02/28/2026
New menu item! Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap. Try it with the Etienne DuPont Cidre Bouché Brut de Normandie.
Plein Air Cafe
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Plein Air Cafe, located in the University of Chicago Hyde Park campus next to the historic Robie House, offers a warm and serene atmosphere where guests can savor coffee, food, and design. With a focus on artisanal coffee, executed with care through drip, pour over or classic espresso methods from ever-changing seasonal beans, and a menu that showcases simple yet comforting dishes with European-inflected twists, this French atelier-inspired café is perfect for any time of day. Located on S Woodlawn Avenue.
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Address
5751 S Woodlawn Avenue
Chicago, IL
60637
Directions to S Woodlawn Avenue in Chicago:
Public transport:
- Take the Metra Electric District line to the 47th Street station.
- Walk east on 47th Street for about 5 minutes.
- Turn left onto S Woodlawn Avenue.
Driving/parking:
- From Lake Shore Drive, take the 47th Street exit and head west.
- Turn right onto S Woodlawn Avenue.
- Limited street parking is available in the area, but there is a paid parking lot located at the corner of E 46th Place and S Ellis Avenue.
Opening Hours
| Monday | 7am - 8pm |
| Tuesday | 7am - 8pm |
| Wednesday | 7am - 8pm |
| Thursday | 7am - 8pm |
| Friday | 7am - 8pm |
| Saturday | 8am - 6pm |
| Sunday | 8am - 6pm |
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What people say
Plein Air Cafe is a charming coffee shop located in the heart of the University of Chicago Hyde Park campus. The cafe's name, which means "in the open air" in French, perfectly captures the serene and welcoming atmosphere that guests can expect to find here. The cafe is a partnership between Soo Choi and Kevin Heisner, who have created a space that celebrates both coffee and design.
One of the standout features of Plein Air Cafe is their commitment to serving high-quality coffee. Whether you prefer drip, pour over, or classic espresso, you can be sure that your drink will be executed with care. The cafe also features a rotating selection of artisanal roasters, ensuring that there's always something new and exciting to try.
In addition to their excellent coffee, Plein Air Cafe also offers a menu of simple yet comforting dishes with European-inflected twists. This menu was created in collaboration with Art Jackson of Pleasant Farms and Pleasant Pies, and it's clear that every dish has been crafted with care.
Overall, Plein Air Cafe is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a cozy spot to enjoy delicious coffee and food. With its beautiful design and warm atmosphere, this cafe is sure to become a favorite among locals and visitors alike.