There are posters around the restaurant and a big mural of Rio showing Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer Statue). The atmosphere is really chill and I loved the interaction between the staff. The founder of PiniPico Lou was there and it made my day when he pronounced my name correctly as he handed over the food I ordered to me. I wanted to get the juice but it seems like they are pre-made (stored in the fridge) so I got the cortado coffee instead. It is a little sour for me. They also have the Brazilian soda - Guaraná, which I used to love drinking. When I was in Brazil, I have never tried/seen the different flavours of pão de queijo like bacon or jalapeño that they have it here. We got the classic pão de queijo and another one after we finished everything we ordered from the first round. They have a selection of pastries and we also got the coxinha (Brazilian chicken croquette), empada (mini pie), empanada de carne (beef empanada). When we finished our food, we got a brigadeiro (chocolate-condensed milk dessert ball). It melts in your mouth and is a perfect little treat as dessert for when you have a sweet tooth but already full from the meal.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$10–20

This is a coffee shop on Clark Street at Germania Place in the Gold Coast that replaced a Starbucks that went out of business across from the Latin School. I have patronized this location a few times and the coffee is good and the staff very friendly. It is a simple operation, nothing fancy with some interesting Brazilian pastries and snacks. I usually order a medium cappuccino decaf which costs $5 including tax. While it is estimated that a person could make their own coffee for 18 cents a cup, small coffee shops are not making excessive profits after overhead, salaries etc are factored in. The average profit on a cup of coffee is only about 50 cents. I recommend this place especially since it is seldom crowded when I stop by in the afternoon. While I’m not a big coffee drinker, I feel it is important to patronize our local businesses which have taken a beating during covid. We want to keep people employed which is equally good for the economy in many ways.

5 starts to the old man dr Dias I never knew he owned a café until I googled him yesterday the joke is I spend more money here today than I do at Starbucks but I have to try the food saw him and his wife yesterday at the grocery store, and I was wondering what he was doing around the area since he retired from surgery and now I know he lives around here although the people that work there did not know who he was until I showed the picture and Dr. Dias please make the ramp a little bit flatter. It was kind of scary going up and down. you’re an ex orthopedic surgeon. You should know better man. I also like the deserts, and I will be back in the future for more for as long as you keep open the place is nice here are some pictures of the food. I ate the other food.
Price per person
$50–100
Wheelchair accessibility
Ramps are high, but you can get in and out

This tiny Brazilian Cafe is conveniently located on Clark Street adjacent to Lincoln Park and Carl Sandberg terrace. I've stopped by here several times and typically order a pao de quijo or pao de Nutella with an iced chai or iced horchata with oat milk This cafe has outside seating in the warmer months and it's fun to see everyone with their dogs I used to sit outside with my dog too before she recently passed away. Today I relaxed outside enjoying the breezes with a chicken empanada, a hearts of palm Empada..and iced horchata. This is a very relaxing cafe to grab a sweet or savory pastry and well prepared beverage. The drinks are always well prepared and there's even a selection of juices and yogurt. The people here are extremely friendly and everything here is sparkling clean both inside and outside. Very relaxing especially in the summer! Bring your appetite and your canine companions

They don’t speak Portuguese but the atmosphere is good, with some traditional Brazilian bites, such as pão de queijo, coxinha e empada. They play Brazilian music on the speakers and they have live Brazilian music occasionally. I wish the juices would be from the real and fresh fruit. The chicken EMPADA was perfect, 5 stars! The coxinha was a little dry to me. The beef empanada tasted good, but a little dry inside. The cappuccino was well made and the Guava Pão de Queijo was delicious!! I give it 5 stars for the good food and good service as well!!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$10–20
Features
Dine in: Yes
Outdoor seating: Yes
Takeout: Yes
Delivery: Yes

Try to look at it as a Starbucks with Brazilian snacks. It's less if a sit-down restaurant and more of a coffee shop vibe. The food was really good. I ordered the chicken croquettes, which was AMAZING. The pao de quejo has a bit of a powdery texture, which I wasn't used to. The brigadeiros were average, but the atmosphere is very calm and quiet. I also had the passion fruit juice and my plus one had a lavender lemonade. Overall, it's a cute little place to study or get some work done with some coffee and light finger foods.
Service
Dine in
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Paõ De Quijo

One of my favorite stops on my way to Lincoln Park. Everything about this place is amazing. Starting out with the coffee, it's amazing. Every drink I have had from them is on point. The empanadas are definitely my favorite food that they serve and are just amazing. (Pulled pork is my favorite) Pao de queijo is just as good. The inside with the mural on the wall of Brazil is really cool as well. Definitely worth the visit on your way to the zoo, park, beach... Pretty much everywhere... Just stop by and grab some deliciousness.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$1–10

The food and drinks were incredible however this cafe was incredibly understaffed. Given that it is right next to the van gogh exhibit the cafe was packed and so it was a complete mess when it came to orders. The staff (only 2 workers) prioritized taking order but then none were getting made and tickets were lost. I waited about 30 minutes whil eother people's orders who had been palced after mine were made, only to find out they had lost my ticket. The staff was kind and welcoming however definitely need more organization. Will definitely give it another try though given the equality of their food items.

Such amazing coffee and service. The empanadas are 10/10, workers are so sweet and I just wanted to hug them all. Especially the owner! I came on October 31 2022 @ 4 and she stood outside waiting for people to pass to give away candy and dog treats
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10
Parking
Parking all around. Might have to pay but it’s worth it
Kid-friendliness
Many areas to sit and let the kids look around at the paintings
Wheelchair accessibility
Ramp to get up into when entering the side of the store.

A tiny place that can have loud groups. But most importantly if I come to a place, look at the menu and decide on having or getting a number of their products/dishes, the last thing I want to hear is "We are out of that" or "We ran out of those " when asking for different things. Having a sign on the glass about Empanadas and not have a few im willing to try doesn't sit well with me. So I got what they had, wasn't impressed and won't come. Back. It's that easy. No hard feelings, just not the place for me.
Food: 2
Service: 2
Atmosphere: 2

Empanadas were delicious! I enjoyed the beef one and the bean n cheese one with jalapeños. The banana and Nutella one makes for a delicious dessert. There are a bunch of different fillings to choose from. They are served hot and ready to eat. The cold brew coffee I had was also very good. We look forward to going back to this awesome Brazilian Cafe for food.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$1–10
Features
Dine in: Yes
Outdoor seating: Not sure
Takeout: Yes
Delivery: Not sure
Curbside pickup: Not sure

This Brazilian cafe locates at the old street area in Chicago. The staff are nice and did ask me if I am allergic to pork before I ordered. The empanadas and cheese balls are delicious, I got a beef, a bean and a sweet one. There are some outdoor tables too and there are birds which stare at the leftover bakery.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4
Recommended dishes
Vegetarian options
Empanadas has veggie option, the bean.

The first thing you notice when you get here is the delicious and appetizing smell of breads like pão de qeijo (cheese bread), croissants, and empanadas. The empanadas are great with chimichurri, do yourself a favor and get this combination! Great variety of drinks from coffees and teas to Brazilian sodas and great secret menu items like mocha lemonade (pictured, I got mine with some coconut). Elijah has some great recommendations if you're new to Brazilian coffee and snacks. Great service!
Service
Dine in

So excited to see an independent coffee shop open in Old Town! And even more excited it’s a Brazilian one offering filled Pao de Queijo. (If you’ve never had them, just try them.) I ordered an iced coffee and the chicken Empada. When I told them I had just visited Rio, they insisted I try a jalapeño pao de queijo and it delivered! Gooey cheesy goodness with a jalapeño kick! The empada was packed with flavorful chicken and some veggies, wrapped in buttery flaky pastry. Welcome to the neighborhood PiniPico!

If I have one regret in life, it is wasting the last 5 years at Starbucks when this has been right around the corner the whole time! These are the most AMAZING empanadas. My Central American friend was so impressed. The texture of the dough/masa is amazing, and they have such a variety of flavors in both empanadas and coffees/drinks! The cafe itself is so cute and cozy, and it smells amazing. It's usually fairly quiet, as well. Seriously, ditch Starbucks and try this place.
Service
Dine in

Incredibly delicious sweet and savory Brazilian fare! Kind staff and a great selection of coffees and tropical juices!
Vegetarian options
Delicious breads and pastries!
Dietary restrictions
The pao de queijo (famous Brazilian cheesy bread) is 100% gluten free, made of yuca flour. There are several pastries without gluten and some without dairy.
Kid-friendliness
Kids would love the pao de queijo! So yummy and cheesy
Wheelchair accessibility
All areas accessible by ramp

When I first visited Pinipico a couple years ago, I thought the coffee was delicious and had a very unique flavor. I live in the neighborhood and visited a couple times recently to be very disappointed that the coffee has changed. My almond milk latte tasted like almond milk water. My fiancé had the drip coffee which lacked flavor as well. Please bring back the old formula so we can keep coming back.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$10–20

Everything about this cafe was great, quality of coffee, milk and Brazilian pastries. The only reason why I gave four stars is I wish there was more seating. I wish my empanada shell had been more flavorful but the baked texture was perfect. The Pao de Quiejo was excellent.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4
Recommended dishes
Pão De Queijo Coxinha Empada Empanada Cortado

I’ve been here a handful of times. For a sweet treat, try the iced horchata latte. So good! Definitely on the pricier side. Today I had a large iced coffee and a breakfast sandwich for $18. I like the unique options and service is usually quick, in my experience.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4
Recommended dishes
Iced Latte, Lavender Oat Latte, Horchata Oat Latte

I used the mobile app to order on their first morning open. The app was easy to use, and when I arrived, the cafe was well-decorated and the staff were very friendly and welcoming. The staff wore masks and there were icons on the floor indicating where to stand to practice social distancing. I had an Americano, which was delicious, and I look forward to trying their food in the future. This is a great addition to the neighborhood and I'm excited to return.

The gentleman behind the counter was fantastic. We were only coming in for the pao de queijo but then he recommended the coxinha and his excitement over it was contagious and he was right, they are delish! We enjoyed everything we ordered including the lattes.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20
Features
Dine in: Yes
Outdoor seating: Yes
Takeout: Yes
Delivery: Not sure
Curbside pickup: Not sure

Absolutely delicious pastries and coffee! Great location to work or relax. It’s right next to Lincoln Park and great way to end a long walk if you’re ending your walk through the park at the South end. Super kind and friendly employees. They also brought the order in no time despite the afternoon rush. Definitely coming back!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20

Beautiful place. Very well kept, excellent location, extraordinary family service, and even better coffee and treats. We enjoyed it very much. Had delicious coffee, empanadas and pao de queijo. Plus had a nice conversation with the owner and with the barista. My only suggestion would be to offer the pao de queijo grouped in two or three, not single. Thanks PiniPico, wonderful to have you in Chicago.

The best Brazilian food for start the day, this place was so GOOD, the açaí, chicken croquettes, pao de queijo and their smoothie was the perfect breakfast combination! Plenty of space to enjoy your food!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Paõ De Quijo, Cheese Empanada, Brigadeiro Chocolate Truffle

This place is such a cozy place to grab a bite and a cup of coffee after a date which is exactly what we did after visiting the Chicago History Museum. Absolutely delicious empanadas, my partner really enjoyed his coffee as well. I don't live in the area but I would seriously consider going out of my way to study here due to the ambiance, incredible food and excellent service.

Walked in and the barista kept her back to us for another 45 seconds while she finished her text. When she did turn around she didn't acknowledge with any words, just walked to the register and looked at us. The empanadas are only so so, not crispy on the outside, too doughy. Also communication issues with the staff that resulted in me getting the wrong order.

I just got back from Brazil where I fell in love with coxinhas. The coxinhas that I bought here, frozen to take home and cook, did absolute justice to the Brazilian people. 100% recommend giving them a try.
Service
Take out
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes
Coxinha Chicken Croquette, Beef Empanada

Delish!! Good coffee and good empanadas - win and win. Authentic. Cute. Clean. Seriously, you need to go. The frida empanada is spicy. But I like things with a kick, so I will get it again. The spinach and feta are great as are the pulled pork. The coffee is worth stopping on its own. The empanadas are worth stopping on their own. But for real...get both.

Cute place for coffee and brazilian snacks. My parents live in Vila Isabel (Rio) and the pao de queijo is good, but not quite the same as what you would get down there. However the coxhinas had more ingredients to them than what I normally have.. 10/10. Muito bom
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$10–20

I'm on a quest to find the best cup of coffee in Chicago. Not sure I found it here, but it was pretty damn good. Smooth and no bitterness. The milk was heated to perfection (so many places burn the milk). I grabbed a chocolate chip cookie, which was OK. Would try something else my next stop off. The empanadas looked great. Friendly staff.

Doesn't try to do too much but delivers a nice Brazilian twist on your normal coffee shop fare. I was surprised by how well balanced my Horchata style latte was especially given its reasonable price. Interior is well laid-out and clean, staff are friendly.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$1–10

We stopped by for a quick ice latte and a little snack and the place did not disappoint! I had the lavender oat latte which was not very sweet and so so good. My sister had a latte (can't remember which) and a jam filled cheese bread bite which she said was soooooo so good and absolutely hit the spot. Would absolutely stop here again.

This place really took care of my nostalgia for Rio with the beautifully stylized wall painting in the sitting area. Friendly staff, good background music and excellent coffee met every expectation I had of the place. The caldo verde soup brought back memories of grandma and cold days in the heart of Minas. Will be coming very often!

We ate here with our Brazilian friend and it was our first introduction to Brazilian food. Everything was delicious. The counter staff worked hard to serve and made corrections after a mistake in our order. The location is lovely and the mural of San Paulo is a nice touch.
Food: 5
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5

Thrilled to have this upgrade in the neighborhood. Easy to use app, lovely staff, curbside drop, great hot and cold beverages, and an unique array of authentic, handmade Brazilian specialties including my favorite paõ de queijo (cheese bread) - see photo. Can’t wait to go back, thanks Pico and Pini!

Untrained cashier. Untrained barista. Shortage of menu food. Long time waiting for order. Don’t come if you are already hungry. It will take forever so you can eat.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 1
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 3

I ordered the Chicken Crockettes and lavender latte and absolutely loved it also spent time with my best college friend from Chicago on my last day visiting it was a great breakfast snack and a fun place to visit @Pinipico You have permission to use this on your social media. Thank you. …

Awesome place, delicious food, great service and friendly staff. I had Pão de queijo, Empada de palmito(heart of palm)and Açaí Passion (peach, mango, strawberry, pineapple & açaí with passion fruit juice) Highly recommend this place.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

The rose matcha latte (I believe that’s what it’s called) had an interesting taste but was good. Forgot the sandwich’s name but was also pretty good.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

I have been a regular patron of this cafe since it opened but since the longtime manager Marta left, in the last 4 visits, the cafe has not had chicken empanadas which seemed to be a good seller and are often out of chicken empadas. Sadly, I can no longer patronize this place.

My wife and I visited for a snack and a drink before seeing the Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit next door. The empanadas were on point, and the drinks were colorful and tasty. The staff was very friendly, wore masks, and answered all our questions. Nice little café for a snack!

Great neighborhood coffee shop perfect alternative to the chains. Cozy ambiance plenty of seating At the time that I went they had a morning coffee special going on. Believe it was a medium coffee for $2. I'll definitely go back and choose this place over the chain any day

I really would love to give this place 5 stars. I love supporting small local independent businesses. However, after several tries I continue finding the service/coffee prep very slow (even when it’s not busy) and, the quality of their specialty coffees is hit and miss.

I've been your customer for a long period. I love this place especially every Monday when I come in the morning to grab a cup of coffee. Diana makes absolutely the best latte I've ever had in Chicago! Thank you!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

The vegan empanadas are amazing! There is green olive in it, which makes it salty and savory! Must get! The lavender oat latte is like sipping a calm and warm hug! I can’t wait to go back and try it iced! Amazing job! Awesome coffee and food! Super friendly staff!

The owner and staff are so sweet. Their pan de queijo is like a Brazilian gougere...light and fluffy with a strong cheesy bite. The perfect snack. The coffee is excellent and classic and they get great morning sun in their new location. I’ll be going back.

Very good!! I had the horchata oat latte, and it was delicious. The empanadas were good as well, especially the chicken caprese and the chorizo breakfast ones. I was originally on this corner for the Van Gogh exhibit and this caught my eye. Well worth it!

Stopped in for a late morning snack. The empanadas are to die for, so delicious. I got the feta & cheese and my husband got the chicken. I appreciate savory baked goods. We also tasted the pão de queijo... the cheese and the bacon. hmmmm.... bacon....

Food was delicious but small, coffee was good, coffee beans from Brazil. I was hoping to see a happy face given the place was empty, perhaps the young woman behind the counter was having a bad day. However the woman who brought us our food was nice

Cute place to hang out and work in. There were lots of tables available. Disappointed in the latte- it was not strong or flavorful. The vegan empanada was great though.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$10–20

Had the frida empanada + beef empanada and a guava juice! Great stuff, tasted like it was made with love.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

The store is a great size with very lovely employees. The aroma inside is warm and lends to the great coffee beans used. Their menu is quite diverse for a local store and it’s clear from the many other customers that PiniPico is well loved

A great cafe with plenty of drink and food options. The empanadas and Coxinas were so delicious. The interior is nice and clean and the staff are very friendly.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10

Loved this place. Staff were wonderful. They were helpful and friendly. I tried a few of their empanadas: the BBQ pulled pork, beef, spinach and feta, and the banana and nutella. I also tried a few other items. I highly recommend them.

Beautiful interior and the owner was extremely friendly. My coffee was a bit small but was very strong. Heads up, it’s a bit pricey here, but would choose this over Starbucks any day. Also tried the cheese bread, comforting and tasty!

Wonderful café. Food was amazing. They can warm it up for you. Very clean, very tidy. Restroom even smelled nice. And the employees were so kind and friendly. Would definitely recommend!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch

Delicious Spinach Feta empanadas and Pao de Queijos are great while warm especially the one with jalapeño. The Nutella one was alright but took the flavor away from the delicious cheesiness of the bread. Wonderful and quick service.

We were excited to try this place, but unfortunately the horchata latte and lavender honey cortado were underwhelming, too sweet, and tastes off. The Pao de Queijos were pretty good, although, could have used more guava and cheese.

Mediocre coffee and overpriced for what it is. Not to mention the severely overpriced food. I’m Half Brazilian and would love to support but was very disappointed. Go elsewhere for good fresh pao de queijo at a decent price .

Nice place. I would say it is rather coffee spot, not too much food choice. Mostly snacks and some desserts. Orange pistachio latte was good.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20

Excellent empanadas and iced coffee. Grabbed a few things to go, and it was all packaged very nicely. Courteous and efficient employees. Thank you for a great experience!
Service
Take out
Meal type
Lunch

Great new addition to the neighborhood! Huge fan of their chicken empada - like a delicious mini chicken pot pie. The dough on all of their baked goods is perfection. Definitely stop by if you’re in the area!

Loved it! Safe for pandemic coffee pickup. The empanadas are delicious. We had the breakfast empanada with Latte coffee....priceless. Servers Martha and Jose were awsome. Can't wait to revisit. …

Loved the variety of this local gem. Very chill, plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. The Frida empanada is delicious!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20

Lovely local little joint. Decent variety of options for light snacks and drinks. I highly recommend the spinach and feta empanada. Inside including the restroom was very clean. I'd come back.

Expensive. The pão de queijo is $2 for one ball. It wasn't even that good. Pineapple juice was not fresh either. Only good thing was the guaraná, which is a soda, so it's hard to screw up.

Phenomenal coffee shop! The Brazilian snacks are delicious and the staff is very friendly. Great patio seating and very spacious interior - don’t miss trying a Pao de Queijo

Fantastic little coffee shop in a great location! Authentic Latin American bites, great coffee, and friendly service. Take it from an Argentinian. This place gets a 5/5!

The empanadas were great! I was with someone that ordered a breakfast sandwich and the bacon was completely raw! We are talking right out of the package raw!!!

Coffee taste great, friendly staff, the seating is comfortable and wide I live in Chicago and this coffee shop is my favorite destination during my days off

We enjoyed eating our breakfast outdoors. The muffins were huge and delicious. This cafe was a jewel.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Interesting and nice shop. The owner and staff were very friendly and they had some really tasty, unique Brazilian gluten-free options. I would recommend.

Love it! Spacious and safe for pandemic coffee pickup. The empanadas are delicious. I was pleasantly surprised by the eggplant vegetarian baked empanada.

The Latte was really good, but the food was amazing! Will definitely be back. We had the chicken Empada and pao de quejio(Nutella and bacon) soooo good!

We love PiniPico! We had empanadas, cheese bread, iced coffee, iced chai, and sunset tea. Everything was great! We highly recommend PiniPico.

Loved the iced coffee and jalapeno Pao de Queijo, a new taste treat! Inviting decor and indoor seating as well as outdoor seating. Bom dia!

Stopped here during a quick stop in Chicago. Happily stumbled upon it and ordered an empanada and an iced Horchata Oat Milk Latte. 10/10.

Coffee and teas was amazing , vegetarian selection, the empanadas OMG delicioso!! friendly, clean, 5 Star for.Next to Van Gogh exhibit.

Good place, kinda pricy for what seamed to be air fried food probably from a warehouse retailer. Give 'em a try though it wasn't bed...

Great breakfast stop adjacent to immersive Van Gogh exhibit. Tasty empanadas and coffee beverages with convenient outdoor seating.

Pretty nice place, lots of seating inside and a medium sized patio. Interesting pastries, coffee was good. Staff was pleasant.

Delicious empanadas! We had the spinach & feta and the chorizo empanadas. Enjoyed a delicious cup of cortado coffee too. More

Terrible experience. We waited kinda 30 minutes for 5 Paozinho de queijo ( cheese bread).
Food: 2
Service: 1

First time here, will be back very soon. Loved the iced dirty chai. The barista was so helpful and super nice.

Absolutely Love This Place. Wish I lived in the area just to be able to pop in sit and enjoy a cup of coffee.

Ice French Vanilla Chai was a bit too sugary and Hazelnut Iced coffee was okay. Nothing special.

A bit on the expensive side for what it is. Food was good though.
Service…
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Amazing breakfast empanadas and guava treats. Very unique latte flavors too!

Delicious Coffee, Cozy Atmosphere. I recommend this Cafe …

Amazing guava juice.
Service
Dine in…
More