When we heard there was a new cafe that featured motorcycles and delicious coffee, near an awesome park, we knew we had to check it out!
Grind ‘N Gears was a great place to stop and grab an iced coffee (and a hot chocolate for the kids!) before heading to Northeast Park in Park Ridge.
I would recommend this combo for a nice morning or early afternoon activity. This is a great combo trip for a warm spring day when you need a little caffeine pick me up before heading to the park.
You can also switch out Northeast Park for Prospect Park on a warm summer day! There’s a splash pad, playground with a soft rubber surface, and concessions.
Grind ‘N Gears in Niles
This new motorcycle themed cafe which just opened in February 2025, is situated in a former mechanic’s garage. In fact, in the back of the building is still a functioning motorcycle garage where the owner works on motorcycles. As you walk in, there are (real life!) motorcycles surrounding the main room in the cafe, it also has a retail space with rounders of merchandise of motorcycle apparel.
As you approach the counter, there is a vast cafe menu and selection of snacks from local small businesses.
One of the absolute highlights of this cafe visit for my kiddos was the motorized toy motorcycles they rode around the entire cafe throughout our visit.
The toy motorcycles were such a hit with my kids. Size wise, I would recommend them for kids up to age 7. The real life motorcycles are just for decoration, and not for riding or sitting.
Another major highlight was the delicious iced coffee and hot chocolate (with whipped cream and sprinkles) that wasn’t too hot, nor too cold! They have non-dairy milk options, as well as gluten-free and dairy-free snacks.
Bathrooms
The cafe has a gender neutral bathroom fully equipped with a changing table. Be sure to use the restrooms at the cafe before heading to the park.
Hours
Monday-Friday 7:00am-4:00pm
Saturday-Sunday 8:00am-4:00pm
Outdoor Patio
During the nicer months, the cafe will open the garage doors to bring the outside in. There also plan to schedule food truck events and install picnic tables. We cannot wait to return this summer!
Location
Grind ‘N Gears Cafe
8030 W Oakton Street
Niles, IL 60714
(847) 696-7047
Just a 3 minute drive down Washington Street is Northeast Park in Park Ridge.
Northeast Park in Park Ridge
We actually passed this park on the way to Grind ‘n Gear Cafe and my kids were beyond excited we got to explore it after we grabbed our drinks.
There is a GIANT slide and climbing tower. The climbing tower has 4 levels of climbing obstacles and stairs on the way to the top of the massive slide. There was also a sit and spin and boat swing on the section of the playground designed for ages 5-12.
There is also a toddler section recommended for ages 2-5 with a small climbing structure, slides and swings. Next to the toddler swing section is an ADA swing.
Over the summer, the pavilion would be a great spot to enjoy your coffee or snack from the cafe. The kids are still within sight, and street parking is just beyond the fence.
There are multiple soccer fields between the playground and the tennis courts across the park. Great for running or flying a kite. There are some paved sidewalks ideal for strollers or scooters, but they did not go all the way around the park and you would need to go onto the street to make it all the way around the park. Next to the tennis courts across the way are a half basketball court, as well as pickleball courts.
Parking
When leaving Grind ‘N Gear Cafe, I would recommend entering Michael John Drive and Elmore Street (Park Ridge) into your GPS. We parked on Elmore Street which is right next to the playground. There is no parking lot, only street parking.
Bathrooms
There are no restrooms at the park.
Location
Northeast Park
801 N. Washington
Park Ridge, Illinois
Also a 2 minute drive from the coffee shop is Prospect Park in Park Ridge, which is great on a summer day.
Prospect Park in Park Ridge
The pirate-themed splash pad is the main attraction at this park. It’s also fenced in, which is a major plus. Your kids are going to love the dumping fish buckets, pirate ship with cannons, and various sprayers.
There’s an adjacent playground, which is also pirate themed. This is the equipment for smaller kids.
And there are bigger slides, rope climbing, and more equipment for bigger kids.
There’s a concession stand that’s open daily from May 25 through September 8 and the perfect place to enjoy your snacks (or coffee if you’re coming from Grind ‘N Gears Cafe.
Price
The splash pad is $5 for residents and $8 for non-residents. Playing on the playground is free.
Bathrooms
There are permanent restrooms in the concession building with changing tables.
Location
Prospect Park
733 N Prospect Ave
Park Ridge, IL 60068
