cristina C.

    I bought my friend's birthday cake here and he loved it. I got him the tia martita and it was perfectly moist and decadent. Take note, my boyfriend is a very picky priss when it comes to food. So, for him to enjoy this must mean it's really good :) Definitely going to come back here again.

    (4)
  • Jennie T.

    Loved the tortas. Everything was a little spicy for Janet W. who cannot handle any spice at all, but I did just fine. I ordered the Sonora (steak) based on the cashier's recommendation. It was very good! It wasn't as spicy as I thought it would be-- the spice from the jalepeno peppers wasn't consistent throughout the sandwich. The steak was cooked just right. I enjoyed it a lot. We also got some blue chips with our sandwiches. Interesting color. The red salsa is spicier than the green, and I like it a lot. I'd definitely want to come back for more.

    (4)
  • Sean B.

    Yuppified tortas for yuppie prices. Basically imagine what Whole Foods would do to a torta and you will get an idea of what kind of sandwich they make here. Good, quality tortas but pricey and I'm still not sure if they're worth it. I prefer the cheaper, unyuppifed version personally.

    (3)
  • Karina V.

    Best tres leches cake I ever had! After reading some of the reviews, I was a bit confused as the Bombon bakery I went to did not have any food, so I am only referring to the small Bombon bakery located on 18th ST in PILSEN. From what I read, this is where they bake all of the pastries anyway. Looking through their menu, I was so tempted to try so many of their variety of Mexican favorites and even some traditional pastries. However, the tres leches always wins me over. Luckily for me, they had small personal tres leches cakes in little cupcake looking cups-- and well, I tried three of them! I had the rompope, the fresa, and the caramel one (I think?). All were equally delicious; I'm talking decadent! Lavish! Gourmet! These little cakes definitely topped of any tres leches I have ever tried. Of the three, my favorite was actually the strawberry as I was pleasantly surprised to find out there were strawberries throughout the cake as well; and the cake was super moist, which is how it should be! If anything, at least make a quick stop to pick up a tres leches! PROS: -paid parking seems very available (I found parking right in front) -super friendly and helpful staff -delicious -inexpensive, especially considering quality and taste CONS: -very small and stuffy; you'd definitely have to take it to go -prices not listed or very clear

    (4)
  • Belle L.

    Breakfast, salad, tortas (sandwiches) and drinks offered all day. It's difficult to decide when everything on the menu is delicious. I settled with Maya and Mexican Cafe. Yum! The mini-cakes (aka Tres Leches) are hiding due to summer heat. Inquire first. The only foldover guava in town. A star less as service can be spotty, and kitchen is notoriously slow.

    (4)
  • Nicole H.

    So I went Thursday and my overall experience was okay. the service was a bit blah for me. I had: a Pilion sandwich- good and the flavors melded very well; a pastry that had strawberries and cream cheese-pretty tasty; a mocha-okay but the chocolate used was quite good; the cheesecake would have been much better without the layer of preserves on top( or whatever it was) . eggnog tres leches; I've had much much better My daughter had the steak sandwich-we both were quite unenthused about it The real standouts were the salad(I forget the name but it had goat cheese, sunflower seeds, beets, and some more good stuff) and the chips and salsa. I'd go back just for those they were so fresh and tasty

    (3)
  • tarneka M.

    I've been wanting to try this place for awhile because it's very close to my job. I can't say I was very impressed. I don't know how any takeout place charges $8 for a breakfast sandwich. It was okay, far from being worth $8. If you go, stay away from the food and stick with the pastries.

    (2)
  • Raul G.

    Great food, a bit pricey but horrible service. If you don't like your job than quit. Instead of giving people attitudes and dirty looks. I am speaking about the person behind the cashier. The only reason I come back here is because my family and friends like the cakes.

    (1)
  • Delia V.

    The cakes from here get baked at the 18th St. location, so you might as well drive there. I had a dry cake come up for Father's Day, very disappointing.

    (3)
  • Colleen C.

    Ok, back with an update! 1. No longer serving brunch on the weekends. They still do cakes, coffee and the like...but unfortunately, no longer a brunch option. They have sandwiches/salads during the week still, and they are VERY good. 2. I picked up a cake here a few weeks ago and was frankly...a bit disappointed. For a $26 cake (about 8 slices) it was kind of dry, not very sweet and not dense/moist at all. Sadness. It was OK, but I wouldn't buy one again. Perhaps I should've special ordered instead of pulling one out of the case? Lesson learned. 3. Great spot to study/read/sit and sip coffee, most definitely. They don't have an espresso bar, but their brewed coffee is AOK. 4. I've never had very friendly service here, on about 5 occasions. Never unfriendly...but some pep in their step would really go a long way. There is a reason this place is empty all the time...I just can't put my finger on it. But I can say that smiles help.

    (3)
  • Marcus M.

    I turned 30, and decided to have an over-the-top Gatsby party to celebrate. I ordered my cake from Bombon, and couldn't have been more satisfied. I gave Laura a budget and a vision, and she exceeded my expectations. There's always something to be said about someone who's passionate about their work. While other bakeries shied away from the challenge of satisfying a demanding client on a budget, Laura countered my demands with creative compromises that fit within the budget. The cake was a flavorful work of art. My guests were wowed. And I was a happy man. Thank you, Laura and the staff at Bombon. I feel like we created a work of art together.

    (5)
  • Shradha A.

    After having 2 custom-ordered cakes from here, I can say they do a good job but you really have to be careful with the combination you pick. I must say not my top recommendation..

    (4)
  • KChicagoan S.

    Bombon provided the cake for my wedding at the end of September, 2010. We really wanted to have individual cakes for each guest (opted for 3 flavors: MINI TIA MARTITA Chocolate cake with layers of old fashion chocolate frosting and cheesecake filling MINI LUISITO Mango and white chocolate cake composed of vanilla bean cake, brushed with tropical rum, mango syrup, white chocolate cream and mango cubes, gorgeously finished as a flower. BOMBON CAKE Traditional 3 milk Cake prepared with vanilla sponge soaked in leches with a hint of rum, sweet vanilla cream and a touch of Mexican cinnamon. They were DELICIOUS and so pretty!!! Everyone raved about the cakes and had some much fun sharing and trying out all of the different flavors. We also had a 4 tier "fake cake" with only one piece that we were able to cut into. Laura, one of the owners, did a great job making that cake. It was covered in fondant and no one knew that the cake was actually made of foam! Overall it was nice working with Laura and Luis. The pricing is a bit steep and there were some logistically snags to navigate, but overall, the cake was delicious and beautiful and everyone was happy!

    (4)
  • Sara B.

    I was really surprised to have purchased a small cake for $30 that looked and souded so good, but I love strawberries and bananas which is what this cake had. So I took it home, and it was nothing but cream filling. Barely Barely any fruit. Really annoying I literally threw cake away. My boyfriend and friends had a very small piece, and said the cake itself just wasn't worth it. not soft at all, crumbled the minute you tried to cut into it. Very disappointed....

    (2)
  • Rodrigo D.

    Dear owner, the cashier with the bad blonde dye job is hurting your business big time. She is not friendly at all. She does not greet customers at the register. Obviously this is a management issue because someone hired her and has been OK with her attitude. I came up to the register and I said "Buenos dias" and she had a blank look in her face with no response. The food is good here but not that good where I would come back for crappy service. If the prices were half what they are then I could put up with her bitchy attitude. I ordered the Chilaquiles with scrambled eggs. When she delivered my plate to my table, she acknowledged that they screwed up my order by not doing my eggs scrambled as I had asked for. I am thinking to myself, if you knew they screwed up my order, why do you even bother bringing it down to my table. She asked if I wanted her to take it back, but I told her not to worry about it. Date of visit: 11/14/11 8:40am

    (2)
  • Adam K.

    Good little spot in a veritable food wasteland. I have been coming to this location for years. They have several locations across the city. They make very good custom cakes for bday parties and such, and their pastries are second to none. I used to get - Tuna Torta - they discontinued this sandwich because according to the cashier lady today, nobody ordered it. I hope they bring it back. I get now - Vegetarian torta - grilled veggies are great and they come with these mesmerizingly INDIGO blue corn chips. Chicken Enchilada's with Green Sauce - Tasty and light, this was the special today, so I don't think it is a regular item but it was a hit for me. Milanesa (breaded chicken) torta - A bit heavier, not exactly a healthy sand, but solid every time and chock full of delish marinated veggies. If your in the hood, and don't feel like burgers, KFC or Church's chicken, this is a nice, but much pricier alternative.

    (4)
  • Jenny D.

    I used to work right by Bombon and for lack of much else around, I would find myself here for breakfast or lunch sometimes. They have an assortment of usual cafe drinks, bakery items, and different types of Mexican entrees. The food here first and foremost is SO crazy expensive for what you are getting. A small COFFEE is like $3.00! But what bothered me so much was how the prices would change on a daily basis depending on the person ringing you up. It was weird... The food itself is pretty good, but I would prefer something a little more authentic when it came to the Mexican items. The bakery is the highlight of this place and has fantastic cookies, cakes and pastries. The main reason I give this place 2 stars is because of the service. Everyone I worked with also experienced awful service from everyone who worked at Bombon (and that was so disappointing considering how much business we all gave them). The don't smile, they are very short with you, and give you the feeling to just eat and get out. Definitely not my favorite place...

    (2)
  • Solomohn E.

    Hot damn! Bombon got it damn right.

    (5)
  • Rachel W.

    I have ordered catering from here multiple times. I always order several Tortas (Mexican sandwiches), salad, guac and salsa. The bread is yummy, they come full of ingredients from avocado to chihuahua cheese, olives, etc. They have an amazing salad that has black beans, queso, avocado, and homemade chipotle creamy dressing that is delicious. I've never dined in so can't speak to the interior, but I am a big fan of their food. My only problem is too much cilantro in the guac...but I hate cilantro so any cilantro is too much.

    (4)
  • Andrea B.

    I'm always on the lookout for a delicious tres leches cake so I was excited to try this place. The tres leches is decent, but far from the amazing versions I've had in Miami. I thought the milk they soaked it in was a bit too thin compared to other versions. The store is very uninviting and not a place you really want to sit and eat, so I feel the need to drop stars for that as well. When I visited it felt like they didn't even have the heat on in this place. It was hard enough to stand there while they bagged up my order, let alone think of sitting there to eat.

    (2)
  • Claudia D.

    Love the sandwich/soup combo Love the coffee flavor tres leches cake Like the salads Not all sandwiches are available every day 2 special soups each day My husband & I enjoy lunch here very much. Have bought cakes to go as well Love that it's open 7 days a week and is close by Hate that it closes so early

    (4)
  • Arthur M.

    The tortas are good but the cakes are crack

    (5)
  • Richie D.

    Quite a neat cafe that I has a lot of Latino spice. The decor is chill yet fun with antique doors made into chalkboards and cake molding pans hanging from the ceiling (yes a bit random but like I said, fun). I was there for a quick lunch. I gave the Tlacoyos with chicken a shot. They were fairly good being fried pastries stuffed with beans and topped with the average American taco items (lettuce, tomato, onion, grated cheese and salsa verde). If you're still not sure, picture tiny chimichangas. It was really nothing WOW, especially for being $8 (no sides, just the entree). I also figured I had to try one of the pastries that looked oooh so delicious in the display case and which many people praise. I got the pinwheel with strawberry marmalade. It was a bit average and plain flavored, minus the center with the strawberry preserves. I couldn't possibly expect it to be out of this world when many Latin American pastries are simple and possess a similar doughy bread taste. I guess I should have given a mini-pastel (cake) a shot! If you're in the area, check it out (there's not too much to choose from anyhow).

    (3)
  • Alejandra V.

    Way overpriced. I ordered yesterday a birthday cake 6' $30.00, I called to place my order and the lady was so helpful and friendly, but when I went to pick it out, the only person working there was so rude, this place close at 7, it was 6:25 pm, I asked him which ones of the mini cakes are the populars , he said all are the same but the true he just want me to go, to start the closing day. I regret to waste my money and my time. The cake was so so.

    (1)
  • Shawn O.

    I highly recommend Bombon Cafe, if only for their Yucateca torta, filled with conchinita pibil (suckling pig), pickled red peppers, and a black bean spread. All tortas are served on their bread which is made in house. They also have an impressive desert and cake display that i have not yet sampled the only down side of this place is the price - with $10-12 for lunch its slightly expensive. In a desolate West Loop area where it is located, Bombon Cafe certainly stands out. Oh, and they infuse the free water with different fruits, depending on what day you go.

    (4)
  • Virginia T.

    J and I stopped in at Bombon for lunch recently. I had a Yucateca sandwich (cochinita pork stew with achiote pickled red onions with habanero chile, avocado, cotija cheese, black bean spread) and he had the Toluca (chorizo, mix greens, tomato, pickled red onions, oaxaca cheese, and bean spread) with eggs. Both were tasty and served in cute wooden baskets with fresh tortilla chips. The housemade bread was a standout. The service was great, they were very friendly. The place was FREEZING though....I kept my coat on while we ate. A little pricey - 2 sandwiches and a coke was $17 but I'll be back. Can't speak for the pastries/desserts but the tortas were yummy!

    (4)
  • Marissa G.

    My birthday cake every year for the past three years-- Bonbon's Tres Leches Cake. Nothing can beat their attention to detail on the decoration, and the flavor and quality of ingredients that makes the taste so amazing. Get one.

    (4)
  • Darin E.

    We ran across this place after a lucky wrong turn getting off the train headed to the Randolf St Antiques Market. What a great surprise! We were starving and ready to eat anywhere, but we couldn't have lucked out better. Walking in, the place had a really bright airy feel -- 100% cafe. No hint of diner, taco stand, etc. The dishes and specials were hand written on little chalk boards hung all over the place. My wife got the La Milpa vegetable sandwich. Not just another portobello burger substitute, this was a great dish. The bread was either baked there or may as well have been, and the vegetables were grilled to perfection. A nice bit of panela cheese and a tasty roasted red pepper spread rounded out the flavor landscape. I had one of the specials, Sopecitas a la Bomboncita, which were leetle teeny tiiiny rounds of fried dough with a nice bean spread base and topped with lettuce, tomato, onions, cheese and salsa, along with some scrambled eggs in a kind of chile sauce (kind of like ranchero/enchilada sauce). It was zippy but not too spicy. I couldn't resist accompanying the dish with a mexican (imported?) lime soda. Es Delicioso! We didn't get a chance to sample the baked goods but they looked fantastic as well. I don't get to Chicago more than once a year or so, so I usually like to try something new (e.g. I haven't been to Hot Doug's yet), but this place will be on the list up there with Nookie's as a perennial revisit!

    (5)
  • Marena P.

    If you are looking for a wedding cake that exceeds all expectations you could ever imagine, Bombon cafe is the way to go. The owner Laura is just a doll to work with. She made sure everything was perfect for our big day. Laura was very helpful with the cake selections and very easy to stay in contact with through out the planning stages. Because I am not a huge fan of fondant but enjoy the way it looks, Laura was able to make a "fake cake" display with a portion of the cake real for cake cutting ceremony purposes. And 3.5 sheet cakes in the back with the yummy stuff in the back. I chose 3 flavors that were all amazing. A kaluha chocolate mouse, caramel pear almond, and a seasonal berry. We had the reception hall cut the cake and put it on the coffee table where guests were to pick it up themselves. Most guests took 2-3 pieces!!! im so happy i ordered the extra half sheet cake last minute! All i've heard was how amazing the cake was, in beauty and taste. I couldnt be more happy with choosing Bombon Cafe and working with Laura.

    (5)
  • Sandra G.

    Generally I'm easy to please, but every now and then I get this insurmountable craving and cannot continue with my day unless my craving is catered to. Just what was the cause of this powerful, all-consuming hunger this Sunday morning you ask? Chilaquiles. After some deliberation and research by the bf on Yelp! we decided on Café Bombon. Now it helps if the restaurant is actually located at the address shown, and in an effort to minimize any opportunity for argument, I decided not to mention that I saw a corner restaurant named Bombon Café on S. Ashland Ave. on our way to the Bombon Café on 26th St. So, it wasn't a surprise to me that upon arriving to the provided location, there was no Bombon Café and the plastic sign flapping in the wind indicated the temporary location I saw in my quiet passing. Upon arriving and being warmly greeted by the oversized display case of pastries, pasteles, and the like goodies, we took our seat and I ordered my chilaquiles. My experience is that these are a hit a or miss, and since my particular fondness includes the perfect blend of a slight crunch of the chips bathing in a warm green salsa that's not too spicy yet full of green flavorful freshness. I walked away, or rather rolled away :) this day with my craving fully satisfied. It's nice to know that on any given day, with a craving for any particular dish, there is some place in Chicago that can fulfill my restless palatable desire. As for me and Café Bombon (they) = Sunday morning chilaquiles.

    (4)
  • Kelly L.

    I came here for coffee and vowed to return for lunch. I'm so glad I did. I got the special salad, which was milanesa chicken (breaded and sauteed) with delicious greens, radishes, cheese and pepinos. It came with soup-I chose the Posole, and it was GREAT. The water was refreshingly flavored with basil and lime. We split a piece of Kahlua cake (a mocha flavored tres leches cake), and it blew away any other notion of tres leches cake ever. The coffee is delicious too. The owner has worked under Bayless, and is CIA (that's culinary inst. of America, not a spy) trained. It shows in the food. The prices aren't super low, but the value is very good. Luckily, I will be working in the neighborhood for the next two weeks, so I can try the tortas and more tarts. Can't wait!

    (5)
  • Mark A.

    This place is so cool! One can only eat so many glazed blueberry and boston cream filled donuts from Tha Dunkin before one must venture into the unknown independent world of baked goods. That's where Bombon Cafe comes in for me. Handmade, delicious and differently doughy treats. Cookies, fluffy pastry things, air filled dough glazed with honey and Mexican love. And pretty good coffee. Their regular non-baked good items also seem quite scrumptious, different and pretty. They're friendly at this location. And I think there's free wifi. I've never taken advantage though, as I like to eat all 5000 calories in the comfort of my own home...where no one can see me cry in shame after I've eaten it all.

    (5)
  • Amaliya L.

    Rosita Fresita. It's a 3 layer milk cake with 2 layers of fresh strawberries and whipped cream. Hands down one of the yummiest cakes that you will ever eat. Light, airy, not too sweet, it is perfection. This cake reminds me of childhood and happy celebrations. I don't like to admit the awful things that I have done in my life...but let's just say that we had a huge cake last Saturday..and demolished another one last night. P.S. my friend was connected to their other location by a telephone operator. They ordered the ordered the cake not realizing it. She arrived at this location for pick up and found out! A disastrous situation was quickly arranged. They made her a whole new cake so that she could avoid the crosstown traffic. Customer service at its finest.

    (5)
  • Teri Y.

    Unfortunately, I have to be the person/outlier to give a 1-star rating to Bombon Cafe. It seems like a great cafe for sandwiches but from my experience, they are just not up to standard with many other professional cake designers in the wedding industry in Chicago. My husband and I were searching for wedding cake vendors and decided to give Bombon Cafe a try. A few days earlier, we had met with another cake designer who impressed us all the way. But we wanted to meet with another cake vendor just so we had room to compare. From the point we initiated contact with Bombon Cafe, there was a lack of professionalism. I should have known better since I always trust my instincts but I decided to not give any judgments until I met the people at Bombon Cafe in person. What transpired happened in early 2010 but only now am I reviewing all vendors that were part of my recent wedding planning. I called their cafe. It took forever for a person to answer the call and when someone finally did, she sounded very rushed as she was in the middle of making a cake. She also seemed like she had to put down the phone asap to continue tending to her cake. Turns out that she was Laura who is the co-owner and cake baker for Bombon. She promptly told me to send her an email and we will go from there. Um ok. I sent her an email anyway and we decided to meet on a Saturday morning in her cafe. My husband and I arrived at Bombon Cafe with no Laura in sight. We stood around and no one came to help us. We decided to get the attention of the cafe staff behind the counter and told him that we had an appointment with Laura. The staff had not much of a reaction so I couldn't tell if he was expecting us or what. He proceeded to call someone up who I assumed was Laura. After he got off the phone, he told us that Laura would be there to meet us shortly, and then proceeded to offer us coffee. Ok, at least he did that. While we waited, he also brought us some picture albums of previous wedding cakes that they made but unfortunately we weren't very impressed with them either. I still wanted to give Bombon Cafe a chance since we were already there. My husband and I sat around waiting for another 20 minutes or so. Still no Laura in sight. Suddenly, a man walks in, stares at my husband and I for awhile, and then asked if we were there to meet Laura. He turned out to be Laura's husband and said that Laura couldn't be there to meet us. Now, this was extremely unprofessional. Her husband then sat down with us and asked us about our wedding cake needs. We described to him how we envisioned our wedding cake to look like and even showed him several wedding cake pictures that I printed out. He basically just told us that his wife is the one who does the designing of cakes so he would relate to her what we have told him. So basically, he was just there to listen to us without being able to give us any professional advice whatsoever which of course was totally not the kind of experience we were looking for when meeting with a cake vendor. During the whole time we sat down there, my husband and I already knew that we were wasting our time at Bombon Cafe. The only saving grace was that they gave us cake samples for tasting and they actually tasted good so this is where I'm giving them 1 star. After we left Bombon Cafe, we did not even receive a courtesy call or email from Laura apologizing that she couldn't fulfill her commitment of meeting with us after we went all the way there. Neither did we get a follow-up email to inquire about the initial meeting we had with her husband. The only good thing that came from this experience with Bombon is that my husband and I realized what a fantastic decision we made by going with Amy Beck who was professional all the way and who impressed us with her high creativity. My husband and I would rather spend more money on an expensive wedding cake with fantastic customer service rather than spending very little money on a cheaper wedding cake while having to sacrifice customer service.

    (1)
  • Kate S.

    I really enjoy this place for a light lunch. I always get the beet salad w/ goat cheese. It always taste fresh! I usually grab a little dessert of some kind as well. I love the little sweet rolls that look like conch shells (they offer them in a chocolate or vanilla flavor - I prefer the vanilla). If you are in the West Loop or driving down Ashland and looking for a new lunch spot, try this place out!

    (4)
  • Preeti S.

    Best Sandwiches in the world ! I love their sandwiches that they serve with a portion of soup. I always have the Clasica sandwich is amazing and their Poblano spread is the best..flavorful and fresh. sandwiches - fresh, yummy,reasonable.. Place - decent n clean. I would absolutely go here everytime I have a sandwich urge!

    (5)
  • Julia S.

    This review is based only on quality of coffee, which had a burned and old taste to it. I would like to support local businesses, but paying $2.40 for a small cup of bad coffee does not make sense.

    (2)
  • Joe F.

    Had to write: Been coming here since it opened and average once a week when I'm in town. Never had a bad meal. It's great, fresh, Mexican food. The soups are VERY tasty. Sandwiches are delicious and the specials are excellent. I especially like the fish taco's and the handmade tamales. i think they put in just enough ingredients in to their food to let everything shine through. I have only tried a few desserts and were very good but it depends on what you like as they have a big assortment.

    (4)
  • Bonnie B.

    Soft, fluffy, moist, sweet, firm, tangy, repeat. Wait, was that... guava? There's GUAVA in this mother-effing cake! I don't know what it's called, but it's pink and comes in three sizes. Also- it's gorgeous, so it's great to bring to a birthday party. I have lost count of the number of times I've purchased this cake. As for other layer cakes, they have a coffee or cappuccino flavored one that is great, and I've also tried a few of their tres leches cakes, which were all delicious. The cakes come in different sizes, including individual sizes, which makes it all the easier to try every possible flavor. I have to admit that I've never tried anything other than cakes from here.

    (5)
  • Happiness L.

    You just can not find this place if you are in a car. It is so hard to spot and is on one teeny tiny strip of land where three streets come together. We passed by 2x and called and still had issues. The Mexican coffee is good, just needs more caffeine. The place is cute, the staff nice, however someone needs to check on the bathroom supplies every one in awhile.

    (3)
  • J R.

    A friend took me here today for lunch. I had the Sonora and it was amazing. Awesome concept and flavors in the sandwich. The place also has excellent pastries and coffees. I would go there just to have a coffee and read a book. The environment is friendly. I will definitely return.

    (4)
  • Helena B.

    There is a special place in my heart for restaurants and cafes with mismatched chairs. Bombon is the gold standard in the realm of furniture-that-so-*doesn't*-go-together-that-it-­actually-kinda-does. That paired with the cheery yellow walls and cakepans decorating the ceiling had me thinking I was going to like this place before I'd eaten a bite. Sodas are presented in an old-fashioned tub full of ice. I got one of those carbonated apple-juicy sodas that I love a lot (but apparently not enough to ever seem to remember what they are called...). Lunch for me consisted of two tamales. They came beautifully wrapped - the chef had even used a thin piece of cornhusk to tie a bow around them. So cute. Three cheers for cute food! One of my tamales was chicken mole. I was expecting chunks of chicken with the mole sauce on top, but this was shredded chicken that had been simmered in the mole. Mmmmm. Every last fiber of chicken was delightfully mole-infused. A gold star also goes to the server who rushed out to tell my date not to try my tamales because the mole sauce may have nut products in it (my date had explained his allergy as we ordered - nut allergies are crazy and you can't be too careful). All in all, I kept thinking I had to bring my parents to Bombon - for me, that is a sign that I really loved a place. 'Till next time, Bombon!

    (5)
  • Jon-Rachel Y.

    With the aroma of freshly baked goods as you step inside, I wanted to sink my teeth into their unique, deli-style tortas. Unlike their traditional predecessors, the quality of these tortas are amazing with the use of fresh ingredients and they have an extensive list to choose from, grilled vegetables to saute octopus. It was walking distance from the United Center and the Illinois medical district where my classmate and I was looking for a place for lunch. Like my favorite Cuban deli back in LA, this place will not disappoint. The dining area may be on the small side, but the place is fully of charm and color. Most people seem to pick up their orders and parking can be limited during the lunch rush. The workers were busy, but friendly. A little more expensive than the more authentic tortas, but definitely filling. You can create your own torta or try any of their menu items like tamales, sopecitos, taquitos, and tlacoyos. What we ordered: - La Chilanga - recommend (cannot go wrong with Serrano ham) - Piolin - classmate liked it When: - Monday at 10:00 AM Return: - most definitely...to try their pastries and tlacoyos

    (4)
  • Wesley R.

    One of my favorite places in the city to get a tasty and artistic looking piece of cake, Bombon delivers delicious delights again and again! Previously, you could travel down to Pilsen to directly get from the bakery, or travel to Ashland Avenue to the cafe. With the opening of Bombon Cake Gallery, we now have an accessible city-centric option to get a good selection of cakes and cookies, and even a spot to pick up pre-ordered cakes! The pre-made cakes come in miniature, normal, and larger sizes. I would recommend ordering a normal size when you are in the mood for a particular flavor, and a number of the miniatures if you're looking to sample a wider variety of tastes. Here's some of my favorite cake styles: White Chocolate Mango, Chocolate Strawberry Banana, Cantaloupe Passion Fruit (I'm not sure what the official name is). Great stuff! It's located on the second level of the Oglive Transportation Center. Head up to the second level, make a left, and look to your left.

    (5)
  • Jaime S.

    Ok the food ( i had a tasty special salad here 3 years ago) and the Cake (dulce de leche tres leche!? How much leche can there be?) are DELICIOUS. Unbelievably delicious. But this place is EXPENSiVE and I've found the service to be continually slower than what I would like.

    (3)
  • Lone K.

    It cost almost $20 for 2 breakfast sandwiches and 1 coffee. For a breakfast to go, that is terribly expensive. The sandwich had very soggy bacon on it. Also, the menu did not indicate there was sauce on the sandwich. I even asked the cashier what else was on the sandwich and he did not mention the spicy mayo. I only had one bite of mine, and my boyfriend only had half of his. The coffee was drinkable.

    (1)
  • Aurora H.

    Do yourself a favor...if you're planning a party...or need any kind of catering...stop looking and hire Luis and Laura. I've thrown a lot of catered parties and have heard horror stories from my employer who also hires a lot of caterers. No one, NO ONE will give you the service and type of food that people will keep talking about for weeks after. I asked Luis to create a menu for our late summer wedding recently. He cooked a perfect Mexican delicacy, chiles en nogada for 100 guests. It's tough to make for a small party but Luis managed to make every single bite as good or better than the last. We were going to stop with that dish and apps but after tasting some of his other creations (beautifully plated and unforgettable flavors) we ordered more. I wish I were kidding when I say that people are still asking about the food. I'm especially bitter cause as the bride, I hardly had any. (You know how it goes) Anyhow, if you're looking for incredible flavor, top notch service and creative dishes, look no further. Thank you, Luis and Laura and staff for making our wedding a night to remember.

    (5)
  • Laura M.

    I LOVE their cakes!!! I am using Bombon for my wedding cake and they have been an absolute delight to work with. The cake is SO unique (very different than a traditional wedding cake) but tastes better than anything I have ever tried. My favorites are the Tres Leches Rompope, the Cubano, and the Margarita. Plus it is very reasonably priced for wedding cake AND after visiting some of the more popular wedding cake places in the city; we just loved the attention we received from the owner Laura (who personally meets with you AND bakes your wedding cake). I originally went to the Pilsen location but she works out of this location as well!

    (5)
  • Kira S.

    I've gone a few times there and it's okay. If and when I do go there is because I was unable to get a coffee and pastry elsewhere on my way to work. I haven't had problems with the staff they nice to me. But I agree with the other reviewers-it is over priced for the value you are recieving. Given I have previously worked in a bakery my standards are up there. With that being said I am all about supporting local businesses. However, today was the last straw with me. I got a pastry to go and when i got to work and started eating it mid way through i discovered it was MOLDY in the center. *Gasp* I was VERY VERY DISAPPOINTED. I shared my experience with my co-workers and they said it had happened to them before. *Stares and Screams!* I asked them what they did- they said they went back and told them and the staff only shrugged and my coworkers received no compensation or "replacement" pastry. At this point- I was very discouraged by even going back to tell them what had happened. So going forward I will not be returning...

    (1)
  • Kristen M.

    Way overpriced. I go here a lot because there aren't too many places in the area to grab a quick cup of coffee and it's right near my work.The coffee is meh and more expensive than it would be at starbucks. I have had their rice pudding with fruit on the top. The fruit was delish but the rice pudding melted (?) as I ate it and became watery. I have never seen any of the employees smile and it doesn't seem like they ever. It has potential but as of now I would not recommend.

    (2)
  • Daniel D.

    Great!! Nothing like it around. Traditional gourmet lunch spot. I stop here every time I come to Chicago.

    (5)
  • Meredith H.

    yay, i'm indeed a fan of this place. we stopped in for sunday brunch and were pleasantly suprised. cute decor, speedy service, amazing mexican breakfast dishes, delicious coffee all added up to a very positive experience. prices were a little steep, but worth paying to watch your food be made, rather than unwrap and check the packaging date at sbux. i'm glad this cafe is in the hood - i'll be back.

    (4)
  • LeeLee S.

    We went to Bombon Cafe specifically for a single serving of their CHUPICUARO, a cake with guava cheese filling topped with a fruit....o.m.g...this cake was light and refreshing with a tropical flavor. In addition, we also tried another cake, which was LUISITO CAKE. This cake was just as delicious as the Chupicuaro (mango flavored)...talk about 'taste of the tropics.' We would definitely order a cake from this bakery. This place not only had baked goods, they also served breakfast and lunch. We ordered Caribeña and half salad/half sandwich Yucateca and Provinciana. I thought the sandwiches tasted flavorful. Compared to Frontera Fresco and even XOCO, their sandwiches were equilavent but cheaper. Like the fact that the salad wasn't typical. They have variety of ingredients. We'll be back to try out the other cakes and their tortas!

    (4)
  • Lauren R.

    stopped in their ashland location today hoping to have a better experience than the last time we went to the 18th street location. as soon as I walked in I felt that they were trying to be too many things to too many people. we ordered a couple of deserts and took them to go. the staff was very unfriendly - before we purchased our items we wanted to know what they were however we were definitely inconveniencing the staff. on our last visit to the 18th street location we ordered a couple of dessert cakes - and they were stale. so today I asked if the items in the case were fresh and they said yes - that is what probably pissed them off. anyway we took them home and they were ok. i had a choc mousse cake and my daughter tried their fruit tart - nothing extraordinary - the fruit tart tasted a bit stale. I feel like this place has jumped the shark - and the brilliant young pastry chef who started the place (forgot her name) should probably get more involved in what is going on in her stores to prevent them from becoming just another chicago bakery.

    (2)
  • Sarah S.

    Bombon! I discovered this place completely by accident after church one day - it's in kind of an odd location, but it's worth a special trip. Their tortas are AMAZING. Completely wonderful, huge, with really interesting ingredient combinations, plus a build-your-own option if you feel so inclined. Their mini-quesadillas are also excellent, though not what I expected - they're very fried, not that I'm complaining. I haven't even tried their deserts, and supposedly that's what they're best at, so from my perspective, this place could only get better. And they sell Mexican coke! *swoon* In terms of price, I would say it's a bit high - although this looks like a place you might get a cheap lunch, it's not. But all the sandwiches are between $7-$9, and the quality of the ingredients is very high. It's not for every day, but it's absolutely worth what they charge.

    (4)
  • Caty H.

    The other locations are MUCH better. My experience at this one plain stinks. I called them and ordered a cake for my boyfriend's 30th birthday. They took my order, for my boyfriend's fav 3 leches, and we agreed that I would pick it up at 6pm. I rushed over after work to pick it up before the party. I walk in and give them my name. The woman working there was like, "We don't have your cake, I don't think." I was very civil at first, asking what happened. She said, "just pick another one, ma'am... I'm new, and I don't know what to do." I looked at her with my mouth and eyes WIDE open, and said, "Excuse me... You did not just say that to me. I ordered a special order birthday cake... Please get me someone who knows what to do." So she goes and gets someone else, and he comes up to the front, looks at the ticket (which I later found out was my order, which the owner failed to place), and says to me, "Ma'am... Pick a cake, please..." I was like, "No! My boyfriend's 30th birthday party is tonight. I specially ordered a cake. I want the cake." He looked at me and then said, "No, we've been very busy and forgot to place your order... You'll have to take one that we have." I said, "Ok. I want a kaluha 3 leches, and if you can just put his name and happy birthday on top, that's ok." Then the guy proceeded to tell me that they had two flavors, and that I needed to just pick one. I said, "I have no choice now... You guys dropped the ball. I'll take one of these, but I want a discount." The guy told me that I couldn't have a discount, even though they TOTALLY screwed up! I told him that he needed to contact the owner or manager, because they were about to lose a customer. He played with the phone for a minute, and then said, "You know... we don't have your order because we're so busy... The owner is at a very big party right now, and he doesn't have time to deal with this..." I was FURIOUS at this point... before I could tell him that he had just lost a customer, he tells me that I should have ordered 2 days before, and my order would have been definitely ok then... I couldn't believe this shit... So I said, "You've gotta be kidding me... You HAVE to be kidding me! If you guys couldn't do it, you shouldn't have taken my order. Also, this is horrible customer service! I'm a customer! You're telling me your owner/manager is too busy to deal with me... My family buys almost 10 cakes from this shop every year, for birthdays. I'm about to walk out of here and your about to lose almost $300 per year... We've given you guys over $1000, over the past few years, and you're telling me that's not important to you!" I felt like adding a big FU... But I refrained and said, "You're business has put me in a bad position. I have worked SO HARD to make my boyfriend's birthday perfect, and you haven't provided what you said you would... And you're telling me it doesn't matter, and that you won't give me a discount because you have to give me a cake that ISN'T what I wanted at all..." I finally got a 20% discount on a strawberry cake... It looked hideous, and the milk was so not fresh. It was a huge disappointment... In short, Bombon... You need to shape up... You may have lost a valuable loyal customer. I will stop telling people about you, and we may stop shopping there all together. These are the experiences that make me want to drop loyalties. We can find another bakery... damn it... So frustrating.

    (1)
  • Erin B.

    I can't believe I didn't review this place...or maybe I did, and I can't find it! Anyway, I LOVE this place. Great sandwiches, awesome tacos, super pastries. There's only two issues I have...hard to find parking, and the prices are a little steep. I can't believe I also forgot to mention the AWESOME chocolate croissants! They are to die for. Seriously!

    (4)
  • Bill M.

    This casual cafe is first a fine bakery, so they are proud of the "artisan breads" used for the tortas. The selection of sweet treats baked here are colorful and delicious, including breakfast pastries and desserts like individual sized tres leches cakes, fruit tarts, and puddings. My friend ordered a combo with a thick black-eyed bean soup and a half-sandwich loaded with all sorts of ingredients. My order of flautas was light and crunchy. The seating area reflects a few whimsical artistic touches that make it a comfortable place to linger during a long lunch, if you have the time of course.

    (5)
  • Lizzy W.

    The service was superb! I ordered a torta de carne asada and an agua de horchata. The chips that came with the meal were made from scratch; however, they were not made to order. The salsa that came with them was just OK. The steak was prepared and seasoned perfectly! Even though it is not traditional, I really liked the flavor of the baby mixed greens on my torta. The bread was fresh and tasted good but it was not traditional. My only complaint with the sandwich was the processed (swiss american) cheese, which made the sandwich taste a bit cheap. I loved the agua de horchata (rice water) it was delicious - I am a sucker for this sweet, cool, creamy cinnamon beverage - I am pretty sure I tasted some nutmeg too!

    (3)
  • Tiffany S.

    This place is good, but a little overpriced for my taste. I don't know how this place only got 1 dollar sign. The desserts/tarts/pastries are about $5-$6. Sandwiches are $7-$8. Mini-plates $6. Portions are smallish-regular. A round/quarter sheet cake might run you $50. The red pozole and tortilla soup is pretty good. The pastries/desserts are delicious. The tamales are a lot of corn and not a lot of filling. The fish salad sandwich thing is delicious. The ground meat tostada was okay (salty).

    (4)
  • Jessica H.

    Why is there basil in the water? lemons, cool...cucumbers, awesome....limes, rock the f on.....basil? no thanks i feel like im drinking pizza Its no frills good food....but SPICY whoa SPICY...but still its def a place i can go on a weekend and read the paper...do some crosswording and enjoy a cubano sammich!

    (3)
  • Evelyn B.

    Extremely dissapointed with the cake of tres leche de caramelo. We always buy cakes here, but yesterday's cake tasted like it had been refrigerated for a week. If you decide to purchase a cake there, ask them the expiration date!!!

    (1)
  • Robbie V.

    Overpriced, mediocre food and rude staff! I have never had a good experience at this place and refuse to ever step foot in this place again. I do have to say that my office is in the neighborhood and I've seen the owner drive his black Hummer H2 around the area with no regard for anyone. Just last night one of my employees had to move out of his way while she was walking because he was not trying to avoid her! Stay away!!!!!!! Angel's is right down the street on ashland, and it is soooo much better!

    (1)
  • Maureen m.

    I had a great experience at Bombon cafe today so I had to yelp about it! They have a great Mexican inspired brunch menu. I ordered the Huevos mi Bomboncito - three sopecitos with refried beans, scrambled eggs and our special chorizo pasilla salsa garnished with panela cheese. It was delicious! Not greasy and just the right amount. I also had good coffee which was served with fresh creamer. While I was enjoying my meal and reading my book, Marcos came by with a small slice of Tres con Leches cake for me to try for free. He made my morning. The cake was so good and went great with my coffee. I will definitely go back to this place. I don't know why more people aren't there for brunch, it's great!!

    (4)
  • Ryan P.

    The wedding cake tasted great, but we had some issues with Bombon. First, the cake delivered was not what we had designed (see the cake here chicagobestcakes.com/wp-… ) - we had asked for some texture and other items on the blank spaces and this was drawn into our proof, but it was never done. Further, these people are extremely difficult to get a hold of -they never answer emails or return phone calls. But, the cake was great, it's just that we had expected much better.

    (2)
  • Kathryn G.

    Really great food, coffee and pastries. My husband and I went for breakfast and enjoyed ourselves. Nothing fancy but great food and the server was attentive. We will be back.

    (4)
  • Liz K.

    I think this place has AMAZING desserts. I miss their loop location since it's hard to get out this way, but it's worth it. Their food is quite nice and I ended up buying a sugar skull from their downtown location a few years ago. Still have it!

    (4)
  • Ade Z.

    Love this place. doesn't get 5 stars because it is a little pricey. the sandwhichs are fresh, the service is very nice and its quick. i had a chicken sandwhich that was so good. VERY FRESH. I cant wait to make this a reg. spot. I will be back for more..

    (4)
  • Lois A.

    Three stars only because the tres leches cakes I tried were amazing. Unfortunately, when I asked how much they were I was given a price that ended up being less than what they rang up as two minutes later. Also unfortunate was the $6 apple thing my boyfriend got that was totally dried out and tasted bad. If we'd known how much it was and what it tasted like we'd never have bought it. As much as I liked the original and caramel cakes I had I probably won't be back.

    (3)
  • Nelson S.

    I really wanted to come here after I saw this place was review in this month's Gourmet magazine. Today I ordered the Yucateca sandwich. Menu description: cochinita (pork stew with achiote) pickled red onions with habanero chile, avocado, cotija cheese, black bean spread. In layman terms, my description is a very yummy Mexican sloppy joe and it came with a side of fresh cut potato chips. The fresh baked bread was good, I would just buy the bread and take home to munch on. Now why you ask only 4 stars after this stellar review, a majority of their sandwiches are $7.50, so plus tax, it's $8 bucks and change for a sandwich & chips. It's not terribly expensive for fresh made food but just expensive enough for me to mention it. That's all. It's my party and I can cry if I want to. :-P

    (4)
  • Laura S.

    I had lunch here with a co-worker. The atmosphere is adorable and quaint, located on the corner of the street. The food was so delicious! VERY large portions. The pastries looked amazing - too bad we were so full from that hearty lunch! Definitely a place to check out!

    (4)
  • Char Y.

    We came for the tres leches cup cakes, and was introduced to their mini-cakes. We had the traditional tres leches cupcake and the guava cake. They are both DIVINE! BUT, VERY VERY pricey. The 2 together was $11. WOW. I am tempted to try their other creations though since the Pilsen bakery is so close to me...

    (3)
  • Leah J.

    Sweet retreat from the winter storm. Upon one of the biggest blizards of 2007, we wandered into this haven of warmth right before the Bulls game. The sandwiches are huge and delicious! The bread is fresh, warm, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, just how I like it. I've only been there once last year, but am still dreaming of that sandwich. Do I need help?

    (4)
  • Vivian D.

    Decided to try this place for lunch based on the amazing reviews and boy, were they right! The lunch menu was mostly made of Tortas, which are Mexican sandwiches. They have a wide array of choices, but my friend opted for a steak with caramelized onions and a mexican tuna salad sandiwches. We ordered the smaller sandwiches with the soup or salad deal for about $7, which was very satisfying meal. However, as good as the food is, if you can only eat food and dessert, I would say to get a dessert because they are phenomenal! I had an apple tart which was heavenly, while my friend had a Tres Leches cupcake with whipped cream and cajeta (mexican caramel) on top. Thinking about this is making my mouth water. The restaurant itself is very quaint and has a bistro-like feel to it. It's a great hidden treasure and you can usually find the owner around the restaurant. Plus, the staff there is very friendly and helpful.

    (5)
  • Kristin M.

    I just checked this place out for the first time the other day for lunch, and I was just completely blown away! I only had a salad and a pastry, but I'll have to say it was the best lunch I've had in a while! I was even more excited when I found out that they own a place in the loop, too! I'm totally going back to try the tortas, since it seems like every one raves about them! This place simply has it all when it comes to a lunch spot! The food is deliciously fresh and interesting, the service was extremely friendly and very helpful when deciding between many of their sinful looking pastries. I wouldn't necessarily say it was pricey, maybe compared to other lunch places it is, but the quality made it worth it! Not to mention, the restaurant has an absolutely adorable interior!

    (5)
  • Kris R.

    i popped my bombon cherry during it's short-lived stint at washington and wells. i fell in love. i heart tamales, very much. not the round ones you get at portillos, or the groc store. the ones in the husk. bombon has one of the best. moist (i hate that word), flavorful, deeelish. their little 'dillas are also freaking great. mexico city style, so it's deep fried, gooey cheese, amaza-dillas (NOT your average dilla). i'm always torn when i come here because i want to order 7 tamales, and 23 dillas. i try to split things (but who wants to share???) so i get a little of each thing. to be healthier, i get their Xochimilco salad. of course i just point to it rather than try to say it. if i've been good and ordered the salad, i will get me some tres leches (strawberry). O. M. G. i mean, so freaking good once again. i almost forgot, we ordered bombon for a party (they cater). we pretty much ordered everything i just said, in bulk. even the tres leches. 3 milks. all milks were enjoyed by all.

    (5)
  • Rachel H.

    Yum! Bombon Cafe is a great place for lunch. The atmosphere is bright and cheery. The yellow walls and the sunlight streaming in through the tons of windows will definitely cure your winter blues. You can order one of their delicious tortas off the menu or make your own and it's really worth it to get the combo (small sandwich and either soup or salad). Try the Sonora with marinated steak, cheese, onions, roasted peppers, and avocado spread. Just make sure you've saved room for one of the delicious tarts, or my favorite the strawberry tres leches cake (individual size, or just pig out and get a whole cake).

    (5)
  • John D.

    Cold staff. They acted like I was bothering them. I don't expect someone to act like we are long lost pals, but at least act like you care that I am spending my disposable income at your restaurant. I had a sandwich, which was ok, side of chips, which were tasty, and an orange drink that was fantastic. VERY expensive. Sandwich, chips, and a drink....14 dollars. At those prices, the staff should treat customers like long lost pals...

    (1)
  • Mihir G.

    not one much for sweets, i'll comment solely on the sandwiches. fantastico. with plenty of well-seasoned meat, fresh vegetables, and great bread, this is by far one of the best saturday hangover sandwiches in the city - just don't come on sunday (closed). as an aside, the coffee was solid, and the mexican coke is a perfect compliment to the hangover sandwich. i lied. i'm commenting on the sweet side too. for the cake-orderers, it seems that this is a family-run business that might require a little more direction/follow-up than the average. they certainly don't seem to go out of their way for customer service...but what do i know? when in charge of desserts i either bake my own (novel concept), or Alliance it up.

    (4)
  • Jeff C.

    Sorta a weird combo going on here, mexican food combined with sometimes almost french type pastries. Would be a 4 star if not for the pricing here. Tortilla soup is excellent, and only had the chance to try their sandwiches (#1) which had supremely fresh avocado spread that really hit the spot.

    (3)
  • Giselle S.

    My mission: First Birthday Celebration Cake After overdosing on the Costco cakes for all the other celebrations my family and friends would partake, I wanted to try something different. Thanks to a friend at work she recommended the TRES Leches Cake from BomBon. My order was taken over the phone and the young lady who helped every time I had changes to the cake was very patient. Her name was America. Thanks for the ideas. I finally ended up ordering a layered Tres leches cake with chocolate mousse filling and a chocolate cake on top and whipped cream frosting. Whoa! Yummy! I had many compliments on the cake, and I would go back for more. As for price: around $85. Not the Costco $15.99. But it was well worth it. Need to wipe off drool from chin. Enjoy!

    (4)
  • Eric L.

    Cute cafe with great baked goods and a huge selection of cakes. The sandwitches were solid and they have a nice brunch menu, which i've never tried but looks great. a bit overpriced...but otherwise a nice place for lunch.

    (4)
  • Robert S.

    Great food but beware prices on the website are totally inaccurate.

    (3)
  • David W.

    What to do for lunch today? Already had Bari this week, White Castle is a bit too far & doesn't have seating, what about Bom Bon? Yeah that's it! Grab the umbrella and let's roll. I was having lunch with Audrey and my future in laws. Each one was spread throughout the loop and needed to be picked up. I did my best Yellow cab impersonation and scooped up everybody and headed straight to Bom Bon. I had the Chicken Torta and Audrey went with the Provinciana salad, & the Tomato Pasta Soup. The chicken torta was excellent. It was served with carmelized onions, mixed greens, and avocado slices. However, it was served on a nontraditional torta bun and was accompanied by a small handful of uninspired tortilla chips. For a $9 torta, I'd expect a mixed green salad or something on the side to make the juice worth the squeeze. I grew up on 39th and Kedzie and have had plenty of amazing $3.50 tortas in my day! Either which way it was very tasty. Audrey's salad is my favorite salad on their menu. Yummy mixed greens, roasted corn, and some queso fresco really make this salad light and refreshing. The soup was ok. Audrey's father and mother split the Steak Torta and the same soup. Each of them liked their dishes. I love the space! It reminds me of some of the café's I fell in love with in Europe. Totally eclectic and fun! The service is counterific! I wish the prices were a bit lower, but all in all Bom Bon does a really nice job with smart Mexican fare. 2 Tortas 2 Soups 1 Salad ------------------ $35.00

    (3)
  • betsy b.

    Wow, how I've missed this place in the 2 plus years I've been in the area is beyond me. It's like a poor man's XOCO....it's almost as good and without the line out the door and the sucky parking. And they have suckling pig which obviously is my new favorite thing to eat. There are tons of tortas to choose from, salads, quesadillas, tacos, tamales, pastries, you name it. I went with the special fish tacos and my husband had the suckling pig torta. Both were phenomenal. The have fruit infused water and Squirt...when was the last time you saw Squirt!?!? I will no doubt be back here a bunch on the weekends.

    (4)
  • Barb S.

    I'm torn - I really want to give this place 5 stars. Would you settle for 4.5? The desserts are definitely worthy of 5 stars. Their tres leches cake (or should I say cakes plural as they come in a huge variety of flavors) is the most incredible tres leches i've ever had. I was there for breakfast once and had the chilaquiles with tomatillo sauce. I am usually a big fan of green sauces but I found it a little too tart for my taste. However, I think I will try this again just to see if it may have been an off day. Their entire menu looked great so there's plenty more I'd like to try. The staff was great - very helpful in helping me decide which sweets to take to go and just very friendly in general.

    (4)
  • Sarah F.

    I'll have to write an updated review after I sample their lunch menu, but I'd purchased a pound of cookies for an event. How can a person complain about swift service and tasty cookies (they were $12/lb and totally worth it)? I'm looking forward to a casual lunch in their warm, brightly painted space sometime soon.

    (5)
  • ER S.

    This is such a great place! We've bought their pastries before, including the Tres Leches cakes... mmmm.... but today we had lunch there. It was fabulous and inexpensive. I had an amazing salad (the orange - chile dressing was sublime and it came with a homemade breadstick) and my husband had a cochinita pibil torta, with avocado, black beans and pickled onions. The whole thing, with tax, was like $16 for both of us. Everything was delicious. While we were waiting for our food, we noticed the baker making something, so we went over to look and had a minor chat with him. He was rolling out chocolate chip cookies (not quite the tollhouse variety... these had lots and lots of tiny chips throughout). When we were almost finished with our lunch, the fabulous odor of fresh baked cookies hit us. We looked up, and he was pulling cookies out of the oven. He gestured my husband over and gave him a warm cookie for us to share. How nice is that? Five stars for inexpensive, fabulous food and a staff that was over the top nice.

    (5)
  • Heather K.

    I used to go to the Loop location of Bombon all the time and was very sad when it closed. I always jump at the chance to eat at the Ashland location if I'm in the neighborhood. My favorite torta is the Sonora (steak) but I also recommend the Piolin (chicken). And, you can make your own torta by choosing from about 20 different ingredients. Everything is flavorful and fresh, and the breads are amazing. This weekend I also tried the tortilla soup which was delicious and SPICY! It was more of a "broth-style" soup versus puree. All of the desserts are to die for, but I am usually too full from my meal to enjoy them! Make sure you don't drool on the display cases.

    (4)
  • Susie C.

    WOW! If you're looking for the best Tre Leches cake in town your quest ends here. I find myself looking for any excuse to order a cake from here. Other items taste great as well and the service is wonderful. Every time we serve their cake everyone wants to know were we get it from. They decorate the cake anyway you like and they don't scrooge on the fruit. I have decided to even order my wedding cake from here :). Truly a hidden gem!

    (5)
  • Danny R.

    The best Mexican food and deserts in Chicago

    (5)
  • erin k.

    strike one: they didn't have one of the three sandwiched i ordered. strike two: they gave me taquitos instead of quesadillas. strike three: the four cheese sandwich had only three cheeses and one of them was AMERICAN (oaxaca, chihuahau, panela, and fresco on the menu!!!). but they still get three stars because the spinach and cheese taquitos that they gave me instead of the quesadillas were very very good, and the substitute sandwich was awesome as well. but i'm mad about the cheese. grrrr.

    (3)
  • Lindley E.

    I've had one thing here: tamales. And tamales and tamales and tamales. Of different flavors and colors and fillings and sauces. And there's one word that describes the way they all taste: YUM. Yes, you can get cheaper tamales on the street. But with Bombon you know that they are adhering to strict(er) restaurant standards and that the quality will be excellent. Next time I have a party, I'm going to order a gross of these. Soooo good.

    (5)
  • Pedantic S.

    Ze BEST Tres Leches cakes and other delectable deserts are waiting to be discovered and devoured, at this bakery! Their sandwiches and soups are really tasty as well. Its a small neighborhood bakery with a homey feel. I have been there at least 5-6 times, and have always liked anything I have tried.

    (5)
  • Matt R.

    Bombon serves your typical Mexican desserts including their specialty "Tres Leches" cake. Believe it or not, I have had better! Nevertheless, their "Tres Lrches" is traditionally moist and sweet. They also have different flavors. Nice little dessert spot in Pilsen.

    (3)
  • Slu S.

    I was really pleased with Bombom Cafe. I had the Caribena sandwich and the tres leches cake. The sandwich was fanstastic. Consisting of roasted pork thinly sliced, mix greens, avocado, tomato, grilled pineapple, gouda cheese and avocado spread, it was a gooey mess, but a delightful one. The tres leches cake was also very good, but not quite to Swedish Bakery level.

    (3)
  • Misi P.

    The smell that wafts from Bombon is absofab....yummy pastries, delights such as tortas, tamales, quesadillas and more make this more than a cafe - it's an out and out mecca of Latin lunch dining! Top off all those eats with savory illy coffees (yum! and I don't even like joe all that much) and you've got yourself un campista feliz... The decor is lovely, bright mustard yellow walls with lots of bakery decor - sort of shabby chic and the staff is very nice and attentive. will definitely spend some time in Bombon more often...

    (5)
  • Angela J.

    I had a one-tres-leches-a-day habit for about 3 months back in 2007. And Bombon was my dealer. I'd leave the house pretending I was going to have a productive Saturday, but the only stop I'd make would be at Bombon. I am strictly desserts at this establishment, so 4 stars for Tres Leches in multiple flavors and a delicious assortment of cookies. Also, for never passing judgement on a struggling sweets addict.

    (4)
  • Araceli R.

    i was in the area nothing else around soo i tried this cafe was ok

    (3)
  • gale l.

    I really want to keep liking this place, but they make it difficult! -1 star: on the hottest day so far this summer, their A/C was not on. it was broiling inside the restaurant and it was actually cooler outside. the ceiling fans twirled lazily, barely moving the humid air; it was unbearable just trying to wait for my take-out order -1 star: there was a guy standing at the "Place Order Here" computer position. and while I sweated for what seemed like 5 whole "we don't need your order" minutes, it was the young woman BEHIND him who actually said are you ready to order -1 star: looking at the take-out bag, they still listed their downtown Washington Ave location as open. it's been closed for MONTHS. I know that they probably have a zillion paper bags in inventory, but I wish the bag would not have false hope / false advertising that I can actually get one of their little cakes over my lunch hour. it's just not cool. .... so the decor is good, the food is good, and I really love their "agua frescas". The agua fresca is usually ah-may-zing. just dont expect above+beyond customer service and go on a day or evening visit when its cooler if you don't want to sauna over your lunch. I will probably have to have the partner get take-out rather than eat-in.

    (2)
  • Christopher H.

    This place is awesome! Brunch, lunch, whatever. Unbelievable tortas. The staff is super friendly. I'd give it 5 stars if it were just a little bit cheaper. Excellent, fresh ingredients. I can't get enough.

    (4)
  • Kort K.

    The sheer distance of this place from where i live and work should really keep me from going very often...that is if it didn't kick so much ass. My first visit was on one of the many frigid, drab winter days this year, and upon walking in, the sweet smell of fresh squeezed oranges and lemon yellow walls took me away to a fertile land almost forgotten. I've been back quite a few times since and it's always been a similarly pleasurable experience . It's one of those places that makes you sad to be full...that is, until you realize that you can prolong your gluttony by taking home one of their many home-made desserts. It is a tad pricey for lunch fare, but it seems reasonable for how tasty, fresh, and exotic the food is. I don't know what achiote is or where it comes from, but it has to be far away and a pain to make it into a paste. I would have given it 5 stars, but lately the water has just been water and not the herb-infused nectar to which i had become accustomed. Let's hope they're not resting on their laurels.

    (4)
  • Liliana S.

    This place has some FANTASTIC desserts. Wow. I had their little pastries for the first time at last year's "Viva la Hispanidad" event at Galleria Marchetti. My sister ordered a tequila cake for her wedding. It may sound gross but it was amazing. From what I hear, the food is also good. I plan on trying some sandwiches next time.

    (4)
  • Vaishali P.

    YUM! This is one of the places that you actually crave their food and find yourself coming back again and again. Their tortas (mexican sandwiches) are delicious. Baked on bread made by the cafe and comes in a wide variety. You can even make your own. Their coffee is strong and delicious. Don't forget to add a little dessert. I recommend the tres leches!

    (4)
  • Ileana O.

    I absolutely love this place, I drive all the way from border of Lake and Cook County just for their delish food. I don't really think it's overpriced, you get quality food at a reasonable price. The cakes are reasonable too considering how tasty they are... I just don't understand why so many people are complaining about the prices... anyway, another thing I love is their incorporation of the french culinary influence which absolute is a part of Mexico - ahem Cinco de Mayo is the battle of Puebla against the french - so many french settled into Mexico and brought some wonderful additions to our culture. So Bombon gets it and they are awesome... I LOVEEEE THEM!

    (5)
  • Nobi N.

    My husband and I often eat lunch here on Saturdays. This Saturday they had Shrimp Tacos as their special menu. Shrimps were so fresh, and the Tacos were heavenly. Both of us ordered the same thing, and we both loved it. I hope I will see this Shrimp Tacos on their special menu more often. (Their pork soup the other time was very good, too.) And they were so generous when I asked for guacamole. They just gave it to us for free.

    (5)
  • Eric G.

    dig the torta's (I had a Chilanga). Decided to check it out after seeing a review on channel 7. Some folks are complaining about the prices, but the sandwiches (for $7) are pretty decent sized? I actually want to go back and try each of their sandwiches.. I sure can't say that about Potbelly's or Coroner Bakery.

    (4)
  • Jessica L.

    YUM YUM YUM YUM! I am sooooo jealous of people who live/work near this place! Can I please pick it up and move it to LA? My coworker and I ducked in here almost by accident during an otherwise futile search for someplace decent to grab a quick bite between meetings and escape the rain and wind. We were actually headed for the Cosi on the next corner but just happened to notice the pastries in the window. I'm not even sure there was a sign visible from the sidewalk. Anyway, I'm so glad we decided to check it out. We only had time for salads but they were delicious! We spent our time drooling over everyone else's lunches - the sandwiches, tamales, soups, and other dishes all looked amazing. I would love to try this place again when I have time to truly enjoy it properly!

    (5)
  • Ryan K.

    I was surprised that no reviews were up about this place off of West Monroe. We went in here on the way to the United Center for a concert and didn't expect much. What we got was excellent food! The fresh breads they use to make their sandwiches was great and the combination's they offer are mouth-watering. My sandwich had marinated steak with caramelized onions and peppers with an avocado spread and jalapeno cheese. Simply delicious. We also tried a chicken mole tamale which was good too. If you don't know mole is an unsweetened chocolate sauce. The price wasn't bad at all. The pastries and cakes looked amazing, but we didn't get anything. I'd definitely recommend you stop in this place if you're heading to the United Center or in the area. I just wish there was one closer to me :).

    (4)
  • K B.

    Nice, comfortable, and relaxed little cafe/bakery. It is a bit on the pricey side, but the food is good. Their tamales are great, the sweets I have tried were wonderful, and I also enjoyed fresh soup. Top it all of with friendly staff. I expect to be here more often.

    (4)
  • Mandy M.

    The first time I visited Bombon we had brunch and tasted 3 different mini cakes. Everything was yummy and I ended up returning this weekend to get a cake for a bachelorette party. I highly recommend both the pastries and the brunch (their watermelon water is awesome!). The cakes are on the expensive side, but they are so worth it.

    (5)
  • Kelly H.

    this place is great. my absolute favorite in chicago. in the summer, this small location gets pretty busy, and even though this place heats up, it's worth it to eat in there. they have complimentary ice water with cilantro (i think?) to help you cool off, and it's so refreshing. i've been getting a made-to-order chorizo torta for over a year now, and i don't think i'll ever grow tired of it. the sandwiches are huge and piled high with anything you can imagine. it's not standard mexican food that weighs you down after your eat it. i personally don't think the salads aren't as good as they sound, but everything else is!

    (4)
  • Erin C.

    Oh Bombon...you save me from yet another afternoon of dullsville at my horrid job. Your horchata is delicious...the best i've had. If only you served it everyday. Your tortas are imaginative and served on wonderful bread...a different type of bread for each sandwich. How ingenious! I especially love the chicken milanese and the veggie torta, though the marinated steak is nice too. Your cakes and treats look very pretty, but as I've found most bakery items, look much better than they taste. Your empanadas are excellent, as are your tamales. Oh Bombon, how I do love thee. Especially with your cute tables in your sunny yellow room. I will be back to see you soon.

    (4)
  • riddhi j.

    Disappointing veggie sandwich. Dessert and coffee set us back another $12 which seems outrageously expensive. Food was mediocre at best (husband had a meat torta and did not think much of it). I would not return here.

    (2)
  • Pilsen C.

    Screw you, Bombon. Number 1, you did not have any hours for Sunday posted. Number 2, you stated that you closed at 4, yet we showed up 20 mins to 4, yet you still refused to serve us. Screw your laziness and big head.

    (1)
  • Maria S.

    "I now have a new standard for Mexican food," said a German friend I brought to Bombon Cafe. Think of this as Topolobambo for the lunch crowd. Menus are on chalkboards scattered all over the space, and the selection is amazing. I am a devotee of the tamales, which are freshly made, tender, and judiciously filled with spicy pork, peppers, chicken, or whatever the chef has invented that week. The quesadillas will change your definition of the dish; these are miniature pastries, with a flaky crust and a variety of fillings (huitlacoche is my favorite). And the salads are thoughtfully composed for people who love vegetables, not people who are afraid to eat. And if you're wondering whether to splurge on one of those cup-sized tres leches cakes for dessert, the answer is "yes."

    (5)
  • Elizabeth C.

    I went there for lunch today with two co-wokers. Phenominal. Everyone loved the food, even our picky eater. We got dessert and brought it back to the office, WOW! I would recommend going there, it's right next to the Mexican Consulate.

    (5)
  • Rosa de C.

    This is the second location of Bombon bakery in Pilsen. The cafe is much larger than the bakery, and has seating. In addition to the same amazing cakes, pastries, and cookies, they carry a cafe menu of sandwiches, soups, and salads. The menu is definitely Mexican-inspired, but the tortas and other selections skew in a Nuevo Latino direction. I talked about Bombon's cakes in my review of the bakery, so here I'll mention the delicious apple tart and Arroz con Leche (rice pudding). Best wishes to the Pereas for their continued success.

    (5)
  • gregory j.

    an oasis in a western land of chewy, salty dead dark animal flesh. waaaay better than it needs to be, so cute and perky, this would be the best place in any 'hood, let alone this dank stretch of bible chicken crap stands. soups are yum, every one of the tortas are rock-star-ific, even the one with the weenie on it. all those crazy good frontera apps are even better without rick's head bobbin' up and down. i must have a hit a karma homerun to have this deluxe lunch ateria near my work...lucky me

    (5)
  • Val H.

    I agree that the food here is terrific. The tamales are only $2 and they're delicious. I have never had anything here that disappointed. Also, their Mochas are fantastic. They put cinnamon in them, yum. The reason I did not give it 5 stars is strictly environmental. It is also a bakery and in the summer the temperature inside easily tops 90 degrees some days. I go for lunch and I usually have to wait outside to get my food. Last year they had tables outside but this year they did not and it's really too hot to eat in there at lunch. The staff is great and I feel really bad for them having to work in those coniditions. Last week they looked like they were going to pass out. They said the a/c has been broken, but it's been that way all summer. So all you yelpers, frequent Cafe Bombon so they can get their a/c fixed (but maybe get your order to go) because it really is too great of a place to have the staff sweat to death!

    (4)
  • shu s.

    ive only been to the one on ashland, in the west loop. the service is great, and the tres leches cake... to die for!!

    (5)
  • Kelsea F.

    Finally went here today for the first time...why have I not been eating at this place for the past few years?!?! I wish I could go back in time and replace so many crappy meals with the delicious feast I had today. I had heard that the soups there are amazing, and I had both the lima bean and the tortilla and they definitely lived up to my expectations. I had the chicken sandwich and it was really, reallly yummy. I'm ridiculously picky about sandwiches; they have to have a good bread-to-stuff ratio and they definitely got it right. We splurged on dessert and got a chocolate raspberry cake with the most fabulously rich, creamy ganache "frosting". Desserts are my favorite and I have to say, as pretty as this one looked, it tasted even better. I could eat here over and over...plus it's very inexpensive. We went crazy ordering and only spent $30 for two people. My advice: eat here. Eat here often.

    (4)
  • BurtK D.

    We got married in October of last year and used Bombon for our wedding cake. Laura is AMAZING. Bombon was probably the 4th cake tasting that we did and we ended up finding her b/c we wanted tres leches. Anyways, the tastings we did with her were amazing - every type of tres leches we tasted was SO good we wanted to FINISH all the cake - and she gave us huge portions too! Laura really was a pleasure to work with b/c she geniunely cared about our wedding and really wanted to make sure we liked what she made. After our first tasting, we brainstormed on different ideas on flavors and came up with a pumpkin flavored tres leches...Laura and her team actually made it!! it was so good - so we chose the pumplin and the margarita flavor to serve at the wedding; everyone to taste both - people loved the cakes..I would definitely recommend Laura for any celebration cake! Whenever we have something come up in the future, I definitley will be using her - ALSO - we had a picture of a non-traditional cake we wanted; and she recreated it and it looked awesome! Can't tell you how many compliments we had on the cake; will try to post a picture if I can. Her pricing was VERY good - overall best to work with and definitley recommend her to everyone!!

    (5)

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Map

Opening Hours

  • Mon :10:00 am - 6:00pm

Specialities

  • Takes Reservations : No
    Delivery : No
    Take-out : Yes
    Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
    Good For : Lunch
    Parking : Street
    Bike Parking : Yes
    Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
    Good for Kids : Yes
    Good for Groups : No
    Attire : Casual
    Ambience : Casual
    Noise Level : Quiet
    Alcohol : No
    Outdoor Seating : No
    Has TV : No
    Waiter Service : No
    Caters : Yes

Categories

Mexican Cuisine

If you enjoy Taco Tuesday, then you have officially fallen in love with the Mexican Food. The main grain of Mexican cuisine is maize. Also known as corn, maize is grown for the past 9000 years after the crop was discovered by the people in Mayan civilization. Mexican empire flourished when they started growing beans, tomatoes, chili pepper, sweet potato and cactus. Till this date these ingredients are used in cooking authentic Mexican dishes and drinks.

Great use of spices, fresh chili pepper dishes like fajitas, tortilla chips, corn chips, salsa, chimichangas, burritos, nachos and quesadillas are invented in America. But when you are looking for authentic Mexican food then you must find a restaurant in the city that serves Rajas con Queso, Garbanzo in a Guajillo Chile Sauce, Pork Filled Chiles Rellenos, Chiles en Nogada, Molcajete Salsa, Pico de Gallo and Frijoles de la Olla. An eye-opening fact – Mexican don't like their food hot. They use fresh chili and other spices to create a flavor that lingers in your mouth.

Mexican food is great for those who are Gluten Intolerant as they use Corn instead of wheat in most of their dishes. Also, you can easily find many beans based Mexican dishes. Another dish which didn't get similar glory as tacos or nachos is the Mexican hot chocolate. If you love something hot on a chilly day, then go for Mexican Hot Chocolate. On merry days, you can enjoy the authentic Mexican Drinks like Tequila, Mezcal, Tecuí, Sotol, Bacanora, Charanda, Posh O Pox, Puebla and Pulque. Mexican Cuisine is for people who enjoy strong drinks and hearty meals.

Bombon Cafe

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