Maison Marcel (on Broadway), Chicago, IL

["Can you give me a hand?"]

[Who doesn't love a plethora of spider plants cleaning your air?]

We might as well get this out of the way now - this place is French. Which means French-style drinks, sandwiches, breads, and best of all - pastries!!!

I've already been in 3 times and will be going back as able. Why? Well, they check off a few boxes for me when thinking about a midday break, like - 1. Coffee drinks 2. Wi-Fi 3. Actual food available 4. Music not too loud 5. Seating is generally plentiful (on weekdays) and 6. Did I mention pastries!!!

The folks behind the counter are also French. They speak it to each other. I presume that's what makes the food so good! And how about some more of that...

How about an Apple Danish? (But French-style, not American-style)...

Or maybe you have an affinity for the cocoa bean? Let's try the Chocolate-Almond Croissant...

Or if you're real fancy before 12noon, why not try a macaron?

Ok fine, I have to eat "real food" before my desserts... just grab a nice breakfast offering or even this simple baguette sandwich (but be ready to gnaw through all that crusty bread!)...

...and then have your macarons!!! (Raspberry, Pistachio, and Hazelnut (aka, "Nutella"))

They have a rather robust hot breakfast menu, including a simple egg plate that includes a selection of their breads. When I ordered it I received half slices of four breads with my eggs - Sourdough, Baguette, Croissant, and Chocolate Croissant. You also get butter and jam. It was a good sample of most things, and then you can just take some macarons home.

This is also a breakfast / brunch-only spot. It closes each day in the late afternoon - don't plan on going after work, for dinner, or late-night pastries. It is all wrapped in a very cozy French-styled space, with enough room to find a nook and hunker down for the winter - the entire Chicago winter! I just might. 

If you don't already want to go from the images above, there's not much else I could say to convince you. But, I know I enjoy the experience here and will be going back.