Loba Pastry in Chicago offers unique mole croissants, showcasing a blend of traditional and Mexican flavors.
Valeria really believes in using high-quality, seasonal ingredients. That’s why some of her dishes are only available at certain times of the year, like those delicious mole croissants. They’re made with a rich mole sauce that has a ton of ingredients, including chocolate and roasted chilies. And get this, they take a whole week to make! You can only grab them on Sundays and Mondays.
She also makes red mole croissants for the holidays and green mole versions in the spring and summer. Valeria trained in classic French pastry, so she mixes those techniques with Mexican flavors. But don’t expect any basic cookies or brownies here; she’s all about putting her own twist on things.
Interestingly, Valeria didn’t even like mole as a kid! But watching her family cook made her appreciate the art of food. She feels lucky to have grown up with fresh veggies from the garden, which really shaped her cooking style.
At 16, she moved to Chicago and started working in fancy restaurants. Eventually, she went to pastry school, where she learned all the skills she uses today. Loba opened in 2016, and they just moved to a new spot in Roscoe Village last year.
Besides those famous croissants, Loba also sells sourdough muffins, challah bread, and seasonal lattes, like their signature “wolf latte” with vanilla and Mexican cinnamon. They even have a drink inspired by marranitos, those cute little pig-shaped cookies you find in traditional Mexican bakeries.
Valeria emphasizes that just because a dish is made by a Mexican doesn’t mean it’s automatically authentic. The difference in flavors often comes down to the quality of ingredients and their availability.
The name “Loba” comes from a story about a female wolf that inspired conservation efforts. Valeria connects with that story, seeing her bakery as a way to lead and inspire future generations through her food.
If you’re in the area, definitely check out Loba Pastry at 3600 N. Lincoln Ave. Those mole croissants are just $6, and trust me, they’re worth it! You can find more info at their website.
