Sat. July 4, 2026
By Jerry Nunn
Cafe and bakery hot spot Good Ambler just opened a second location in Chicago in June and things are heating up in the kitchen this summer. The creatives behind Good Ambler wisely chose a location in Two North Riverside Plaza with plenty of foot traffic thanks to commuters using the nearby Metra train station. Ogilvie Transportation Center is housed at 500 West Madison Street with a direct pathway to and from the Ambler.
This cultivates a to-go atmosphere and the Good team is prepared with fast, efficient service for hungry patrons on the move.
The space was completely renovated inside the historic building and modernized for the world of today. The company is owned by Mondelez International and operated by restaurant group 16” on Center. This second location is the sister to the Fulton Market area Good Ambler at 216 North Peoria Avenue and while it could be considered a satellite site, the venue is spacious enough to be its own planet with seating in front and a spectacular side retail room.
The out-of-this-world menu was designed by talented Executive Chef Meg Galus from DeKalb, Illinois. She knows her pastries well and was inducted into the Chicago Culinary Museum Chefs Hall of Fame in 2021.
Start off with a freshly made croissant filled with Catalpa Farms ham or Valrhona chocolate. Gluten-free options currently are Lemon Raspberry Muffin and Rhubarb Ricotta Cake. The Banana Bread is sensational and the almond flour ingredient makes a difference in the flavor.
Safe room for dessert, such as a rich Fudgy Brownie or an Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookie.
Wash it all down with a Latte or Matcha beverage, both served hot or iced.
The environment inside this sleek establishment gives visitors a behind-the-scenes look at dough being rolled right before their very eyes, with a glass wall in front of a baker's table.
This adds to the welcoming vibe created by the staff at Riverside. The new location is open from Monday to Friday from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., but look for that to expand as demand rises. After a liquor license is secured, the group plans to capitalize on the late commuters looking for a beverage to sip on the train.
Stay tuned to goodambler.com for future information and begin each day by going bananas over this bread!
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