About Cristaudo’s

For over 40 years, Cristaudo’s has been a cherished part of the Carbondale community. Located in a historic building downtown, where we share space with Plaza Records, our café, bakery, catering co. and gift shop offer a welcoming environment where food, art, and family come together.

Our team includes Rachel, the daughter of the original owners, who carries forward the tradition of hospitality that Cristaudo’s was built on; Leah, a talented chef who brings a hands-on approach to every dish; and Nicholas, an artist and chef who combines creativity with culinary skill.

At Cristaudo’s, everyone is welcome at our table. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or a meat lover, our café’s menu offers something for every taste. We focus on fresh ingredients and delicious options to ensure every guest feels at home. Pair your meal with a cup of Thanksgiving Coffee or a Mimosa for the perfect experience.

Our bakery features a variety of sweet treats, including our pink iced sugar cookies—a legacy item, famous for their perfect balance of sweetness and nostalgia, and are a must-try for anyone visiting.

In addition to our café and bakery, we offer customized catering for events of all sizes, ensuring your special occasion is filled with flavorful food and lasting memories.

Our gift shop showcases a curated selection of local art, vintage items, and unique finds, celebrating the creativity of Southern Illinois and beyond.

Cristaudo’s is more than just a café—it’s a place where food, art, and community come together in a warm and inclusive atmosphere. We’re proud to continue serving Carbondale and look forward to many more years of bringing people together.

A Brief History of Cristaudo’s

Founded in 1977 by Lucia and Lorenzo Cristaudo, Cristaudo’s Bakery, Restaurant, and Catering became a cornerstone of the Carbondale community. For nearly 30 years, the couple brought their culinary expertise to not only Cristaudo’s but other local eateries as well. In the late 1990s, Lorenzo took sole ownership of the business while Lucia opened a consignment and antique shop nearby.

In 2001, their daughter Rachel and her partner Nicholas Stewart took over the day-to-day operations, continuing to carry on the legacy until the business was sold in 2004.

After a brief time away, Rachel and Nicholas, along with friends Jennifer Rollinson (who left the business in 2022) and Leah Maciell, began revitalizing the iconic establishment in 2011. That same year, Cristaudo’s Café, Bakery, and Catering moved to the Kaleidoscope Mercantile in downtown Carbondale, continuing to be home to Yesteryear Tobacconists. Today, Cristaudo’s is once again under original family ownership, combining food, art, and community to create a truly unique experience.

With backgrounds in both the culinary arts and creative fields, Rachel, Nicholas, Leah, and their team bring a shared vision to life: to fuse food and art, creating a unique, affordable, and enjoyable experience for the community.