There’s a stretch of 31st Street in La Grange Park where mornings start a little softer and evenings feel a little slower; it's called Happier Now Café & Market. Once you step inside you’ll see why. In the morning you’ll likely find someone easing into the day with a cappuccino and a warm bagel sandwich, maybe a parent settling into a booth while their kids explore the play nook, or a pair of neighbors catching up over pastries before heading to work. Fast-forward to the evening, and those same tables might be home to a couple on a date lingering over a glass of wine and a cocktail as well as friends making plans as they share a couple of small plates. It’s the rare spot that truly works from open to close—an all-day café that adapts to meet the needs of its guests.
The story behind the space is just as inviting. Founded by the mother-daughter duo Donna and chef Andrea Slivka, both longtime La Grange Park residents, Happier Now Café & Market was built with a clear purpose: to give the community a place where people can show up exactly as they are.
Whether you stop in for a quick bite or to pick up dinner on your way home, Happier Now flows seamlessly from one part of the day to the next.
Morning at Happier Now
Mornings at Happier Now Café & Market are built around good coffee and scratch-made breakfast. Guests can grab espresso drinks, pastries, and favorites such as a warm bagel sandwich made with Nueske’s bacon or ham, an over-medium egg, and other fresh ingredients. The breakfast portion of the full menu leans fresh and simple, with options that often include greens like arugula and house-made spreads.
The space is an easy fit for parents with little ones. A dedicated kids’ play area and a small library give families room to relax, while plenty of quiet corners make it easy to read or answer emails. The café’s cozy, community-oriented setup reinforces why it has quickly become a morning go-to for those in La Grange Park and neighboring communities like Brookfield. It’s a flexible dine-in environment where an unhurried pace is part of the experience.
Midday Lunch Hub
By midday, the café shifts into a lively gathering place. Laptops tend to come out and friends stop by for a quick bite. With a game nook and plenty of seating, it naturally fills the role of a neighborhood “third place.”
The lunch lineup centers on fresh from-scratch cooking, including Donna’s tuna salad, the roasted-beet sandwich, the house-roasted turkey sandwich, and the popular hummus sandwich. Salads made with Castelvetrano olives, currants, arugula, and house-made dressings keep things light, while heartier plates like steak frites, salmon, shrimp and grits, or chicken breast are available whenever the kitchen is open—no separate lunch or dinner menu required. Plus, there’s a dedicated kids’ menu.
Guests can order at the counter and choose to dine in, pick up takeout, or place orders through DoorDash, Grubhub, and Toast.
It’s always a good idea to check the menu online as items are seasonal and can change. You can also call the café’s phone number directly for specials.
Evenings and “Happier Hour”
As evening arrives, Happier Now transitions into a relaxed neighborhood wine bar. Lights soften and guests can cozy in with a glass of wine, local craft beers, or cocktails, pairing them with shareable small plates or one of the same from-scratch mains offered earlier in the day.
The café’s Happier Hour, typically offered Wednesday through Sunday, brings special pricing on drinks and bites, making it a convenient alternative to heading into the city for a night out. It’s an easy choice for a low-key date night or a relaxed evening close to home in La Grange Park.
The Market: Your Neighborhood Pantry
Beyond the café and wine bar, Happier Now Café & Market doubles as a thoughtfully curated neighborhood pantry. The market shelves are stocked with house-made heat-and-eat meals, soups, dips, and snacks, which are perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. You’ll also find a rotating selection of coffees and teas, wines, craft beers, sodas, and packaged goods, many of which come from local or women-owned makers.
It’s a convenient stop for:
Weeknight shortcuts. Pick up prepped meals or soups to save time without sacrificing fresh ingredients.
Hosting helpers. Grab wine, craft beer, marinated olives, burrata, or desserts to round out a spread.
Gifting. The market often features small-batch products, local specialties, and branded items such as mugs and apparel.
The combination of a pantry and bottle shop makes it easy to treat the space as an extension of your own kitchen. Just one more way the café supports everyday life in La Grange Park.
The Happier Now Story
A women-owned, mother–daughter vision
Happier Now was created by the mother-daughter duo Donna and chef Andrea Slivka, La Grange Park residents who wanted to introduce a welcoming, flexible café and wine bar to the neighborhood. As a fully women-owned and independently operated business, it reflects their shared belief that a great café should feel anchored in its community.
A fresh, from-scratch food philosophy
Almost everything served on-site is made from scratch, including aioli, ranch dressing, hot sauce, and other condiments. The kitchen prioritizes:
Fresh, local produce
Minimally processed ingredients
No artificial dyes or high-fructose corn syrup
Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options
Approachable dishes prepared to a gourmet standard
This approach shows up in everything from entrées to simple plates and salads.
A hub for local makers and community events
The market features products from other local businesses, giving small makers space to reach new customers. And the café’s commitment to community extends beyond sourcing. Happier Now also hosts special events that bring neighbors together, including tastings, themed nights, seasonal gatherings, and collaborations with local organizations. Whether someone stops in from the neighborhood or travels from a nearby town, the café is designed to be a place where relationships, creativity, and great food all take root.
Plan Your Visit
Address: 1016 East 31st Street, La Grange Park, IL 60526
Phone number: 708-937-9027
Accessibility: wheelchair-friendly parking, entrance, seating, and restrooms
Ordering options: dine-in, takeout, or delivery through DoorDash, Grubhub, and Toast
Good to know: the café offers Wi-Fi, a kids’ area, ample seating, and a clean, cozy environment that works well for everything from a quick stop to a long hangout.
Meet Us at One of the Happiest Places in La Grange Park
Happier Now Café & Market offers the kind of flexibility and warmth that can easily become part of your weekly rhythm, whether you’re stopping in for breakfast, settling in for a work session, catching up with friends, or ending the day with a glass of wine and a few small plates. With scratch-made food and a genuine commitment to community, it’s a place that feels both familiar and special every time you walk through the door. If you’re looking for a local spot that makes everyday moments a little easier—and a little happier—you’ll find it right here in La Grange Park.