About Cafe 1888

Café 1888 is located in Aurora’s original hospital, built in 1888—the same year the city was incorporated. For more than a century, the hospital was a cornerstone of community care before closing in 1995. Today, the restored Bloomhaven campus carries that legacy forward, and Café 1888 sits at its heart as a place where history and community meet.

The café is an expansion of founder Jacqueline Mejia’s original bakery, Atrevete Confections, which began in a shared kitchen in Naperville and grew from farmer’s markets to storefronts. In 2020, Jacqueline partnered with Jeff Williams to launch the Atrevete Collaborative Kitchen Company in Montgomery, IL—now the production hub for Atrevete Confections and the source of the high-quality pastries served daily at Café 1888.

Building on that foundation, Café 1888 offers more than sweets. Guests can enjoy soups, salads, sandwiches, espresso drinks, and soon, small plate dinners with craft cocktails. The café also features five side rooms for gatherings, which double as rental spaces for community events—ranging from vendor pop-ups to game nights and murder mysteries.

Café 1888 honors Aurora’s past while embracing its future, blending local history with Jacqui and Jeff’s vision for food, connection, and community.

LEAD STAFF

Jackie Mejia
Executive Pastry Chef/CEO

Jeff Williams
President

Atrevete Cafe 1888

504 S. Lincoln Ave.  Aurora, IL 60505
(630) 487-1033

Open 7 days a week
Mon-Fri: 7am-6pm
Sat-Sun: 8am – 3pm

 

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A Historic Revival
Café 1888 in Aurora’s First Hospital

  • "Gorgeous cafe in a historic building with plenty of space. Multiple rooms are perfect for intimate meetings or business lunches."

    James B.

  • "This Mexican Latte is one of the most delicious espresso treats I've ever tasted. The building is beautiful, the staff ultra friendly and helpful. This will be a regular weekend stop!"

    Casey S.

  • "Its a cute spot to come in and have a small breakfast and coffee."

    Guzette E.

  • "The building itself was beautiful. It felt both historic and cozy at the same time. The food was a highlight as well—absolutely delicious!"

    Karen P.

  • "The atmosphere is very cozy. Everything on their menu is really good. We had croissant sandwiches and pastries, they were very fresh."

    Olga F.