Your Family-Friendly Café in Downers Grove

Your Family-Friendly Café Near Herrick Middle School and Downers Grove North

If your morning routine includes school drop-offs, commute rush, or grabbing breakfast on the go, then Mud & Char on Maple Avenue is the neighborhood café you’ll love. Just minutes from Herrick Middle School and Downers Grove North High School, Mud & Char has become a favorite spot for parents, students, and teachers who want quality breakfast, artisanal coffee, and a warm, welcoming environment.

Why Downers Grove Families Choose Mud & Char

We’re not just a café — we’re part of your morning rhythm. Locals appreciate our:

  • Family-friendly atmosphere

  • Fast, convenient grab-and-go options

  • Healthy choices for kids and teens

  • Locally sourced ingredients

  • Cozy vibe perfect for mid-morning breaks or after-school snacks

Whether you’re dropping off at Herrick, heading toward Downers Grove North, or commuting along Maple Avenue, Mud & Char is an easy, delicious stop to start the day right.

Perfect Before- and After-School Breakfast Options

Breakfast Sandwiches Kids Love

Quick, warm, and satisfying — favorites include:

  • Classic Breakfast Sandwich

  • Egg & Cheese

  • The Kick (for parents who like it spicy)

All made fresh on toasted English muffins or bagels.

Smoothies & Energizers for Students

A hit with middle school and high school students:

  • Tropical Citrus Smoothie

  • Strawberry Banana

  • Berry Breeze

You can add protein for sports, dance, and after-school activities.

Drop-Off, Pick-Up, and Commuter Friendly

Mud & Char sits at 2742 Maple Avenue, making it incredibly convenient for:

  • School drop-off runs

  • After-school meetups

  • Quick mid-day snacks

  • Teacher breaks

  • Weekend family outings

We’re close to:

  • Herrick Middle School

  • Downers Grove North High School

  • Fishel Park

  • Downtown Downers Grove shops & Metra

If you live near Maple Avenue, Grand Ave, Main St, or Fairview, you’re just minutes away.

A Café That Treats Locals Like Family

At Mud & Char, we care about being a community space — a cozy hangout where families feel at home. It’s why locals describe us as:

  • Warm

  • Friendly

  • Artisanal

  • Consistent

  • Community-centered

Whether you’re grabbing breakfast before band practice or settling in with a latte after drop-off, you’ll always feel welcome here.

Avocado Toast & Lox Bagels for Parents & Teachers

Perfect for a nutritious, elevated breakfast.
Locals love the:

  • Avocado Toast

  • Loaded Avo

  • Lox Bagel

  • Loaded Lox Bagel

Artisanal Coffee for Busy Mornings

Parents and teachers rely on us for high-quality brews like:

  • Argon Cold Brew

  • Hand-crafted lattes

  • Mocha & White Mocha

  • Cappuccinos & Espressos

  • London Fog, Matcha, Golden Milk

Your morning caffeine fix is just 2–3 minutes from Herrick and Downers Grove North.

Jon Funk