About Us

Rivers & Roads Cafe is an outdoors themed cafe (with inspirations pulled from National Park/Forests) on the northside of Chicago near Loyola University.

We brew Counter Culture coffee, carry Steingold's bagels, as well as Publican Quality Bread's croissants.

We also offer house-made syrups & pastries; as well as a breakfast menu of egg sandwiches & quiche. 

We offer free wi-fi to customers and a chill ambiance to make this space perfect to work from or meet up with friends. 

We have an dog friendly outdoor patio that is open as weather permits, as well as a doggy walk-up window so you don't have to tie your pup up to order. 

We want to bring the outdoors to you and make sure you are always greeted with kindness, a smile, and delicious treats.

Our cafe is a safe space for everyone, so we hope to see you soon!

 

About the Owners:

Hi, we’re Janine (Ramirez) & Mike Waszkowski!

We’re high school sweethearts, born-and-raised Chicagoans, and outdoor enthusiasts.

I (Janine) am proudly Puerto Rican, and my love for food started early—right by my mom’s side in the kitchen. Our home was always filled with the sound of music, the smell of sofrito, and the comfort of shared meals. Cooking wasn’t just about making food—it was about love, connection, and culture. Baking became my creative outlet, my way of bringing joy to others, and it’s been a passion that’s stayed with me ever since.

Mike has been playing rugby since he was 15 and brings that same energy and passion to everything he does. He’s a hands-on, curious person who loves to learn by doing—especially when it comes to food. After college, he worked in management before running operations for a sausage company in Los Angeles, where he learned the art of traditional German sausage-making and developed a deep appreciation for quality ingredients and craftsmanship.

After college, we moved to LA in search of new experiences. I worked as a pastry chef in a variety of kitchens—from high-volume wholesale bakeries to artisanal ice cream shops and cozy cafes. Mike played rugby for Santa Monica, worked in the food world, and developed his own adventurous cooking style, often experimenting with bold flavors and new techniques.

During our nearly ten years in California, we also fell in love with the outdoors. Whether we were hiking, camping, or road-tripping through national parks, we found inspiration in nature and the open road.

When the pandemic hit, I launched Bake Me Wild, a cottage bakery we ran from our LA home. It started with half-pound cookies and rotating treat boxes, focused on fun, nostalgic, and unexpected flavor combinations. Mike supported the business in every way—from logistics and design to dreaming up flavor ideas.

In 2021, we moved back to Chicago and merged Bake Me Wild with Rivers & Roads Café. Today, we bring our shared love of creativity, community, and adventure into everything we make—whether it’s a cookie, a cup of coffee, or a warm conversation.