When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
Lost Larson (Andersonville)
Why Lost Larson (Andersonville) is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Lost Larson in the Andersonville neighborhood of Chicago is a distinctive bakery and café that offers a unique blend of Scandinavian heritage and artisanal baking craft. Founded by chef Bobby Schaffer and his sister Bree, Lost Larson honors traditional baking techniques, including freshly milling regional whole grains on-site and employing long fermentation methods to enhance flavor and nutrition. The welcoming café reflects the neighborhood's strong Scandinavian roots and celebrates the cultural tradition of 'fika,' encouraging patrons to pause and enjoy coffee paired with baked goods like cardamom buns and smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches).
Beyond its bakery roots, Lost Larson transforms into a cozy, intimate restaurant in the evenings, serving a thoughtfully curated seasonal menu that emphasizes simple yet complex flavors. Highlights include hand-rolled cinnamon rolls, freshly milled breads with unique regional grains, and dishes like Swedish meatballs with an intricate cauliflower gravy and potato bread featuring baked potato pieces. The visible stone mill near the entrance underscores the bakery's commitment to craftsmanship and educating customers about the importance of local grains. This combination of cultural homage, craftsmanship, and seasonal culinary creativity makes Lost Larson a great place to meet friends for both casual coffee breaks and satisfying dinner experiences.
Here's what people think of Lost Larson (Andersonville)
As of recent, Lost Larson (Andersonville) holds a 4.5-star rating based on 888 reviews.
Customer reviews of Lost Larson highlight its commitment to quality, flavor, and unique culinary experience. Positive feedback often praises the bakery's freshly milled flour, the authenticity of Scandinavian-inspired pastries, and the welcoming atmosphere of the Andersonville location. Many reviewers appreciate the skilled craftsmanship evident in each product and the thoughtful simplicity of the seasonal menu that surprises with its complexity.
Reviewers also commend the evening dining experience, especially dishes like the Swedish meatballs with richly spiced cauliflower gravy and the perfectly balanced small plates that highlight fresh, local ingredients. The visible milling process adds an educational and unique element that many patrons find engaging.
However, some negative reviews note challenges such as limited seating and availability due to the popularity of the place, which can lead to waits or difficulty securing tables at busy times. A few customers mention that the menu's simplicity may not appeal to everyone, especially those seeking more variety or traditional American bakery fare.
Overall, the reviews conclude that Lost Larson offers a distinctive and memorable culinary experience rooted in authentic Scandinavian traditions and artisanal baking, making it a highly recommended spot for those seeking quality, craftsmanship, and a cozy community atmosphere.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Gladys Gonzalez
I had the pleasure of visiting this establishment today, and I must say, it was a delightful experience. I am thoroughly pleased with the hazelnut latte, and the pastries were exceptionally delicious! I am certainly looking forward to returning soon, as everything tasted incredibly fresh and flavorful. The staff was decent and I was asked milk preference and name. Which is good! They also double checked my ordered to make sure everything was correct! All I wish was that there was wifi! Besides that no complaints!
Jessica Allen
Lives up to the hype! My sister has been frequenting this bakery for years so I was excited to try it while visiting her. It was as amazing as she said! We tried multiple sweet and savory pastries and all were flaky and delicious!
Melba CastilloJung
One of my go-to spots for freshly baked bread. The country loaf is excellent as is the baguette. The pastries are always something special, especially the afternoon tea bun.
Amber B
What a lovely little bakery! It was a quiet little modern space with friendly staff. The kouign-amann was to die for. Salty, buttery, sweet, & flakey!! It's one of the best pastries I've ever had, and I will be back for more. The croissant was good as well, however it seems like it was made of some kind of whole wheat recipe... which I'm not a fan of.
Jane
Continuing The Best List. Best Coffee in Chicago. I like my coffee to be smooth and NOT acidic (aka not bitter). This is the least bitter coffee I’ve encountered in Chicago. No sugar needed. Yum. Also, had the little salmon open face sandwich. Good. Healthy. The little bread slice is Dense. Could use more dill and onions and some capers or something. Previously had the lingonberry pastry. Amazing. 4 stars because that little salmon bit was $14. I’ve included silverware to show how amazingly tiny it was - wowza, expensive!
How to reach Lost Larson (Andersonville)
None
Website: None
Why Lost Larson (Andersonville) may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Lost Larson with your friends? Lost Larson in Andersonville is an exceptional spot to gather for a truly memorable experience with friends or family. This bakery and café stands out for its artisanal approach to food, especially the way it mills its own flour to craft pastries and breads that are fresh, flavorful, and uniquely satisfying. Beyond typical bakery fare, Lost Larson has evolved to offer a seasonal dinner menu with carefully prepared, elegant dishes that transform the space into a cozy yet sophisticated dining destination by night. The atmosphere is welcoming yet refined, providing comfortable seating and a classy ambiance that encourages relaxed conversation and enjoyment. Whether you meet for a casual brunch, an indulgent pastry and coffee afternoon, or a thoughtfully composed dinner, Lost Larson offers a balanced setting where quality and care shine through every bite. Its 4.5-star rating from 888 customer reviews speaks to a consistent delivery of excellent service and food, making it a dependable and impressive place to reconnect with loved ones over shared meals and treats. Above all, it’s a venue that values craft, flavor, and community, which makes it ideal for a group meetup to savor memorable moments together.
What activities are available at Lost Larson that suit group meetups? Lost Larson’s core appeal for groups lies primarily in its culinary offerings coupled with an inviting environment. In the daytime, the bakery experience dominates: guests can enjoy an array of Scandinavian-inspired pastries, hand-rolled cinnamon rolls, and bread baked from house-milled grains. These artisanal goods provide a unique tasting journey that can be shared and savored among friends. The café setting encourages lingering over freshly brewed coffee and carefully crafted open-faced sandwiches known as smørrebrød, which offer a fresh yet simple taste exploration. As evening falls, Lost Larson transitions into a full-service restaurant that serves a curated seasonal menu featuring local and fresh ingredients. Dishes like roasted sweet potatoes with farro and complex broths, or Swedish meatballs bathed in a rich cauliflower gravy, create a culinary experience designed for sharing and conversation. The combination of light, approachable daytime fare with a more composed dinner menu means the venue supports a full day of group activity—from casual catch-ups over coffee and pastries to more intimate dinners. The small but warm and elegant space works well for groups looking to enjoy quality food without a noisy or rushed setting.
Why is Lost Larson the perfect setting for a group meetup? Lost Larson’s balance of craftsmanship, ambiance, and menu versatility makes it ideal for social gatherings of all kinds. The provenance behind the food—like milling their own flour and emphasizing slow fermentation—demonstrates care that elevates every bite, offering guests something truly special to enjoy together. Importantly, the café’s seating is designed to be comfortable and stylish but not overly formal, giving groups a relaxed environment that still feels upscale and thoughtfully curated. Whether meeting for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, your group can appreciate the changing moods of the space: bright and casual in the morning, evolving into a more intimate and refined atmosphere at night. The focus on seasonal, locally inspired ingredients ensures freshness and interesting flavor combinations that spark conversation and enjoyment. Additionally, the ability to order a variety of dishes ranging from pastries to substantial seasonal entrées means there’s something at every price point and taste preference, making it easy to accommodate diverse groups. The dedication to quality and attention to detail, paired with the welcoming, Andersonville neighborhood vibe, create an inviting space for friends and families to gather, bond, and celebrate.
How does Lost Larson’s menu enhance the group experience? The menu at Lost Larson is a standout feature that turns a simple meetup into a culinary adventure. During the day, their menu features exquisite baked goods including flaky chocolate hazelnut croissants that impress even the most discerning palates, as well as open-faced sandwiches that highlight fresh ingredients atop their signature breads. These offerings are perfect for sharing small bites among friends while sipping specialty coffees or tea. Come dinnertime, the kitchen showcases a shorter but carefully crafted menu of seasonal dishes, such as perfectly balanced roasted vegetables and aromatic broths or rich, spice-laden Swedish meatballs served with hand-crafted potato bread. The flavors are deliberately layered and complex, prompting lively discussion about the unique tastes and the thoughtfulness behind the preparation. For a group, this variety encourages sampling multiple dishes and sharing plates, enhancing the conviviality of the gathering. Moreover, the bakery’s dedication to milling its own grains and using traditional fermentation techniques means every item is fresh, wholesome, and bursting with depth, further elevating the shared dining experience. The thoughtful seasonal rotation ensures that each visit promises something new and exciting to explore with your group.
What makes the atmosphere and location at Andersonville ideal for meetups? Lost Larson’s Andersonville location benefits greatly from being in one of Chicago’s most vibrant and welcoming neighborhoods. Andersonville has a distinctly community-oriented feel, prized for its charming shops, independent businesses, and a mix of cultural influences that create a warm, inviting backdrop for any social gathering. Lost Larson fits perfectly into this scene with its Scandinavian-inspired menu and artisanal focus, giving guests a taste of the neighborhood’s rich cultural tapestry. The bakery and café space itself exudes a quiet elegance — it’s intimate without being cramped, stylish without being pretentious, and the natural light and tasteful decor make it a pleasant place to relax for hours. This balance is crucial for group meetups, as it allows conversations to flow comfortably without the distraction of a noisy or overwhelming environment. The location on North Clark Street is easily accessible and surrounded by other local attractions, making it simple to combine a visit to Lost Larson with strolling around Andersonville or extending the meetup elsewhere. This blend of community vibe, aesthetic appeal, and culinary excellence makes Lost Larson a truly attractive destination for anyone looking to rally friends or family in Chicago.
How accessible and accommodating is Lost Larson for groups? While Lost Larson’s space may be considered cozy, it is designed to comfortably accommodate small to moderately sized groups, making it a great choice for intimate celebrations, casual catch-ups, or family outings. The staff is known for being attentive and knowledgeable, helping to guide menu choices that work well for sharing and ensuring that everyone’s preferences are met. The bakery and café open hours during the daytime encourage flexible meetup times, whether early morning for coffee and pastries or midday for lunch and conversation. Dinner service requires reservations in busy periods, which helps the kitchen prepare efficiently and groups experience smooth, attentive service. Though the pricing reflects the high-quality ingredients and artisanal craft involved, the resulting experience justifies the cost, especially when celebrating or enjoying a special occasion with people you care about. For those seeking a combination of casual comfort and elevated food quality, Lost Larson strikes the right note. Its commitment to customer satisfaction and crafting memorable experiences makes every meetup feel both effortless and special.
Lost Larson in Andersonville presents an unmatched opportunity to connect with friends or family over truly exceptional food crafted with expertise and care. Its dual personality as a bakery café by day and a seasonal restaurant by night means your group can enjoy varied dining experiences in one beautiful locale. The attention to detail evident in every dish, the warm yet sophisticated atmosphere, and the charming Andersonville setting make it an outstanding venue for hosting meetups that delight the palate and the spirit alike. Whether you gather to savor flaky pastries, share innovative small plates, or indulge in savory Scandinavian-inspired entrées, Lost Larson offers a memorable culinary and social experience that encourages savoring moments together.