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Argo Tea
Category: Food Coffee & Tea Coffee & Tea [Edit]
958 W Armitage Ave(at Bissell St)
Chicago, IL 60614
Neighborhoods: Lincoln Park, DePaul
(773) 388-1880
- Nearest Transit:
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Armitage (Brown Line, Purple Line)
Fullerton (Brown Line, Purple Line, Red Line)
- Price Range:
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$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
Superb coffee, roasted by the best artisans in the bean community both within Chicagoland and across the nation... we're proud to offer both seasonal… read more »
103 reviews for Argo Tea
Review Highlights
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"...have some delicious teas, and who doesn't love free WI-fi." In 8 reviews -
"I was really feeling my earl Grey vanilla soy latte baby." In 4 reviews -
"Yum, a great alternative to starbucks." In 27 reviews
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103 reviews in English
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Review from Hazel C.
Chicago, IL
5/12/2012 1 Check-in Here
I've been to Argo Tea shops before and I always enjoy the service and the beverages. But today I had the most SPECTACULAR customer service ... ever ... at the Argo Tea at Armitage and Sheffield in Lincoln Park.
I was waiting at the Armitage #73 bus stop in front of the Argo Tea shop, checking my Bus Tracker app on my phone. And I was thirsty! So with 8 minutes until the next bus I decided to go into the shop and order an iced tea.
While waiting in the very short, fast-moving line I spied a very cute baby quiche. When it was my turn to order I asked for a Hibiscus Apple Chiller and a quiche. The cashier dude noticed I was keeping an eye on the bus tracker app and advised me that the quiche would take 5 minutes to warm up. So I told him to skip the quiche because I didn't want to miss the bus.
Unfortunately, through no fault of theirs, my tea was not ready in time and I missed the bus. Ugh! I should have known 8 minutes was cutting it close. So I took my tea over to an empty table by the front window, consulted the bus tracker app, and learned that the next bus was 10 minutes away.
A couple of minutes later the cashier dude came over and handed me a piping hot quiche ... for FREE ... because I missed the bus while waiting for my tea to be prepared. Whoa, wait a minute! I told him that wasn't necessary because it wasn't their fault that I missed the bus. But he insisted.
All I have to say is ... yaaay for Argo Tea employees on Armitage!!! You have restored my faith in customer service.
Oh yeah, the tea and the quiche were delicious, too! -
Review from karen b.
4/2/2012
where can i start a petition to get this awesome place to open a philly branch?
so much better than starbucks, both for beverages and food. the coconut chai latte and earl grey vanilla creme latte stand out, as do their "teapot" grains and "specialtea" salads -- brown rice or veggie bowls with healthy, tea-infused ingredients. great to grab on the go when you want something quick that also manages to be free of grease and won't feel like a brick in your stomach.
haven't tried the sandwiches or pastries, but they all look good. i hope this place expands. -
Review from Reid G.
Chicago, IL
2/7/2012
Great Argo. Bright, yet cozy. This store features a rotation of local artists which keeps things interesting. Pom Tea is my go-to, hot or cold.
My only beef with Argo as an establishment is that the free wifi could be a whole lot faster. That's being kind. -
Review from Courtney W.
Chicago, IL
3/12/2012
I'm an avid tea drinker but I have a terrible memory when it comes to what I like. I also like to experiment with different flavors and they always know just to brew me. When my mom came into town, they made the best iced tea I've ever had. Whenever I come to buy loose tea, they always suggest the best blends and even brew some up for me to sample before I commit to purchasing. I'm normally an avid coffee drinker but every once in a while Argo Tea will convince me that tea is the better option nine times out of ten. I've been to other Argo Tea locations but none of them are as friendly as this location.
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Review from Angie E.
1/10/2012
Love it. Lived up to what I was expecting. My favorite tea is their Earl grey creme latte. Only made in house- SO GOOD. Have to try it. Nice atmosphere too. Sucks they don't have a suburban location!
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Review from Ryan L.
Chicago, IL
7/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
Argo Tea has great snacked for breakfast and exceptional teas. Options galore here.
I felt bad for them as they got 3 feet of water in their basement after a huge storm the night before but were still very cool and didn't seem too stressed.
Its pricey but so many different great tea options. -
Review from Christine F.
Chicago, IL
5/18/2011 2 Check-ins Here
DAMN YOU ARGO AND YOUR EXPENSIVE (albeit, delicious) DRINKS
I had some time to kill and I was at the Armitage stop, so I hopped into Argo. Cute, tiny shop - moderate amount of seating.
I put in an order for a Tea Squeeze. It's lemonade with hibiscus iced tea.
IT IS AS GOOD AS IT SOUNDS.
It was sweet, floral and acidic. REALLY good stuff. I question why a medium tea is $4 before tax (really?), but if it's a once in awhile thing I suppose it's not that big of a deal.
I also like that they have the calorie count next to the items on the menu. I give 500 thumbs up for that. -
Review from Raquel D.
4/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
I LOVE tea. But lately, I find myself dreaming about Argo...fascinated and drooling at the thought of green tea ginger lemon twist....and then I MUST have it at once. This is might be obsession.
They always have samples of their different and unique types of tea in the store. But I always stick to what i know i LOVE. I've tried some, but this giner tea hits the spot. It's SO GOOD!!!
I have walked/driven out of my way to get my fix and end up buying more to to take home....it IS that good. But it's def not cheap...but then again, anything with the premise of being good for you never is so ENJOY! -
Review from Lesley A.
Updated - 1/11/2011
This Argo Tea cleaned up its act! The premises are cleaner and the barristas are so much friendlier now, but the place it quite small and can get crowded around the lunch hour. However, the location cannot be beat.
I had the white chocolate frostea, which is one of my favorite Argo drinks even though the recipe has changed and it's not as sweet (less syrupy sweetness, more white tea flavor). Regardless, it is excellent with 2% milk and, as the barrista wisely recommended, intensely good with a warm chocolate brownie. Try it!Listed in: Ergo...the Argo
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/12/2009
Note: My ratings are in regards to comparing each Argo Tea location. My goal is to visit them all!
… Read more »
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Review from Kimberly C.
Palo Alto, CA
8/7/2011
i love tea and this place rocks. The staff was SO nice and helpful. They have some pretty cool unique snacks and chocolates that you can't find anywhere. wish they had an argo in the bay area.
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Review from Olga V.
Cambridge, MA
3/10/2011
Starbucks for Tea!!!
Randomly bumped into this place when was in Chicago. Fantastic place and idea. It should be everywhere like Starbucks. They have variety of teas, tea lattes and all other sorts of tea drinks. Don't remember the name of what I had - it was a special - but it was amazing. The place also has free wi-fi and open space to work and hang out.
They also serve the cutest little salads there that are super tasty (a little overpriced though).
Overall, if I lived in Chicago, this is where you would have found me every day: working, hanging out and enjoying tea! -
Review from Brett D.
10/29/2008
Mmmmm I love tea...... for some reason though, I don't drink it regularly. Nah, I'm more of a Starbizzy girl always looking for that caffeine rush to keep me pumped throughout the day. With my recent bout of being sick though, I'd been drinking tea like they're about to toss it all back into Beantown Harbor - yeah, I guess you could say I've been t-baggin' it. Looking to get away from the old box 'o chamomile I've got in the pantry I hopped in the hooptie to head to Sbucks for a chai only to find this Argo Tea at the same intersection dramatically tugging on my heartstrings.
I found what I've known to be true for awhile now... I LOVE IT THERE!
The drinks are great... dare I say better than coffee drinks?? Maybe I'm just over-lattéd but this Mama is ready for a turn of the leaf, literally. A few of my favs are the maté laté, which isn't really a "latté" at all... just a fabulous blend of energizing (yerba) maté, almond and steamed milk. Packs the same wallop as a cup of joe but is so much more soothing and tasty! The charitea (red tea + cherry juice) is fab hot or cold, virtually calorie free and has 10% of its sales proceeds donated to charity. How's that for steamy?
For you bubble tea fans, they even serve up teas with those weird, chewy pearly things you like. Go crazy on those why don't ya?! I'll be too busy cheating on my boyfriend, Starbuckeroo, macking in the corner with a steamed hibiscus sangria. Shameless? Nah. I just found a better lovah.Listed in: Me Java Jane, Tea For Two
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Review from Colleen C.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 10/8/2009
Pumpkin
Spice
Chai
Soy
Shot
Espresso
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Drink Fall, to-go.Listed in: Free WIFI!, The Argo Tea Chronicles
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/11/2008
A round of applause for Argo...
Seriously, this is one legit operation. A non-corporate entity that… Read more »
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Review from Carolynne M.
Chicago, IL
4/29/2008
I came here to get out of the rain and to grab a cup of coffee.
They had me at "red velvet tea".
Coffee cannot compete with the richness and delectability of this drink. Buy one of these for me and I will most likely say "yes" to anything you ask of me.
Wow.Listed in: Raindrops on Roses and…
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Review from Tina B.
9/9/2008
I've had many, many delicious drinks here - the Carolina sweet iced tea, the Mojitea with sparkling water, boba drinks and mattes - and one gross drink - a warm Charitea with soy, but the milk kind of curdled and it was like drinking hot tea with cottage cheese in it ...[shudders with the memory of it...]
But overall I love this place and I love supporting such a cute Chicago-based mini-chain. Prices are high. This one is slightly more cramped than comfy, but I still like it.
My one issue with this location: I hate when people try to make me feel like I'm going crazy, because I probably am going crazy and I really don't need any help. Case in point - There used to be a little area in here for little kids, with some books and some cute little toys and stuff. But now that's not there anymore and when I've asked about it, the staff looks at me like I'm insane, or making it up or something. Look dammit, just tell me you moved it or burned it all, hell, I don't care, just don't act like I'm nuts. It was there...(damn you..I swear it was there....)
And, of course: Open one on the far Southside Argo! Get with the program - You're FROM Chicago even. Come on....Please?Listed in: The Northside South - Stuff…
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Review from Andrea R.
8/30/2007
I was all about Argo Tea just based on the Randolph location and I'm even more all about it after visiting their Armitage location this morning.
I approached the counter in dire need of caffeine and before I could even open my mouth the woman behind the counter was offering me a croissant sample, as well as many different tea samples...now, that's good service! She and the other guys behind the counter were eager to help me discover the perfect tea and I ended up settling on the ginger bread chai....wow, this puts my normal latte to shame everyday!
I need an Argo Tea right next to my apartment, although that ginger bread chai is worth the walk/drive.Listed in: Free Wifi in Chicago
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Review from George R.
11/25/2007
Convenient location from the "L" Brown Line (Armitage stop; toward Sheffield Ave). I stopped here based on Yelp reviews. Good call!
Inside was small and cozy downstairs (probably 8 small individual tables and 4 window seats). Mellow instrumental music was playing overhead. Most of the seats were filled with patrons using their laptops. Several pre-packaged gift packs were available for purchase around the store.
Loose teas for sale by the ounce started at $2.25. Pre-packaged teas were also available. I ordered a small Armenian Mint tea at the counter ($2.25) which was pretty good.
Nice place to warm up on a cold day! -
Review from Candice G.
Naperville, IL
3/24/2009
A refreshing escape from coffee for tea enthusiasts.
Their daily specials are always creative, refreshing, and delicious and the employees are actually happy to be there.
I love their summer teas... yummy tea sangria... though I'm very tempted to bring my own alcohol for spiking purposes. My boyfriend loves their hot teas, particularly this Early Grey/english breakfast they had on special once... and never again on our days in. He can't pass an argo tea in the city without stopping in to check.
The seating is very limited but Armitage is such a lovely street it's no big deal to walk around with your tea and enjoy the shopping and sights of the street.Listed in: My Olympic Talent? The…
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Review from Liz B.
11/18/2008
Pumpkin Chai.
(OK, if you haven't noticed, I'm obsessed with Pumpkin flavored things)
Get it before its gone! -
Review from Mari K.
Chicago, IL
5/14/2008
It's 2 blocks away from me, has free wi-fi, and makes great tea. I can't ask for much more..
*note: seating feels more crowded and less comfortable at this location, but it's nothing to complain about. =) -
Review from Love S.
Chicago, IL
12/2/2008
I opted to try out Argo's white chocolate mint tea creation the other day as I dashed in from the cold - Glad I did! Yeah, I'm spending $$ on a few hot drinks daily, BUT it's my only vice and you kinda have to in this cold Chicago climate!
In the AM, it's a 1/2 decaf soy latte, usually from some place serving up Intelligentsia, but mid day, I don't want coffee, rather, tea! The matte latte is excellent - I always add honey for soothing benefits. I've tried the matte espresso drink and thought it tasted like dirt. It just doesn't work for me. The loose chamomile tea is great to steep before bed!
The white chocolate mint tea really hit the spot! I'm glad they were sampling and they offered me some. With all the walking around I do in the cold, this drink makes me feel like I'm walking in a minty winter wonderland!!!! hahahaha -
Review from Erin M.
Boston, MA
1/26/2009
I love Chai.
This is the perfect Chai. Either with skim or soy, it's phenomenal. Now I don't drink it from anywhere else! -
Review from Rachel L.
Stafford, TX
8/8/2009
When I've had a really crappy day, I seek out a tea or coffee shop for therapy. I stumbled onto Argo Tea in the search for my comfort food and wasn't disappointed. I'd never been there before and, while I am a tea drinker, I didn't know their menu, what was good, etc.
After staring blankly at the menu, hypnotized by the wealth of selections, one of the ... I don't know what to call them... baristas?... anyway, they asked me a few questions about what I generally liked and then made a couple of suggestions for me to try. I still hesitated a bit and they offered me a couple of samples to help me make up my mind. What a fantastic idea!! I wound up feeling great about the tea I ordered and was on my way to healing my soul with yummy goodness.
It's probably good I don't live in Chicago. I'd go broke visiting this place. But, they do hold a very special place in my heart. =)
Go there. Drink tea. Heal your soul. -
Review from Stacey A.
7/19/2007
I prefer this location to the one on Broadway because:
a) the employees (servers? baristas? whatever?) let me take my sweet-ass time and didn't make me feel rushed.
b) the same employees were super sweet and gave my roommate and I a TON of free stuff. Like, they MADE SAMPLES to give to us. It was awesome.
c) chocolate. mint. tea. Ohmygodamazing. Tastes like a girl scout cookie.Listed in: PLUG THE COFFEE INTO MY VEINS
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Review from Elizabeth M.
Houston, TX
5/10/2008
I came in for a simple green tea, and left with a green tea latte. Not only a green tea latte, but a soy milk green tea latte with almond. And you know what? It was amazing. Better than most coffee-based lattes I get. I enjoyed every drop of it.
Meanwhile, my tea snob SO was standing near me thinking I'd just done terrible, terrible things to a decent cup of tea. He ordered the formosa oolong and said it was basically just "okay". He's not overly impressed with Argo's selection in general, claiming that they have about three serious teas. He does really enjoy their earl grey, though he doesn't place that in the serious tea category. (He also wanted me to note that most people will probably enjoy the teas here, but we're talking about a man who drinks several cups a day of really good tea.)
Then there's me. As I said, I ordered a tea latte and I like my gimicky drinks in general (er, sometimes. I think most Starbucks drinks are foul, for example). There's a ton on the menu here that I'd love to try just for the novelty of it. I may be completely hooked, and I'm in trouble because there's one in Hyde Park (UofC hospital). I'd hang out in this location to get work done. I'd probably blow my budget on drinks in the meantime.
Argo, I underestimated you when I just ordered plain cups of tea. Your real skill is in weird tea-based lattes. I may have to try this at home. -
Review from Richie D.
6/16/2008 1 Check-in Here
GOSH I LOVE ARGO! I am a proud to be a club member to support the recent tea drinkers popularity movement.
Argo is an independent tea store (now nine stores exist but it's nothing like the annoying Starbucks monopoly) that has a variety of unique tea based drinks. If you're having a difficult time choosing...A few of my favorites are: the Mate Late (great iced for summer days or hot for winter days; however do beware that the majority of Americans do not care for Mate--I guess you have to travel to South America to undergo a taste buds adaptation), Mojitea (Mojito Tea Fusion for those lushes), Tea Sangria (if you like a kick of energy with fresh fruit), and the frothy Chocolate Mint or Earl Grey Vanilla Creme for those frigid Chicago days. They also sell nice tea lover items such as cute tea pots, steeping spoons/diffusers, fresh pastries/food & a large variety of pre-bagged/sealed & loose-leaf teas.
While the location on Armitage is the ORIGINAL shop but a bit small (I prefer the stores on Randolph in the loop & on Broadway in Lake View), all the locations are quaint, have free Wi-Fi and are comfortably clean.
If you love your visit, join the Argo Club for a card that earns you points for free drinks and other products. Argo tea fanatics welcome everyone, including those coffee addicts! So don't worry, they sell coffee as well. -
Review from Alison Z.
San Francisco, CA
12/30/2010
Let me just say that I can deal with Argo Tea expanding to NYC, but I'm extremely bitter that they're in St. Louis before California...
That being said...Argo has masterfully built a chain of tea cafes in the Chicago area that have quality tea, unique beverages, fresh bakery items, pleasant decor, and beautifully-designed products. This original cafe on Armitage/Sheffield was my go-to place when I lived in Chicago, and always had friendly, helpful staff who were willing to make suggestions and substitutions to get me the drink I wanted. Great selection of loose tea and gifts for tea lovers as well.
Added bonus: they even make flying American Airlines a little less terrible (only to/from ORD!) because there is an Argo in Terminal 3. :) -
Review from Heather B.
Chicago, IL
4/1/2008
Ar-gasm: (noun) feeling one experiences when first discovering Argo Tea -or- experiencing a sensational journey to an Argo shop (as always).
I absolutely love this place! I'm so glad I came here the day I did, instead of Starbucks. Definitely worth it.
So far, I've had the pumpkin chai, chocolate smoothtea, and hibiscus iced tea. By far, the chocolate tea was the best!
I've been to the Lincoln Park, Lakeview and Evanston locations and the staff at every store is so nice and knowledgeable. This is something that I still haven't found in Starbucks, even after their so-called espresso excellence training this year.
I'm considering a second job and might even apply with them as a testiment to how much I like their store.Listed in: The convergence of the boyz…
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Review from Jeannie B.
Chicago, IL
5/16/2008
The thing I love most about this AT location is that the staff is freakin awesome-always. That will really make or break a place for me...
I work close to this place, so I pop in pretty often. Great selection, clean quarters, && of course AWESOME tea. -
Review from Kristen S.
Chicago, IL
11/17/2007
I became a huge Tea drinker because of Argo. I started coming over here when they opened and I haven't stopped since!
Love all the different fresh teas and the unique tea set products. Service is fast and friendly, the seating is comfortable, and the location is great. -
Review from Jojo F.
10/22/2008
Okay, this is probably the 5th time that I visited this Argo tea. The teas? Great. The soy hot chocolate (hey, sometimes you don't want tea)? Very good. The vegan blueberry muffin? Bleh. I'm still scraping my tongue from the experience. Clearly, I must make a trip to either Bleeding Heart or Chicago Diner for any sort of desirable baked delights.
Argo tea, revamp your muffins! -
Review from Alexis K.
12/1/2008
I like Argo and God knows I visit their various locations enough.
Yesterday, I went to this Argo and put in an order for a blueberry muffin and my gingerbread chai. I received both items wrong and was too far away when I realized it. It wasn't that early and certainly wasn't busy. What gives? -
Review from Jenny A.
Chicago, IL
7/19/2007
Tea = fabulous. The tea drinks they make here also = fabulous.
I feel moderately silly reiterating the points of my roommate's review (we DO review so many of the same places), but may I mention for emphasis that the baristas are AWESOME?
She got a chocolate mint tea, I got a chai. We got these for cheaper than menu price because we're students. I love that. As if the sweet baristas needed any MORE bonus points, we got free samples of about 6 other drinks. And by samples, I mean we drank more free tea than what we paid for. Also, vis-a-vis said samples, I fell in love with Argo's Pom Tea.
So, thank you to the tea baristas at this particular Argo. You're amazing, and we'll most definitely be back. -
Review from Tom M.
Chicago, IL
4/5/2007
Better vibe across the street at Starbucks. Service here seems snooty. Not as many comfy seating options as I would like to see. Cold draft from the door in winter months.
Pretty tasty decaf, though, I must say. -
Review from Paul H.
Nashville, TN
11/25/2007
I started going to Argo more often a few weeks ago when I lost my voice. The Carolina Honey was sweet and soothing to my throat. Now I'm addicted. I also really like the Pomegranite Tea and the Hibiscus Steamer - sweet, but not too much so - and they both go nicely with the pastries behind the counter.
In an effort to be more environmentally friendly, I bought a travel mug. Each time you use it you get a drink that would normally cost $3.55 for just $3.00 - and you don't have to feel bad about throwing out a cup.
The only thing I dislike about the Armitage location is the seating. While there is plenty of room to work, and an outlet at every seat, there is a problem with the afternoon sun. The storefront has huge windows and no shades, so when the sun pours through it can get pretty hot inside. But, that's not something to worry about if you're just passing through and grabbing a tasty tea. -
Review from Tom T.
7/13/2010
Went to two different branches, but just decided to write on one.
I have to admit that I was pretty surprised that there are tea shops around, mixing different kinds of teas and other liquids to come up with different combination that I wouldn't normally drink.
The Mojitea was different, nothing like its drunken cousin Mojito, but it was a different kind of "different". I would recommend it with the sparkling water, to give it an extra zing.
The Caroline Honey Tea was really tasty, and actually helped out with my stomach ache I had after eating a case of something bad in Kamehachi. Again, another drink I would recommend!
Too bad that they don't have something similar in LA. Can't wait to try out more teas from this place the next time I go! -
Review from Leilani F.
Chicago, IL
12/14/2007
I love this place. They sell multiple varieties of loose-teas, tea drinks, snacks, and tea pots and stuff. My favorite drink is the "bubble tea" with vegan pearls??!!! Made with coconut?! Not hard or too mushy but square, always fresh tasting, and simply irresistible? Yum. They will always make my weird bubble tea concoction of Armenian Mint tea with sugar-free vanilla syrup and of course, the pearls.
They also have really creative tea combinations such as Teappuccino, Chai, Mat Lat, Tea Sangria, MojiTea, Hibiscus Steamer, Chocolate Mint, Tea Squeeze, Pom Tea, and Smootea. Check out their website, they offer full nutrition information.
You can also grab a Lara Bar, or try their awesome quiche! (Tomato Basil is my favorite)
Free WI-FI too... you don't have to be a member of anything either. All you have to do be a customer.
Everyone who works there is super nice, and funny. They give you an Argo card that you can swipe whenever you buy anything, and it accumulates points so that you get a free drink. I go there only "every so often" and I've already earned two free drinks. I really recommend this place. My only gripe is that there should be more of them! We could afford a few less Starbucks.... -
Review from Amanda H.
Chicago, IL
8/20/2008
The fact that Argo is a chain drink shop is devoted primarily to tea rather than coffee is the bees knees. The fact that this location attracts Lincoln Park high school kids is not the bees knees.
High school kids, I know what it feels like to really want to make out with some cute boy (or girl) in your class, so you feel like you have to impress them and be funny and all that crap that people do when they wanna make out. However, I want to advise you that a loud, bad Borat impression is not the way to first base. It is, however, the way to lure me to glare at you while wishing that my eyes could shoot lazer rays of death.
Yay for free wifi, boo for high school kids that ruin concentration, boo for tiny amount of seating, yay for that hibiscus drink. -
Review from Briana J.
Chicago, IL
5/3/2007
They sell Carol's cookies. What more could a fat girl ask for?
There green tea selection is great and I like the outdoor seating. -
Review from Jennifer B.
Chicago, IL
6/1/2010
Argo Tea is to Armitage what the sun is to the sky....
....this location is perfectly situated along Armitage Ave to refresh those parched trixies and chads. With a great location adjacent to a plethora of shopping, I like it as a substitute to Starbucks. Whenever I'm looking for a drink that is more inventive I come to Argo. This location is also great because it's clean! With as much business as they get you can tell the baristas make an effort to keep the tables clean.
Bonus points because Argo Tea lists their calories on all their products! No surprises here! It's great to know my tea is only 10 calories....but bad to know my brownie is 460!
