Early Light Cafe

Great café by the fox river. I stop in for a coffee and snack on my way back from a ride

I was searching for some gluten-​free treats and this tiny window service café has many to choose from.
I tried the chia cookies and the gluten-​free donuts.
I thought the chia cookies were a bit on the dry side and needed a bit more flavor. The donuts, on the other hand, were the best gluten-​free donuts I have ever had! The were moist, cake-​like, and flavorful.

I stopped by yesterday for their quinoa salad, and Dawn (the owner) made the most delicious salad that I had to visit Unilocal to give her 5 stars! Wonderful little place. Fantastic service. Good prices. Gluten-​free and healthy options, too, which I was so happy to see. Thanks, Dawn! :)

Our family discovered this gem of a place a few weeks ago! The owner, Dawn, is precious! Our children love the ice cream cones and my husband and I are fans of the gooey butter cake!
You will not be dissappointed!!! We highly recommend this café!!!

I attended an off-​site small corporate event catered by the Early Light Café and all of Dawn’s creations were quite tasty! She made us Brie & Blackberry Tartlets, Risotto with peas & proscuitto, Chicken Cacciatore (wow! so tender & slow roasted with black ovlives, garlic stuffed green olives, sweet peppers, mushrooms, basil and tomatoes) and for dessert there was a Browned Butter Dark Cherry & Peach Cobbler (amazing!). I haven’t personally visited her café but based on her catering this event I’d certainly recommend her delicious cooking and baking.

Love it! Nice breakfast and sandwich shop along the bike trail. Make sure to stop when you are in Geneva

The egg sandwiches were good — you get to build your own, which is great because you can add delicious items like spinach, tomato, and chipotle mayo.
The gooey butter cake was great. We were surprised to see it on Chicagoland but were no longer surprised when we learned the owner from our favorite big small town — St Louis.
The best part was the service. We called because the spot is easy to miss — and asked for the address — couldn’t imagine a friendlier phone call, and the service in person was even better. The owner was an absolute delight.

My husband and I were pleasantly surprised to find this place next to the bike shop. The staff was the sweetest and they serve gooey butter cake — enough said. It was a great place to stop by, grab an egg sandwich and a sweet treat in the middle of the day. And anyone serving something reminding me of St Louis gets my buy-​in. Love.

For those who love the delicious food and incredible hospitality of Early Light Café but despair because it’s the off season, rejoice! Dawn has set up shop as a pop-​up restaurant inside The Sugar Path at 315 W. State Street next to Geneva Ale House during the winter months!
Her chicken pot pies and quiches are available as both gluten-​free and chock-​full-​of-​gluten varieties (both delicious!). She also offers the most amazing homemade soups ever (try the Italian Meatball soup!) but get here early add the soups sell out quickly.
Having delicious lunches available inside The Sugar Path is a natural fit, complementing both businesses by offering wonderful lunches paired with delicious desserts for afterwards.
Her soups, chicken pot pies, quiches and rolls are all available frozen as well to take home, with easy to follow instructions that make preparing savory meals at home a snap.

Had the chicken pot pie today and it was everything I wanted and expected it to be. Next on my list: trying every quiche and soup

First time to this lovely little spot… immediately after some much-​needed bike adjustments at Mill Race Cyclery next door… and we’ll definitely be back.
I kind of need to RAVE about the blueberry muffin. Because amazing as a description is lacking. I know my way around a blueberry muffin. This one was the BEST I’ve had anywhere. Moist and full of (seemingly fresh!) blueberries inside and the topping… omg. Was this deliciously crusty, oatmeal-​y, caramelized brown sugary type topping that was SO. CRAZY. GOOD.
I also tried the Mocha recovery blended drink… banana and peanut butter and chocolate ice cream and I don’t even remember what else but ohhhhhh so good. I did skip the whipped cream, because, you know, a girl’s got to draw the indulgence line SOMEWHERE. But damn. Order it.
I also tried their berry banana smoothie of the day (just a sip) but it was delish and had I been feeling like being a bit «healthier» I would have gone that route.
They have a great selection of sandwiches, gluten-​free items, ice cream sundaes, etc. so we’ll be back to try more. Loved this place.
PS — their seating in an outdoor courtyard is surprisingly lovely for being located along a busy main street… lush and green and dotted with old bicycles. Fun.

Very good little place hidden away next to the bike shop. Great iced coffee. Breakfast sandwiches are very good as well. And to top it off great people run the place, everyone is always so nice. The kind of place I’m happy to give my money to.

Excellent little place to grab a bite to eat. My lovely girlfriend and I stopped here while we were in town for the Art Fair. It was a beautiful day, perfect for sitting in the little courtyard for lunch. We both had The Viking panini, along with the iced coffee. The sandwich was delicious, complimented well with the iced coffee.
After reading the reviews on here, I think next time I visit this place I’ll try the iced latte. The rest of the menu looks great. There are many things that would be great for fueling up part way through a long bike ride, as well as protein shakes and post workout goodies.

Best iced latte in the western burbs! They cold brew the coffee and chill it with coffee ice cubes. Can’t wait to go back for more, and walk along the Fox!

LOVED this cute little place! I didn’t catch the name of the lady who was working but she was SOO friendly and made you feel like an old friend! Such a fun little stop!
I had the kick stand which was a lovely sandwich with some oregano in it. My friend had the Bruce almighty which was fantastic! The chipotle sauce was superb!!!
We also had the Nutella Shake which was suuuuuper awesome!!!
Will def. Be returning!!!

Did I just eat a gluten-​free chia seed cookie… on purpose? I did. I did, and I’d do it again! So, so good.
The Mr. and I stopped here yesterday morning on our way home from a bike ride. We each grabbed a caramel iced coffee, and the woman working made a point to tell us that she doesn’t like to make it too sweet without letting the customer try it first. I really appreciated that. I love a good sugar buzz, but we could all use a little less go-​go juice. In addition to the coffees, he grabbed two small gluten free chia seed chocolate cookies — his reasoning being that we just biked 10 miles. I’m doing it to LOSE weight, not put it right back as soon as I’m done pedaling, but who am I to turn down a cookie? It was really, really good. And not just, «good for being gluten-​free.»
While we were sucking down our coffees, she also brought over a little cup of homemade granola for us to try. Another win! Not too sweet or cloying like some grocery granola, and was tender-​crunchy, if that’s a thing? We left feeling perfectly re-​fueled.
The woman behind the counter was so, SO nice. She seems to really love providing this great service.
We’ll be back!

Great spot to take a break on the trail for a smoothie… the mango is delicious!

Great breakfast sandwich — makes the McMuffin taste like cardboard!
Friendly service, friendly service, lovely setting.

Great new Café in Geneva! If you enjoy Homemade goodness this is a «Must Try»!!
Great Sandwiches, Great Baked goods, Great Coffee, Let’s just say all is good!
Friendly Staff!

Delicious sandwiches, snack mix, cold-​brewed locally roasted coffee, and many other goodies. I love the outdoor seating patio and watching people walk by. Great spot to have a smoothie, snack, or meal when enjoying the paths and parks near the Fox River in Geneva.
What really makes this place special are the people who work there. They love making delicious food and treats for people and you can taste it in everything they make.