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Hanabusa Cafe: Why It’s the Best Spot for Matcha Lovers in Town

Introduction: A Taste of Japan in the Heart of Chicago

In the busy Loop of Chicago, one cozy spot has captured the hearts of foodies and brunch lovers alike: Hanabusa Cafe. Known for its delicate, jiggly, and airy pancakes, this Japanese-style eatery brings a unique culinary experience. 

Whether you are looking for a quiet brunch, a sweet treat, or a quick pick-me-up, Hanabusa Cafe welcomes you with warmth and flavor.

The Secret to Hanabusa Cafe’s Fluffy Soufflé Pancakes

What makes these pancakes stand out? It is their light, cloud-like texture — the result of carefully whipped egg whites and slow, steady cooking. Each pancake jiggles when it lands on your plate, and the first bite melts in your mouth.

Each pancake stack is a balance of flavor and softness, and the visual appeal alone makes them Instagram-worthy. Customers often praise the consistency, stating that the pancakes are always “pillowy and not too sweet.”

Hanabusa Cafe Menu With Prices

While soufflé pancakes are the stars, Hanabusa Cafe offers much more. You will find an impressive menu of Japanese-inspired drinks, savory bites, and creative toppings. Some crowd favorites include:

Hanabusa Cafe: Why It’s the Best Spot for Matcha Lovers in Town
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Soufflé Pancake Menu 

ItemPriceDescription
Original Pancake$14Strawberry, blueberry, banana, whipping cream
Matcha Pancake$16Premium Kyoto matcha sauce, sweet azuki bean, strawberry, blueberry, banana, whipping cream
Taro Pancake$15House-made taro puree, strawberry, blueberry, whipping cream
Earl Grey & Sea Salt Caramel Pancake$15House-made earl grey, strawberry, blueberry, banana, whipping cream
Custard Pancake$16Creamy custard sauce with caramelized surface, seasonal fruits, whipping cream
Nutella Pancake$16Rich Nutella sauce, strawberry, blueberry, banana, whipping cream, and chopped peanuts
Mocha Pancake$15(No description provided)

Espresso Menu

ItemPriceDescription
Espresso Shot$3
Americano$4Hot or iced*
Macchiato$4
Flat White$4.50
Cappuccino$5
Latte$5Hot or iced*
Caramel Macchiato$5
Mocha$5Hot or iced*
Kyoto Matcha Tea$4.50
Kyoto Matcha Latte$6Hot or iced*
Matcha Espresso (Hot)$6.50
Matcha Espresso (Cold)$7

Note: *Iced Drink + $0.50

Hana Tea

🫖 Fresh Fruit Tea

ItemPrice
Hana Oolong$6
Hana Green$6
Passion Fruit$6
Key Lime Green Tea$6
Key Lime Four Season$6
Grapefruit Green Tea$6
Pineapple Tea$6

🧀 Cheese Fruit Tea

ItemPrice
Mango Cheese$6.50
VeryBerry$6.50
Peach Cheese$6.50
Cantaloupe Cheese$6.50
Grapes Cheese$6.50

🍵 Classic Tea

Gui Hua Oolong

SizePrice
Regular Hot$4.50
Large Hot$5
Regular Cold$4.50
Large Cold$5

Jasmine Green

SizePrice
Regular Hot$4.50
Large Hot$5
Regular Cold$4.50
Large Cold$5

Golden Phoenix Oolong

SizePrice
Regular Hot$4.50
Large Hot$5
Regular Cold$4.50
Large Cold$5

Four Season Oolong

SizePrice
Regular Hot$4.50
Large Hot$5
Regular Cold$4.50
Large Cold$5

🌿 Herbal Teas

ItemPriceDescription
Citron Green Tea$4Honey & Yuzu (traditional Japanese citrus fruit)
Red Dates Black Tea$4Healthy herbal tea with red dates
Ginger Tea$4Healthy herbal tea with ginger

🍹 Sparkling Fruit Drinks

Mango Sparkling

Handcrafted mango purée sparkling drink

SizePrice
Small$5
Large$6

Strawberry Sparkling

Handcrafted strawberry purée sparkling drink

SizePrice
Small$5
Large$6

Peach Sparkling

Handcrafted peach purée sparkling drink

SizePrice
Small$5
Large$6

Pineapple Sparkling

Handcrafted pineapple purée sparkling drink

SizePrice
Small$5
Large$6

🍋 Lemonade

Original

Homemade Lemonade

SizePrice
Small$6
Large$7

Kiwi Lemonade

SizePrice
Small$6
Large$7

Peach Lemonade

SizePrice
Small$6
Large$7

Strawberry Passion Lemonade

SizePrice
Small$6
Large$7

Mango Black Tea Lemonade

SizePrice
Small$6
Large$7

Ginger Mint Lemonade

SizePrice
Small$6
Large$7

Food Menu

🍱 Entrees (Weekday Only)

DishPriceDescription
Bulgogi$14Savory beef seasoned in tasty Korean marinade, served with kimchi, Korean condiments, and rice.
Gyu Don$13Thinly sliced beef simmered in sweet shoyu sauce, served over steamed rice.
Chashu Don$14Japanese-style barbecued sliced pork belly, simmered in special soy sauce that melts in your mouth. Served over rice with broccoli.
Hakata Ramen$16Authentic Japanese-style ramen with rich broth and toppings.
Spicy Hakata Ramen$16A spicy twist on the traditional Hakata ramen, with bold flavors and kick.
Tonkotsu Ramen$16Creamy pork bone broth ramen, rich in flavor and texture.
Black Garlic Tonkotsu$16Tonkotsu ramen enhanced with aromatic black garlic oil for a deeper umami flavor.

🍤 Small Bites

ItemPriceDescription
Takoyaki$6Battered octopus bites drizzled with takoyaki sauce, topped with bonito flakes and seaweed.
Gyoza$6Pan-fried Japanese dumplings served with dipping sauce.
Furikake Fries$6Crispy fries tossed with furikake seasoning, topped with seaweed flakes, and served with wasabi mayo dip.
Sea Salt Edamame$4Lightly salted steamed edamame.
Seaweed Salad$4Refreshing and seasoned seaweed salad.

These are perfect for those seeking variety beyond sweets. Vegetarian options and light lunches are available too, making it a go-to spot for everyone.

A Cozy Vibe with Minimalist Design

Step into Hanabusa Cafe and you will notice the clean, minimal aesthetic. The wooden finishes, soft lighting, and quiet background music create a peaceful and inviting atmosphere. It is the kind of place where you want to stay longer — sip your matcha latte, read a book, or catch up with a friend.

Why Should You Visit Hanabusa Cafe?

Hanabusa Cafe has become a hidden gem for both residents and tourists. It is just steps from some of Chicago’s busiest landmarks, yet it offers a peaceful break from the noise. Visitors love the balance of authentic Japanese flavor and modern cafe culture.

Ordering and Online Options

Hanabusa Cafe makes it easy to enjoy their treats, whether you dine in or order out. You can place an order directly from their online ordering page and choose from pickup or delivery options. Their menu is easy to browse, and the wait times are usually short.

💡 Pro tip: Order ahead on weekends to avoid the brunch rush.

Perfect for a Quick Bite or a Leisurely Treat

Whether you are grabbing a quick latte or enjoying a full pancake stack, Hanabusa Cafe caters to all moods. The staff is quick and kind, and the space never feels crowded. If you are working nearby or visiting the area, it is a great spot for a solo break or a casual meet-up.

Quick Guide About Hanabusa Cafe

FeatureDetail
CuisineCafé, Specializing in Japanese Soufflé Pancakes
Known ForFluffy Japanese-style soufflé pancakes, Coffee & Tea
Service OptionsDine-in, Takeaway, No-contact delivery
Address29 E Madison St, Chicago, IL 60602, United States (Floor 1, 29 East Madison Building)
Hours11 am–6:30 pm
Price per Person$10–20 (Reported by 307 people)
Order OnlinePlace an order
Website LinkFor the prices of the Hanabusa Cafe menu, visit the official website here.
Phone Number+1 312-584-0455

Connect With Hanabusa Cafe

Looking for hours or location? Here are the key details:

Location on Map:

Book a table or order your favorite pancakes today and enjoy a sweet escape in downtown Chicago.

Hanabusa Cafe Reviews

Overall Google Reviews Summary: 4.1/5 (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆) Based on 819 reviews

i) Mehreen Malik: 5/5 (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️) (04-14-2025)

Dine-in | Other | Price Range: $30–50

“I absolutely loved my visit here! The cafe has such a cozy vibe. The pancakes were incredibly soft and melted in your mouth, and we even got a complimentary one to try! It was also fun watching the pancakes being made. The coffee was great, and the staff was so friendly. Highly recommend this experience!”
Food: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 | Service: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 | Atmosphere: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5

Recommended Dish: Nutella Pancake

ii) Erica Jones: 5/5 (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️) (03-21-2025)

Brunch | Price Range: $30–50

“I specifically came to Chicago for this place after seeing them on Instagram. I was looking for Japanese Soufflé Pancakes, and while they didn’t exactly match the ones I’ve seen, they were still presented beautifully. The pancakes were incredibly light, almost like pillows! A bit more caramel drizzle would’ve been nice, but overall, it was a lovely experience. Definitely recommend it to anyone who can’t make it to Japan or doesn’t have a place nearby serving them.”
Food: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ 4/5 | Service: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 | Atmosphere: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5

Recommended Dish: Original Pancake

Parking

  • Parking can be difficult to find.

  • Seating is limited, so be prepared for a possible wait.

For more reviews and ratings, visit Google Reviews.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are Hanabusa Cafe’s hours of operation?

They are typically open daily from morning through late afternoon. Check their website or Google listing for the latest hours.

Can I order pancakes to go?

Yes, you can order online for pickup or delivery via their order page.

Do they have vegan or gluten-free options?

Currently, the soufflé pancakes contain eggs and wheat. However, there are some vegetarian-friendly drinks and bites.

Is Hanabusa Cafe kid-friendly?

Yes! Kids love the fluffy pancakes and fun drinks. The cozy vibe makes it welcoming for families.

Where is the cafe located?

Hanabusa Cafe is at 29 E Madison St in the Loop, Chicago, close to major transit stops and shopping areas.

Final Thoughts: A Must-Try Spot in Chicago’s Loop

If you are in the Loop and craving something unique, Hanabusa Cafe delivers. Their fluffy Japanese soufflé pancakes, cozy ambiance, and thoughtful service create a special experience. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a local regular, there is always something new to enjoy.

📍 Drop by Hanabusa Cafe and discover why Chicago calls it pancake heaven.

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Ali Sada

I’m Sada, the founder of TripGuiderz.com. Since 2019, I’ve been crafting travel guides and blog posts to help readers plan smarter adventures. Let’s explore the world together!