A Hidden Cafe Spot Every DePaul Student           Should Know

Brick exterior of Bourgeois Pig Cafe with outdoor seating and string lights on Fullerton.

I went to Bourgeois Pig Cafe on Fullerton with my friend Mia and it honestly felt like such a DePaul spot. Walking in from freezing Chicago weather made it even better. My hands were cold, my face was numb, and the second we stepped inside it was warm and cozy. The cafe had a dramatic vibe with wooden chairs and tables, dark furniture, vintage chandeliers, and that strong coffee and breakfast aroma in the air that instantly makes you feel settled.

Mia sitting at a wooden cafe table holding coffee with waffles and warm lighting around her.

This place is definitely a go to for DePaul students. It is super convenient, literally a five minute walk from the Fullerton station, which makes it perfect when you have time to kill between classes or need a quick coffee stop. It is also such a chill spot to study or just sit and reset, especially with midterm season coming up when campus starts feeling extra busy and overwhelming. It feels like one of those places students end up at, whether it is to get work done or just take a break. I ordered Belgian waffles with a hot chocolate which felt very necessary in this weather, and she got a chicken parm panini with a hot Americano.

Two friends smiling for a selfie outside on a cold Chicago day near a cafe.
People studying and reading inside a cozy cafe with vintage furniture and warm lighting.

We sat there talking about how our quarter has been going and the classes we registered for. We do not really get to meet much anymore since we do not have classes together and she commutes, so it was really nice to just sit and talk without rushing. She told me she is taking a smartphone photography class and a Japanese class this quarter, which I found so interesting and honestly very her. It reminded me how everyone at DePaul is always doing something different with their schedules and interests.

Belgian waffles on a patterned plate with butter, syrup, and a cup of hot chocolate on a wooden table.
Busy cafe filled with students studying at wooden tables under chandeliers and natural light.

Both of us had class at 1 pm, and when we stepped outside, the cold hit us again. I noticed a flower shop nearby and we stopped for about five minutes just looking around. It was such a small moment but it made me really happy. Then I checked the time and realized we were running late, so we rushed toward campus trying to make it to class on time. Even though our schedules do not always line up, these little moments are what make everything feel worth it and they honestly make me really happy.

 

Student sitting at a cafe table working on a laptop under a chandelier with vintage decor and warm yellow walls.

~Shahtaj 

Take a tour of Lincoln Park campus!

Apply to DePaul!