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Category: Coffee & Tea [Edit]
Neighborhood: Near North SideChicago (Red)
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I came here once while walking back to my hotel and since I was cold, I decided to get something warm.
There was a decent amount of people even after 10 pm because Loyola University is nearby. Lots of students studying. I wasn't sure what to get, but the girl behind counter was helpful. I decided to get the vanilla red tea latte. It was very good and definitely unique. Much better than Starbucks.
I wish that Argo Tea was in California...
This particular Argo is a little too student-crowded and distracting when they're having group meetings in here.
The machines get pretty loud too.
I LOVE Argo Tea. I don't know why I keep forgetting to Yelp Argo Tea, because I sure come to this location at least once a week, since it's right down the street from school. I'm like a regular! Except not, because so many people come in there a day so I'm sure the employees try not to look anyone in the eye. I wouldn't, if it were me.
So I love Argo Tea. I love the inside; it's cozy and there's free wi-fi! Which used to not be important to me, but now that I've got a laptop whose wireless works, I'm excited to go and try it out! I have to admit that I continuously only get the same thing: a large mate late with soy milk. Now, this is because mate has A LOT of caffeine, and since I don't drink coffee, I decided to get this. But also, I'm addicted to this drink. Everytime I go in, I think to myself "Ok, this is it. You're gonna get another drink. I just know you are. The Red Velvet looks good...maybe even the Hibiscuis Honey or whatever it's called. Do it. You can do it, Erica. You can do it!" And then I get up to the counter and I say "A large mate late with soy milk, please." ONE DAY, I'll change, I promise. However, a lot of people get different things. One of my classmates got some green tea. People order crazy combinations. These things happen.
Also coffee lovers, never fear! There is coffee here. I don't know what it tastes like because I am allergic, but my gut says that since the tea is delicious the coffee can't be half bad. Also, the food here is tasty. I have had the chocolate croissant which was so good I stuffed my face with it like I hadn't had lunch twenty minutes earlier. I also have gotten the cold lentil salad and I won't lie, I thought I was in heaven. It was very tasty. I also checked the ingredients every five seconds so I could try to recreate it at home so I could eat it all the time. But I forgot them, which just means I have to eat it again! Maybe today!
Also, as other reviewers suggested, pick up an Argo card! I've already gotten one free drink and am well on my way to a second one! Hooray for me! But really, Argo Tea should probably expand to the Wicker Park area so I can go everyday and then I'll be one of those people who has a "tea" budget.
This was my first Argo, so in many ways, I will be forever grateful. It is bigger than most, and it has a large selection of food items. It's convenient to shopping and makes trips to Borders that much more delightful. Even so, it's convenient for everyone else who shops on Michigan Avenue, which is everyone in the city and all of the tourists, too. That means this Argo is often really crowded and crazy, even in the early morning or late evening. I'll go here if I'm on that side of town, or if I'm too lazy to make a two bus trip, but otherwise I head over to Armitage or down to St. Clair.
I don't know why I keep avoiding Yelping Argo Teas. They are among my favorite spots in the city. I'll start with this one.
Brought a friend from TX who had heard rumors of this tasty bit of tastiness. I told her overwhelmed face that as much as I'd love to walk her through the menu, they'd do a much better job. So she marched up to the cashier, popped a sample of chocolate croissant, said "I've never been here in my life."
The cashier (there's gotta be a sexy job title I'm unaware of) did not disappoint. Jumped into her spiel explaining the company, the offerings, etc. without sounding like a brochure. Mad impressive, and hooked my friend up with a red velvet on a chilly day, a drink I strongly advocate myself.
They've switched to a newfangled reward system on their Argo Cards which I understand to be a buy 10 get 1 free plus lots of other loyalty perks & promos. The point is, pick up an Argo card if you don't have one yet.
This one has more spots in the main seating area than the other loop locations, but it's a bit cozy. They keep the bathroom key hooked on a tea infuser behind the front counter, and while I'll deduct no stars for it, that is gro-dy.
Loved my raspberry bubble tea but the mojitea my daughter ordered
wasn't that enjoyable. It was a bit sour with a little too much lime.
It looked better than it tastes.
I still love the other drinks and sitting outside on a gorgeous day!
Yummy!! I love the gingerbread chai and the chocolate mint was tasty as well. It's nice to have… Read more »
Argo Tea is a wonderful change from Starbucksville. The Mojitea alone is deliciously, cruelly addictive, and I could damage myself on them. Their drinks are clever, different, and delicious.
This particular site is good for ease of running in for a quickie (unlike the NMH branch), but has one confounding things: false handicapped availability, which almost knocked them down to 3 stars. Firstly, the front door is one of those "airlock" style two-door combos. While there is a handicapped opener button for the *outer* door, the *inner* door has no automated assistance. Secondly, the bathroom doors are heavy as all get-out, and are near impossible for anyone with weakness to open (*raise hand and wave*). Also, the servicefolk aren't exactly 100% customer focused - when I said "can you look up my Argo Tea card; I left it at home", she replied, "Sorry, no." Then she added under her breath, "I already rang the sale." Excuse me? If you actually *can* do it, why not just void the transaction, look it up, and re-run it? That too was very annoying, although maybe I was predisposed to be upset, since I was so deoxygenated from fighting with the heavy bathroom doors and juggling the bathroom key that was attached to a metal wire strainer.
Street parking in that immediate vicinity is all but impossible to get as well, so going there by car is a serious challenge.
Still, it's an Argo Tea; they have the Mojitea, and that's what I need - my little dose of crack.
[I'm proud to say] I've never been to another Argo, so I don't know how this one compares.
I must insist, though, that Argo is NOT tea-- even less so than that white-suburbia strip mall mainstay, Teavana. It reeks of marketing gimmickry-- not only do they seem to lack any sort of unadulterated tea, teas with flavorings added are not "rare" and should not be sold as such.
My friend's Mojitea was terrible-- the flavor was stinging and it tasted like water + sweet and sour mix. Worse, it cost $3.50 and the cup was TINY. I got a hot Roasted Mate which was, as expected, warm and comforting-- but it lacked that kick that Yerba Mate typically has.
This is because they brew pots of each tea flavor, concentrated, beforehand. When someone orders something, they just pour some from that pot and then add hot or cold water as needed. On a slow day your tea might have been sitting there at room temperature for hours before you ordered it. ...I mean, use low-quality tea if you'd like, Argo. But at the very least, appease the more discerning by steeping your customers' hot tea directly in their cups?
Oy.
On the plus side, this was a pleasant location to sit unbothered while a friend and I got some work done. WiFi access codes last 2 hours, starting from when you log in, with each purchase. My friend wanted to be there for more than 2 hours, but when I reached for my receipt onto which my code was printed once his expired, I realized I had thrown it away by accident. I went to the counter and they very nicely just handed me another old receipt (someone else who didnt want their code after all?).
So, 4 stars for customer service, 1 star for the product and everything about Argo.
Addendum: I don't quite understand the bathroom logistics-- The doors for both bathrooms lock automatically when closed (no lock from the inside), and you need to get a bathroom key from the counter. But imagine this situation: You get a key and go into one of the two bathrooms. Someone else needs to go and gets the second key-- does that mean that unless they luckily chose the empty bathroom, then they have access into the bathroom while you're using it? What?
I really really heart this place and wish there was an Argo Tea in Atlanta! It was nice staying on Michigan Ave and coming here every morning for a full week and getting the amazing teas they serve. My favorite drinks are the bubble teas and tea lattes!
The staff is AMAZING and it was great that they not only knew me by name by the end of the week, but had my order ready by the time I finished my morning runs!
I come here most mornings on my way to work to grab a cup of tea. I like that there's a shop that focuses on tea instead of coffee, as I am a loud proponent of the former. They have a good selection, and I feel like prices are not too high, unless you go for the specialty drinks.
I stick to the tea, though. I've tried their breakfast and veggie wraps before - ugh. They're obviously just pulled out of a freezer and nuked, which reduces the "eggs" inside of them to a spongy, rubbery mess. Pastry items are ok, but given how unhealthy pastries are in general, they have to taste pretty amazing for me to feel like they're worth it.
Why Argo have you not opened any stores in NYC? This place is frigging amazing. I walked in while wandering around Chicago and sampled their Cherry Tea (I love that they always have little samples out) - I was just expecting, ya know, tea, but holy crap that shit is amazing. I liken it to liquid crack. The next day after a long walk to Millennium Park I was so thirsty and only Argo would do. Luckily I found it and had the green tea ginger twist - pure deliciousness. I will keep my fingers crossed that you're planning on expanding to New York.
THE STARBUCKS OF TEA!
Take from that what you will.
I'm here way too much. The Argo Card is awesome. My biggest complaint is that sometimes the specialty drinks can be hit or miss. Sometimes I have the most amazing drink, and other times they can be, what I perceive as, very very watery and flavorless. The most consistency I have seen is usually in the mornings (before 10) and at night (after 7 or 8).
Would be 5 stars but I get angry when my drink tastes like water. (Also Loyola students get a discount here!)
I would like to give the place three stars, as the staff always seem to be pleasant at all the Argos I visit, especially if I go more than once. However, the tea specialty drinks are disgusting. I don't know who formulates them, but they need to get their tastebuds checked. We don't all want to become diabetic, Argo tea.
I have tried on several occasions to have the baristas make the drinks less sugary, but they end up watering the whole thing down. I just want a potent drink without sugar.
Therefore, I decided only to order off of the tea wall. They do have an excellent array of loose teas. I like the fact that they are local, so, I prefer them over starbucks, even though their coffee is stale.
Note: My ratings are in regards to comparing each Argo Tea location. My goal is to visit them all!
I've been to almost every Argo Tea in the city and like their business. I can only hope that they expand.
I did want to comment about this particular location though: it is the noisiest of the locations I've been to. There have been times I've tried to read here but for some reason, sounds are amplified in this closed space. It is one of the smaller locations.
I do, however, appreciate their hours as they cater to local students, and they are near the Chicago red line.
Yum! Teapuccino makes me happy!
A great little stop but I never feel like the staff gives a shit....maybe just the times I've been there, but still.
This is where I write the 30th review comparing Argo to Starbucks:
The shop itself certainly feels like a Starbucks, except when you look at the menu all the weird drinks have tea in them instead of coffee. They also have a ton of black, green, white, red, and herbal teas that they brew for you from loose leaves. Not being a Chicagoan I've only been once, and I had was the jasmine pearls (I think that's what it was called). It was very good. I also sampled a seasonal chocolate-mint-tea thing that was also very good, but didn't taste like it had any tea in it.
When Argo does decide to expand, Starbucks-like, all over the country and eventually the world, I'll be pretty happy when one opens in my town.
I just tried their white tea acai squeeze, Argo's latest seasonal beverage. It's the perfect summer drink: cold, fruity, slightly tart and -- bonus! -- loaded with antioxidants. I assume it's just around for the summer, so get there ASAP to try it!
I love Argo Tea and was super excited when they opened this location in my neighborhood awhile back.… Read more »
I'm more of a tea drinker than coffee. So you can see why I was so happy to discover a cafe that made yummy tea drinks. My favorite drink is the mango green tea with bubbles. The employees are all very friendly and helpful with choosing a drink that fits your craving. There is also free Wifi here.
I just found out there is another Argo Tea on State & Randolph which is even closer to me!
There is no hiding the fact that I love Argo Tea. In fact, Argo Tea is one of the things I miss most about Chicago when I leave. I never understood how people could be so fanatical about Starbucks and take such pride in their coffee concoctions. After all I drink coffee but I am not a coffee drinker. But then a dear friend introduced me to Argo Tea and now I get it. I have a hot beverage store that I love and look forward to visiting.
Argo Tea is to Starbucks what a really good wine bar is to a beer joint. Argo brews their tea with extreme care and is careful not to over steep their product. The tea at Argo is also as fresh as possible and even in some cases seasonal because that is how tea works. Similar to a good cheese store you can only get certain cheeses at specific times of the year.
I think the most refreshing thing about Argo is that the tea is the star. To many tea stores in California make boba and jellies the center of their menu and in the end we have to settle for inferior tea. Argo does offer some bubble tea options but it is merely a compliment to their superior product.
I am kind of a tea purist so Earl Grey is my go to winner. But I also think the red teas at Argo are divine and a great way to warm up on a cold evening. Thankfully Argo will ship their loose tea to California so I can keep my sanity between visits. I hope that Argo will realize their expansion dreams and make it to sunny California one day. When that happens I will be the first one in line.
Among my favorites here: the maté laté, the açai parfait, the hibiscus flavored smootea, and their chai.
However, I personally don't like their version of bubble tea because they substitute the tapioca balls with weird coconut things. Other than that this place is pretty solid.
It's nice every once in a while but if you go too often, your wallet will start to look skinny.
My one experience with Argo Tea went rather badly. I was the only customer in the store, and the two employees who were there that morning were discussing a date one of them had had the night before. My ordering tea really disrupted their conversation. They were obviously displeased that I had been so rude as to interrupt, and neither said a word to me other than to tell me how much the tea cost, which was way too much for what I got: slightly sweetened ice water.
My friend has worked for both Starbucks and Argo, and says they are run EXACTLY THE SAME, except that Argo doesn't offer vision or dental. She has way more horror stories about Argo's ownership thans he does about Starbucks. It's funny that they try to seem like they're all progressive and different, when really they're the same corporate monster to which they appear to be the alternative (and they seem to have a whole lot of you fooled).
Love their Darjeeling Champangne tea. Smooth and soothing.
Great loose leaf tea selection.
Why did I not find this place earlier??? After decades of feeling discriminated against because of my coffee-intolerant palate, Argo Tea has made me feel accepted. I remember going to diners and having the servers walking around with those coffee pitchers giving free refills and when I wanted more tea, I'd get warm water and a crappy tea bag. I felt nauseated when walking into a Starbucks or similar coffee joint. When I walking to Argo Tea, I feel clean and optimistic.
Argo has taken tea to a new level. They have been just as creative with tea as their coffee counterparts. They have a great selection of teas without going overboard - anyone up for a cup of apple, nutmeg, jasmine, chocolate Rooibus tea? Didn't think so.
The music playing is chill and gets you focused on your work or whatever you came into Argo Tea for. FYI, for each purchase you get two hours of Internet service.
I like this location. It's almost always busy, but the lines are pretty quick, and I'm always able to grab a seat within a few minutes. It's not super cheap, as far as coffee/tea places go, but it's good stuff. You can get a student discount (not very much, but a discount is a discount!) with your student id. Try the hot earl grey/vanilla drink. It's very good!
I cannot stop thinking about their gingerbread chai!
It has replaced any chance of sugar plums dancing in my head.
I came here cause I was getting pretty tired running around and I was at the Water Tower Place doing some shopping and I felt I needed a jolt of caffeine.
I got the iced latte which helped me a lot. I liked it a lot because it wasn't like starbucks where it was like all you're drinking is sugar!
I loved the layout and the look of this place too! Super cute and clean and friendly!
Eh. I don't really like Argo Tea for the fact is...every time I think something I order is going to taste amazing (judging by the name) it's always mediocre. High prices, mediocre drinks. There you go.
Back in the day, this primo location used to house the "Wolf & Kettle" cafe at Loyola University Chicago. Once the new prez took over and realized what a gold mine this was, he promptly booted the lackluster Wolf & Kettle and brought in the big boys...
Argo Tea took its place, and it fits in much better down in this strip of Gold Coast. Wide offerings, great coffee spot, Wifi...plenty of seating, clean bathrooms, easily accessible...
And though Argo Tea may "look" corporate...it's homegrown Chicago, and therefore I will appreciate it. Plus the hibiscus steamer is pretty stellar. :)
This place is fantastic! Being a non-coffee drinker, I personally believe that we could really use one of these in Denver. Not only are the drinks delicious, the pastries and breakfast items are as well. I had the best yogurt parfait of my life from here (which I know is due to the fact of great local food places, and not strictly Argo, but still!)
Forget the lattes I used to drink...I now can't make it throughout my day without a gingerbread chai from Argo Tea! So much so that the last 2 days I found myself re-routing my walk so that I would pass by this Argo Tea on Rush Street. Hot or cold...I don't care...I just want my gingerbread chai!
Today I was feeling a bit adventurous and ordered a pumpkin chai instead. Of course I had to sample it first to make sure it was on par with the gingerbread chai...and it was just as yummy! I ordered it hot and it was very tasty, while soothing on my sore throat (darn cold I can't get rid of!).
So yeah- I love Argo Tea. While this location is the most convenient for me for some reason I don't love it as much as the others (Randolph and Armitage). It's definitely a lot smaller than the argo on Randolph (my favorite location) and very packed with people. This means that the staff behind the counter are always a bit overwhelmed and not quite as friendly. But I don't care if they smile at me or not...as long as I get my gingerbread (or now pumpkin) chai.
I love the Mojitea. I have tried other teas and they are good.
The minus one star is for a weak coffee. My ice latte tasted watered down. It was only a single occurrence though.
Love the service.
My pumpkin chai was tasty, not too hot and smelled like medicine.
Free wifi's cool, but what's with the individual log-in codes? And is it really free if you must buy something? I hate when people are stingy with their data access points. Free the Internet!
Anyway, prices are along the lines of Starbucks and if you're caught in the cold rain on Rush, as I was, Argo is a welcome harbor.
However, I heard one of the clerks tell a customer to "have a TEA-rrific day." Point off for that.
This is my new Argo Tea location. Why?
1. It is the largest Argo Tea in the city (that I've been to at least)
2. They have lots of sweet treats - cupcakes, cookies, brownies... you know, the good stuff.
3. The staff is super friendly and are always excited to share their favorite teas with you.
4. Located in Streeterville, ONE block away from Bottega Veneta.
5. Lots of outdoor seating available. Great for reading a book or people watching.
6. FREE WIFI!! I know, all Argo Teas have free wifi, but it's still cool.
7. Located ONE block away from Bottega Veneta.
I love bubble tea, but went with the persimmon white tea (iced). Perfection on a warm fall evening.
I love tea and it's so disheartening to see all these places devoted to coffee. Argo Tea has a great selection and I'm excited to try the ginger tea another poster wrote about!
I was walking around downtown with a friend and my son as an Argo associate with a sample table outside this branch asked me if I wanted to try their iced gingerbread chai and I gave my, "no thank you =)" quickly since Argo was an unfamiliar name to me and did a double take because the logo on the little clear sample cups were cute... I'm a sucker for catchy, clean designs... so I immediately said, "actually... ok!"
so I sipped... and startled the boy when I said, "Oh my gosh this is so good!! What is it again?! I'm so gonna get one right now!" with way more excitement than he probably got all day....
So I got one... and since then, Argo's gingerbread chai is it man...
My favorite STUDY location!
Studying for boards is a drag, however I fall asleep at the library and start playing XBOX 360 if I'm at home.... what to do? what to do?
My wife and I usually go to this ARGO since:
1. Walking distance from our flat (5 blocks away)
2. Location (if we get bored, plenty of places to see and eat)
3. Quite (starbucks and bookstores can get VERY LOUD.. dam tourist)
4. Staff is VERY friendly
5. If you like tea, buy a POT... its the best VALUE
6. Very nice selection of Tea... and yes, they have Coffee too
7. Near to Vuitton and Gucci...... and Bottega Veneta...
8. CLEAN RESTROOMS!!!
9. Nice outdoor seating
10. Free Wifi...
I'm generally more of a coffee girl than a tea drinker, but Argo's gave me plenty of reasons to reconsider my choice. They have so many varieties of tea (and coffee) to choose from. I had one mixed with sparkling water and it was delicious.
Everyone there was really friendly and the atmosphere was great. One thing I though made this place stand out was that they offered free wi-fi for 2 hours with a purchase. I think this is great because then the place doesn't get overcrowded with people just using the Internet. It creates a nice ebb and flow without charging you for Internet access.
My gingerbread chai was very good. Not too much foam, and not tongue-burning hot. Worthy of three stars because it's on par with others that I've had.
The extra star is for the fact that they always have some kind of vegan baked good. And they're usually quite good! I like the blueberry teacakes.
I've seen this place get really crowded during the afternoons. Students flock here to study and use their wifi. Be careful of tripping over laptop power cords. Other than that, it's a nice spot to plop down with your tea and do a little drawing or writing.
such a great alternative to all the coffee houses. it was such a refreshing change to be able to have something other than coffee... although i do love an excellent cup of any kind of quality espresso beverage.... i just feel that it becomes a bit redundant to only have coffee as a choice... tea houses like argo tea should spread out more. i wish this franchise would enter into the san francisco bay area... this is a concept that would do well there ^_^
really enjoyed my tea latte after walking around chicago all day in the rather cold january weather
Neighborhood: The Loop
Category: Coffee & Tea
Neighborhood: The Loop
Category: Coffee & Tea
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