Loyola Neighborhood News: Lake Shore Campus - V3, I4

Sweet Attila’s, a Rogers Park staple for sweet tooths and café aficionados alike, is locally renown for offering a diverse and delicious selection of cookies, cupcakes, biscotti and more. Owner Laura Soncrant created the online bake shop in February of 2010 in honor of her father’s birthday.  After a year of viral and virtual success, Laura decided to expand her business to a storefront space on the corner of Lunt Avenue and N. Sheridan Road in Rogers Park. With the new location, she not only brought her collection of baking recipes from family and friends, but also a new café next door called The Growling Rabbit Café.

The Growling Rabbit Café allows customers to enjoy “healthy comfort food” and “byo.”  More than just a coffee and baked goods shop, The Growling Rabbit Café menu proudly features quinoa, soups, salads, and more. For example, patrons can enjoy a barley risotto with roasted squash and mushrooms topped with a house made parmesan cracker or a pork carnitas dish with rice and beans. With the help of a part-time chef and the intention to use fresh seasonal produce, the menu also has ample of vegan and vegetarian options.   

As a fairly new business, Laura is beginning to promote The Growling Rabbit as a contender in the plethora of neighborhood eateries. She hopes to highlight the restaurant’s Saturday and Sunday brunch options and also attract a larger evening clientele.  Currently she is exploring the switch to table service at night to provide for a more café and eatery ambiance.

Commenting on the location of both Sweet Atilla’s and The Growling Rabbit, she said that Rogers Park feels just right.

“It is a tight-knit, diverse, supportive, true community,” said Laura.

As a new mother, Laura’s hands are definitely full as she manages both Sweet Atilla’s and The Growling Rabbit Café. To check out this new hotspot, stop by during the day for a laid back lunch or come by in the evening with friends and a favorite bottle of wine. Be sure to save room for desserts—the cookies and carrot cake are signature items!