Hello Kitty Cafe Chicago takes pink to new heights on Michigan Avenue
Jun 30, 2026
There's just something about Hello Kitty — the little cartoon with a cute-as-a-button bow who's famously "about five apples tall." Sanrio's Hello Kitty has been charming fans since her debut in the 1970s, and she's landed her own pink-powered experience in Chicago.Hello Kitty Cafe Chicago (360 N.
Michigan Ave.) opened Friday as the largest of the brand's cafes, which is not bad for its first outpost in the Midwest. Visitors and kids of all ages can enjoy two stories and 8,000 square feet not just of merchandise and photo ops, but a full-service afternoon tea in the exclusive Bow Room and a host of Instagram-worthy baked goods (after all, Kitty White, the character's full name, was born with her twin sister Mimmy in the suburbs of London).See more from Hello Kitty Cafe Chicago's first week:
Customers visit the world’s largest Hello Kitty Cafe at 360 N. Michigan Ave. Monday.Candace Dane Chambers/Sun-Times
Cookies were available Monday at the world’s largest Hello Kitty Cafe on North Michigan Avenue.Candace Dane Chambers/Sun-Times
Ka’miyah White holds a plushie Monday at the Hello Kitty Cafe in the Loop. White traveled with her family from Arkansas to attend last week’s opening of the Obama Presidential Center.Candace Dane Chambers/Sun-Times
The world’s largest Hello Kitty Cafe is at 360 N. Michigan Ave. Candace Dane Chambers/Sun-Times
Children enjoy sweet treats Monday at the Hello Kitty Cafe at 360 N. Michigan Ave.Candace Dane Chambers/Sun-Times
Merchandise lines the walls Monday at the world’s largest Hello Kitty Cafe at 360 N. Michigan Ave. Candace Dane Chambers/Sun-Times
Sweets are served Monday at the Hello Kitty Cafe. The cafe opened Friday to a huge crowd.Candace Dane Chambers/Sun-Times
Workers smile Monday at the world’s largest Hello Kitty Cafe at 360 N. Michigan Ave. Candace Dane Chambers/Sun-Times
A customer takes a selfie Monday at the world’s largest Hello Kitty Cafe is located at 360 N. Michigan Ave.Candace Dane Chambers/Sun-Times
The world’s largest Hello Kitty Cafe is at 360 N. Michigan Ave. Candace Dane Chambers/Sun-Times
Fresh bundt cakes were available Monday at the world’s largest Hello Kitty Cafe.Candace Dane Chambers/Sun-Times
The world’s largest Hello Kitty Cafe is located at 360 N. Michigan Ave. The cafe opened Friday to a huge crowd.Candace Dane Chambers/Sun-Times
...read more
read less