ZipPicks Awards
Best Bakery in River North
Best Bagels in River North
Master Critic Review
Goddess and The Baker, Superior & Wells
7.6
This Goddess and the Baker location is a colorful café for coffee, layered cakes, and all-day café fare on a quieter stretch of Superior. Dessert cases lean playful with rainbow cakes and pastries, making it a flexible stop for a latte-and-slice break or a casual breakfast.
Must-Try Dishes:
Rainbow Cake Slice, Macarons, Rainbow Cake Latte
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 6
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Cheerful café from a local mini-chain with a strong coffee and cake program.
Who should go: Coffee drinkers wanting colorful cakes and a casual hangout.
When to visit: Mid-mornings or mid-afternoons for easier seating and calmer vibes.
What to order: Rainbow cake slice, a macaron assortment, and a specialty latte.
Insider tip: If the line is long, order ahead online and head straight to pickup for your sweets.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking can be limited during weekday office hours; nearby paid garages along Wells and Orleans are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Casual and relaxed — coffee shop attire, athleisure and jeans are all common.
Noise level: Moderate — conversation is easy at off-peak times but can get lively during morning rushes.
Weekend wait: Not a dinner destination; evenings are typically quiet with no wait.
Weekday lunch: Short line during peak lunch hours, but seats usually turn over within 5–10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several salads, egg dishes, pastries, and sandwiches work well for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited — rotating vegan pastries and a few plant-based café items, but not a full vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Partial — some gluten-free pastries and salads; cross-contamination is possible in a bakery environment.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for a low-key coffee or dessert date — the colorful cakes and casual vibe make it light and approachable, but it’s better for daytime than a long evening hang.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service with open seating. At busy times you may need to wait a few minutes for a table to open up, but turnover is steady.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families stop in for cakes and hot chocolate, and seating is casual. Best for ages old enough to sit at a table; limited space for strollers during rush periods.
Best For
Better for: Colorful cakes, coffee-and-dessert breaks, and quick casual meetups where you want something fun and visually playful.
Skip if: You want a full brunch kitchen, quiet laptop space for long work sessions, or a wide selection of vegan or gluten-free baked goods.