Tala Food Features
I feel I have no choice but to introduce our delicious food offerings at both our Libertyville and Winnetka cafes; the number of times I have heard “oh, is your food menu new?” is truly devastating! As of October 9th 2025 at Libertyville, and for the entirety of Winnetka’s existence, we’ve had six distinct food items on our menu, each filled with great flavors and good protein. The menu came together with the efforts of our amazing production team, as well as a Lake Zurich vendor called Jam’s Market & Deli (formerly Zelda’s Sandwich Joint). Whether you’re planning on hanging out in the cafe for a while (and concerned about over-caffeinating) or needing a bit of grab-and-go fuel, these quick and delicious meals are definitely worth checking out. But, if you’re not yet convinced, here’s a bit about each of them!
Bacon Breakfast Sandwich
It truly doesn’t get more classic than this. On a buttery brioche, you get a fluffy scrambled egg, a handful of applewood smoked bacon, and melty american cheese. My absolute favorite part is how each flavor comes together with the addition of a delicious chipotle mayo. It adds the perfect bit of savory and spice without overwhelming the sandwich with heat. I would highly recommend this as the best sandwich to take on the go.
Chorizo Breakfast Burrito
This option is a crowd favorite, especially among the customers and the staff members at the Libertyville cafe. The burrito, wrapped tightly in a flour tortilla, is stuffed with scrambled eggs, house-seasoned brisket chorizo, grilled veggies, and potato hash. The tortilla is crisped to perfection in our panini press and is served alongside a delicious salsa verde (adding the salsa is a must!). The smell of this burrito alone will make you want to dig right in.
TURKEY MELT
As someone who loves a Cubano and a deliciously warm panini, I have to say this sandwich absolutely satisfies. I’m in love with the pickle and mustard combo that compliments the sliced turkey so well. Between the melted swiss and the addition of the red onion, this sandwich is both cozy and fresh. The crunch from the panini press really makes this an elevated choice for lunch!
CAPRESE PANINI (V)
Our newest addition to the menu, this vegetarian choice has been an instant crowd pleaser. Everyone knows and loves this classic combination of pesto, tomato, balsamic, and mozzarella. We love that it comes on a toasty french baguette, giving you the true nostalgic, cafe feel. Whether you always skip the meat or you’re looking for something a little lighter, this is absolutely worth grabbing the next time you’re in.
Chia Seed Pudding with Citrus (GF/V)
If there’s one item I am constantly recommending, it has to be the chia seed pudding. This gluten-free and vegan option is made with only three ingredients: coconut milk, chia seeds and maple syrup. The best part is that it is topped with a generous handful of grapefruit and orange slices. The flavors together are stunning and they remind me of a tropical vacation in a bowl—I just love the texture juxtaposition with the citrus and the baby chia seeds. This option is deceivingly easy to take on the go and fits so nicely into a twelve-ounce Tala cup.
Stop by either the Winnetka or Libertyville cafes to watch us chef it up and enjoy all of what Tala has to offer!
Mel Kreppein
Meet Mel, a Gurnee native that has a passion for people, planet, and coffee. Crafting at the Libertyville cafe, she spends her free time going on walks, doing art, and hanging out with her cat Prudence.