- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Cafe Jumping Bean
Category: Food Coffee & Tea Coffee & Tea [Edit]
1439 W 18th St(between Bishop St & Laflin St)
Chicago, IL 60608
Neighborhood: Pilsen
(312) 455-0019
- Nearest Transit:
-
18th (Pink Line)
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 6 am - 10 pm
Sat-Sun 7 am - 7 pm
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
114 reviews for Cafe Jumping Bean
Review Highlights
"I'm addicted to the Mexican Hot Chocolate and pastries."
(in 9 reviews)
"...friend had the Iced Satin Mocha and Chocolate Chip Cookie."
(in 3 reviews)
"The free wi-fi is a huge plus."
(in 5 reviews)
Loading...
114 reviews in English
-
Review from Vanessa C.
Chicago, IL
1/18/2012
Cafe Jumping Bean is a beautiful and cozy cafe in the heart of the Pilsen neighborhood. The service is friendly and professional, they do not make their customers wait. My favorite coffee here is the Cafe Ole, its absolutely delicious and no one else has anything like it. My only complaint is that it does get very crowded but that is not the establishment's fault. Usually I just go in for a quick caffeine fix.
-
Review from Marc R.
12/31/2011
This place is awesome. It is very small as other reviewers have pointed out. I think in theory it was meant to be a neighborhood joint where people would come, have some coffee, and move on. It does not have a giant back room or a basement to put the sit-all-day coffee crew.
Ok, on to the cafe. This place is of the neighborhood of PIlsen. So you can expect a Mexican/ Chicano vibe, yet you can also expect to get all the typical coffee shop food and beverages here prepared quickly. I had a double espresso and found it to be quite good. We had a large party with kids and the servers were very friendly and accommodating.
Great espressos, cream sodas (yeah, there is cream in there), and hot cocoa to die for!
I am glad my sister got me a T-shirt. Very cool Mexican style print like a Posada.
Friendly note: Why are hipsters always whining like babies? Who knows? But, as others have pointed out, if you are looking for a place to chill for 8 hours riding a bottomless cup of coffee this is not the place, and they have curtailed the wifi so that the place can actually stay in business. Of course, the UIC library and the Lozano branch of the Chicago public library have wifi. If the public library was good enough for Marx then it is good enough for hipsters! Hey, if you are actually writing a novel and not just saying that you are, you will be more productive at the library don't you think? If they had the second floor perhaps they could let those tables go to the wifi cruisers for hours, but they don't. Seems like a rational business decision to me. A cafe like this has to make money to survive. Help out by not hogging a table all day in a tiny cafe. Be cool, always be cool like Fonzie. -
Review from Jennifer R.
Chicago, IL
12/13/2011
Been coming here since I was in high school. Got hooked on coffee thanks to the amazing "white satin mocha" with caramel and soy milk (drool!) Had caffeine withdrawal headaches after attempting to ween myself off this incredibly drink. So I moved on to various other drinks, but always come back to the Jumping Bean for the WSM. The "chocolate mexicano" with soy makes you warm all over.
I also like their black bean burger. Very delicious. I'm not a fan of the pasta, it lacks flavor. So, I always go for the bbq chips (Jay's brand :) They also sell Alternative Baking Co. vegan cookies!!! I was surprised that the owner actually took my suggestion and order the "Mac the Chip" flavor, much appreciated.
The clientele and atmosphere has changed drastically (THANK YOU gentrification). I miss going in and seeing a lot of brown faces laughing, talking, having a great time. Now it's mostly hipsters behind laptop screens about to eat you with their eyes if you dare to speak louder than a whisper. Hey! It's a cafe not a library. The public library is down the street! Geez!
The one thing that has remained relatively the same are the people behind the counter. I have my favorites and it's always nice to speak Spanish with a few of them.
Pilsen isn't Pilsen without the Jumping Bean. -
Review from Wesley S.
10/2/2011
The Cafe Jumping Bean is a small cafe-concept shop on 18th between Laflin and Blue Island. It is a small cafe, providing the corner shop cafe presence that it literally is. The coffee and other products are all mediocre, price is good, service is very good, ambiance is average.
The cafe has a small raised area with a few tables on the window side facing 18th Street. On the other side of the cafe entrance, there are another few tables along the wall (perpendicular to 18th Street). Both seating areas, in this "L" shape, with the entrance in the nook of the "L", wrap around the barista station / register in the heart of the store.
Coffee and other products of the Jumping Bean are all mediocre quality. The service is very good. Good service makes the Jumping Bean an inviting place to enter and return to. Pricing is appropriate.
The cafe is a bit too small to have ambiance be a dominant factor. The Jumping Bean feels like a cafe for about the 1/2 hour that it takes you to order and drink your coffee. Then it's time to go elsewhere. It is too small a space to hang out. It's hard not to feel self-conscious about reading a book or working on a laptop after your coffee is gone. The cafe is just too small. Speaking of laptops, the cafe is so small that you would feel guilty using the WiFi for more than 1/2 hour anyway. The cafe is not a bad place to meet a friend or go with a friend, so long as there is enough table space for you the two of you to sit when you are there.
Also, it is definitely not a coffee and pastry cafe. It would never cross our minds to go to Jumping Bean after eating dinner at Nuevo Leon. There might be poetry readings and music performances at the cafe, but I can't visualize where the audience would sit.
As for location, the Jumping Bean is the neighborhood place. Forget about parking --- the Jumping Bean's customers don't drive there because they live in Pilsen. (And, it is not worth driving to the cafe as a destination of its own.) The cafe is right in the heart of Pilsen. It is well placed for a short break from the library. Anybody walking to the Pink Line station in the morning can pick up a drink here on the way.
In summary, the Cafe Jumping Bean is a neighborhood coffee shop that is a bit too small to qualify as a cafe. Its products are about average in quality, pricing is decent, and service is very good. The cafe would be nicer if it were a bit bigger. -
Review from Adam K.
9/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
Good little spot, can get crowded though, and hotter than hells furnace in the summer.
I like:
Garden Burger: not heavy or expensive and comes with a nice side of noodles. Always spot on.
Iced Velvet: POW! in your face. It is goooood.
Mexican hot chocolate: This is good everywhere I go in the city south of Roosevelt road. Especially like the one at Taco Bueno. This one is good too.
Iced Coffee: Its cold and caffeinated, what more do you want gringo?
Pretty small food menu but a solid joint, just don't trip over anyone's fixie bike on the way out. I really like that the tables are made from old advertising signs. -
Review from Nancy M.
Chicago, IL
9/24/2011
Mexican Hot Chocolate
Veggie Fucchasia :D -
Review from Nan S.
Chicago, IL
11/23/2011
Food and drink gets 4 stars...I had the iced white mocha and chicken focaccia sandwich...probably would go back just for that but perhaps get it to go. we had gone there recently on a saturday to study (having fond memories of it from college), and it was really busy. i think they used to have free wi-fi, but now they only have wifi at certain times, and not at peak times (including saturdays). also my bf was pretty sure one of the employees or owner was surfing the internet behind the counter. is that weird to anyone else or is it just us? and apparently you have to wear a fedora to go there.
-
Review from Kassaundra G.
Manhattan, NY
7/22/2011
Cute cute cute place.
Local artist's photography on the walls, huge menu, quality coffee, and soo sooo sooo affordable. They let you sit and enjoy your coffee and meal, and then you pay after. such a nice treat. Creative color, design, and use of space in every corner. Had the frozen mocha which was so dessert like, and perfect on a hot summer night. Highly recommend this cute place.
Note: no wifi use on the weekends, so dont bring your laptop and expect to work. -
Review from nat n.
Cook, IL
5/6/2011
The Jumping Bean is the best cafe in the city, hands down.
But that's not what I'm here to talk about.
I'm here to talk about their iced coffee.
Its summer-ish-esque-kinda again....and that means....
Oh Jumping Bean Iced Coffee, how I love thee, let me count the ways....
It could be the fact it comes in a giant ice-laden cup,
It could be the fact it tastes like a coffee milkshake of goodness,
It could be the fact that I've ordered it so many times it is anticipated by the staff.
But mainly its all the above and more bundled up in a giant glass of caffeine laden goodness that will jump start your day, make an afternoon perfect, or just get one in the correct frame of mind to go bartend to the drunken hordes of a saturday night.
Go. Try one (get the really big one in the to-go cup).
Hear me now, and thank me later. -
Review from Eric O.
Chicago, IL
6/28/2011 4 Check-ins Here
I'm hooked on Focaccia bread thanks to the Jumping Bean.
Cozy little cafe with a half a dozen tables and some bar-style seating. Have been three times and always had a place to sit. Surprising because this place is so delicious. One of the best tomato bisque soups I have ever had. Just wish the served it everyday.
The waitstaff is friendly and your food arrives quickly. They were out of bagels the first time I dined but the discovery of their delicious focaccia sandwiches and pizzas quickly soothed my disappointment.
I am always suprised how small my bill is. Truly wholesome food at what seems to be family-pricing. Definitely worth the trip up from Bridgeport. -
Review from Claudia M.
Chicago, IL
8/28/2011 15 Check-ins Here
I'm addicted to the Mexican Hot Chocolate and pastries. Anytime I can get here and get my chocolate fix is guaranteed to be a GREAT day. I get there early in the morning before work and there is plenty of parking on the street. Have been there for lunch and they have incredible chicken salad and tuna salad sanwiches served with chips or pasta. I love their bagel and cream cheese with veggies (tomato and cucumber). I wish I could sit here all day instead of going to work....someone's gotta teach Chicago's students.
-
Review from Rosie S.
Chicago, IL
3/25/2011
I really enjoyed this cafe...it's very small and inviting! A little hidden gem in pilsen. I don't tend to venture out of my usually haunts, but I went here yesterday with some co-workers and it was totally worth it!!
My lunch was good and cheap. I walked out paying under $6. What did I eat you ask? Well, I had a half chicken salad sandwich--it had swiss cheese and green & red peppers on top with toasted bread (The toasted bread was key.) and a cup of soup. The soup was soooo yummy. I do not know the exact name of the soup but it is called something like Mediterrean Lemon Chicken soup....i devoured my cup and wish I would have went for a bowl.
Would I visit this place again? Yes
Would I drive from Lincoln Park to visit? Probably not -
Review from Laura P.
10/11/2010
Landmark status in Pilsen. A neighborhood staple that continues to deliver.
Chocolate silk. Mexican hot chocolate. That is all you need to know about Jumping bean.
Oh wait, and they have cool windows on the second floor.
Trends come and go but Jumping bean is forever....last time I was here the featured art was rock and roll photography. Stunning quality for a coffee shop. -
Review from Jennifer K.
Chicago, IL
5/11/2011
I love the food, love the coffee, love the staff, love the location!!!
Only downside, chairs aren't so comfy, and it is pretty small.
But that hasn't stopped me from going to the bean, I've been going here for the last 14 years. -
Review from Evelyn P.
Chicago, IL
4/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is what a cafe is all about. (I work for a coffee chain so I know) The service was great, interesting decor, and delicious food.
I had lunch along with a cup of coffee and paid about $6, some of which was a tip for the tip jar. Their coffee is NOT watered down which is usually the case at other restaurants including chains. It was served in a huge mug, with a mini pitcher of cream on the side. The prices were definately reasonable and they have many different things to choose from. I was impressed.
Wifi is available but only at certain times so call ahead, especially if you're going in to study. I did, and even with all the foot traffic I could still concentrate.
The place is small, and cozy so I guess its not huge group friendly but definately a good for a date or with a friend.
I can't wait to go back. -
Review from Edwardo G.
Chicago, IL
4/12/2011
Well, the food is pretty good... the prices aren't too much to die for. Its good coffee not great, its tasty food, not delicious, but other than that, its alight. Lets just say, you get your moneys worth.
I'll be going back. The culture and vibe of this cafe really brings out the spirit of Pilsen. -
Review from I. L.
Chicago, IL
12/6/2010
I don't know when hipster or yuppie "prime-time" is like on these other reviews, but when I've come here during early morning weekdays (~7-10am) it is usually full of old timers having their coffee and gossiping. The *early morning* environment is very nice and neighborly and everyone is willing to strike up a conversation if you're sitting close enough. Others can run in and out with their coffee - there's not a big long line like at Dunkin' Donuts down the street by the Pink Line or at any Starbucks during those hours.
Also, their food -I mean yeah it's okay for cafe food I guess and it's pretty cheap, but it's not my cup of tea and I don't appreciate getting a menu or another order kind of pushed on me every 10 minutes when they're busy. Maybe every 15 minutes when they're not busy. I just like having my $2.60 big mug of coffee (bottomless if you stick around) and people-watching for a little bit.
I understand that Pilsen is getting expensive and that they can't stay in business with laptop-users warming up the seats, but it's obnoxious getting asked "something else?" instead of "is everything okay?". Sorry guys. -1.75 stars for that in all honesty because it makes me not want to hang around longer than necessary and chug my coffee, check my email, and get the hell out. Also, I always come out reeking of toasted sandwiches (?) anytime I'm in there. -.25 star for ...poor air circulation? Vent control? No exhaust? What's up with that? I think it's from the toaster but OH MAN it's really strong - that smell of toasted sandwiches. The smell is not Subway gross, but it's as strong as Potbelly's - for those sensitive to scents I suppose.
It's a great place and very unique, don't get me wrong, but smelling A LOT like food (not coffee) and getting pushed hum-drum items are big turn-offs for me. A-OK. -
Review from Teddy M.
Chicago, IL
10/19/2010
I love this little spot in Pilsen! I'm a northsider dating a southsider and I always make it a point to stop in at Cafe Jumping Bean when I'm in the "hood!"
Their chicken salad sandwich is very tasty and comes with your choice of chips or cold pasta side. The prices here are definitely affordable and the atmosphere is very warm and cozy... I wish there were more places like this closer to my home! -
Review from Brian W.
Chicago, IL
9/1/2011
One of the few bright spots during my year in Pilsen, this little cafe is a warm and lively center of activity with pleasant staff. I don't think it lends itself well to work or studying; it's more of a visit-with-a-friend kind of cafe. As others have mentioned, the Mexican hot chocolate is a must-try, especially on a crisp winter day.
-
Review from Suran Y.
Champaign, IL
2/8/2011
Where have all the close knit communities gone?
Oh yea, they all migrated to Jumping Bean!
The waiters and baristas are super friendly and it's one of those few cafes where you can actually just go to and chill for a while. They also have a choice of unlimited coffee, which is a must. -
Review from Amber M.
Chicago, IL
11/2/2010
This coffee shop is right around the corner from my apartment. It is a great enough place that I have yet to make it to the coffee shop that is only another block and a half away. Its a neighborhood place, with friendly staff, that has a wonderful atmosphere and great coffee. In addition to your standard drinks, they have their own like the chocochino (a mexican hot chocolate mixed with espresso) which is very yummy. The paninis arent bad, great if you like peppers.
The place rotates the work of local artists, which is exciting. The biggest downside is that the door doesn't always close and creates a draft for three of tables . -
Review from Uyen D.
San Francisco, CA
10/31/2010
What a great little cafe! Stopped by on a Sunday afternoon for a coffee and loved the charm and efficiency of this place. Sat at the bar seating and watched the friendly servers make up delicious sandwich after delicious sandwich. We split a garden burger with the works, very tasty! My coffee drink with butterscotch was yum as well.
Noticed that the free wifi was actually not available during lunch hours on weekdays or Saturdays and Sundays. So, be aware. -
Review from Sarah W.
12/7/2008
This coffee shop has really great and inexpensive lunch food items and delicious coffee drinks. If you order a lunch item that has a choice of sides, try the pasta salad, because its delicious. The chairs and tables are conducive to getting work done, but they're not cozy to just relax in. The shop is a pretty small space, so it would be hard to go with a group of more than four people.
You pay for your coffee, etc after eating, so don't forget to take care of that. Once I accidentally left and didn't realize that I'd forgotten to pay until a couple hours later. The staff was totally nice about it (as they always are) and just joked that they posted a wanted poster up with my photo on it.Listed in: Ode to Pilsen, Obsessive Cafe Quest- Chicago…
-
Review from Penny S.
12/26/2009
"Back In Five Minutes" according to the sign on the door, eh Knee Deep? Ok, I'll be back in Americano minutes and see you then!
Cold and snowy outside, warm and cozy inside. Once my glasses unfogged, I looked up and saw my medium Americano listed on the menu board for a mere $2.30, same as stupid Starbucks but hopefully a whole lot tastier.
Not the most flavorful thing ever, but the buzz I caught made it worth my while. Fueled for shopping and the trip back from Pilsen, this feeding of the monkey brought to you by Jumping Bean. Success. -
Review from Trinidad F.
Maywood, IL
7/6/2009
My bf and I were walking through the neighborhood looking for something to snack on. This place was packed but got a table. Great atmosphere to just sit down and chat. They have sandwiches, salads and pastries. As well as plenty of espresso drinks.
We ordered some sandwiches, carrot cake and a Satin Mocha. Our food came quick and it was good. I don't know what to say about a sandwich. Lol. It wasnt bad. The carrot cake was yummy!!! Pretty big slice. My drink was a little weak. Meh. Really nice chill out place. I'll definitely be back. -
Review from Lindley E.
Chicago, IL
3/26/2008
I spent four hours occupying choice real estate at CJB one Saturday and had a chance to take in the hipster population of Pilsen one tattoo at a time.
It wasn't nearly as horrific as I would have guessed. Yes, there was a salt-and-pepper smattering of skinny guys in skinny jeans with razor-cut hair, but there were also college kids with scrabble boards, older neighborhood folk noshing on soups and bagels, and self-conscious and underemployed young women exchanging tales of their latest tryst. But it didn't have the feel that Lula Cafe in Logan Square can have on a mid-morning weekend day in the summer, all attitude, slickness, and too-kool-for-skool, with a hefty aroma of "fuck you". It was pleasant and welcoming.
Service was very friendly and helpful and not at all pushy. They didn't care that over the four hours we were there we ordered only a couple drinks and a bagel plate (but tipped well! I swear). My coffee was good, not great, but I didn't have high expectations and was not disappointed. They did, however, properly prepare my cappuccino, which was a pleasant surprise.
Oh yeah. And there's Wi-Fi.Listed in: Trapped by Wi-fi in Chicago
-
Review from Brad C.
Chicago, IL
7/7/2009
Bike parking right out front, perfect!
The place was packed when my fiancée and I walked in, I don't think there was a table open even if we wanted to stay. Even through the place was busy it still had a rather low key vibe. The people working were very friendly and greeted us with a smile. I ordered an iced coffee and my lovely lady who had enough coffee already that day went with an iced chai. They didn't have a sign up or anything but I think they use Intelligentsia Coffee. A good coffee joint in Pilsen and it's perfect if you live in the area but not something to go out of the way for. -
Review from Lisa D.
Chicago, IL
1/24/2009
I've only been here once, this morning.
I like that the muffin had the paper thingy off of it already. My Americano was good and the little girl behind the counter was very patient with my pre-coffee spaciness. Cute atmosphere. -
Review from Jen S.
Chicago, IL
2/17/2010
I love this place. I've been here in the evenings to study during the semester and it's usually semicrowded with some college students, TAs, few academic professionals, artsy Pilsen people, etc. They've got free WiFi!
Servers are nice and the atmosphere is cozy/quiet/artsy. My favorite is the White Satin Mocha and my friend always gets the Mocha Almond Delight.
I've never had trouble finding parking. It's all meters anyways. I've heard some complaints about this neighborhood (crime rates) but I haven't had any issues. I don't mess with anyone and they don't mess with me. I'm just happy that Pilsen's got some great coffee places! -
Review from Tiffany k.
Chicago, IL
6/18/2010
Came here with three other friends. By the time 6:30pm rolled around, I was hungry and in desperate need of food.
I ordered the black bean burger, and my mind was totally blown. I've had my fair share of black bean burgers in and out of Chicago, but the burger I had at the Jumping Bean has been by far the best. The burger surprised attacked me and it already had ketchup, mustard, and mayo on it which I thought was weird but I didn't mind that. It came with tomatoes, lettuce and onion and the burger itself was a little spicy, which tasted amazing on the whole. The burger was huge and I finished it within 15 minutes of careful chewing. The burger comes with a side of pasta or chips, and I got the chips. The chips were your standard potato chips, but nothing too overbearing. I tried my friend's pasta and it was really great! I'd probably get the pasta next time.
In the end, we got two raspberry cheesecakes to share amongst the four of us. And let me tell you, I live for cheesecake and this was one awesome cheesecake. Very smooth and not very cheese-y. The portion was big, and there was plenty for everyone to share.
The black bean burger less than $5 and the cheesecake was $3.25. Not a bad deal, considering how expensive black bean burgers are elsewhere but not even as half as delicious as the burger here!
Very cramped space, but the cashiers and waiters here are super laid-back and really cool. My friend spilled his half and half and there were no complaints (out loud) whatsoever. The chill atmosphere and cool cashiers/waiters is what makes this place 5 stars and not 4! -
Review from Gloria E.
Chicago, IL
12/17/2009
I miss Cafe Jumping Bean! When I lived in Pilsen (3 months ago) this was usually where I got my semi-lazy day meals. They have a great turkey focaccia sandwich, and I love the noodle salad that comes with their sandwiches. They also have good shakes and great coffee. It's pretty reasonably priced, and there's also free wifi. I love the atmosphere of this coffee shop and the servers/baristas offer some quality service.
As others have mentioned, it's pretty small. However, I wonder if they could still offer such great service if the location were bigger. The whole time I lived in Pilsen, there were two guys I mainly noticed working the floor and the coffee bar every day. They were super friendly, and seemed like they'd been there forever, but who knows. I personally like the size, and have for some reason never had a problem finding somewhere to sit. Maybe luck?
Cafe Jumping Bean, I miss you and I'll be back soon! -
Review from Linds R.
Chicago, IL
11/14/2008
Another place my book club has met, we were lucky to be able to push a few tables together. The place is not entirely comfortable or cozy - its small and always seems to be the wrong temperature. They make a mean Mexican hot chocolate, reasonably priced.
Its a nice place to stop in for a little while, but I wouldn't stay long. -
Review from Diana G.
Updated - 6/2/2009 4 photos
Came back with my guy and best friend. Definitely a nice cafe place to sit and talk and have a nice little meal. The waitress was nice and friendly.
My guy just had the house coffee.
My friend had the Iced Satin Mocha and Chocolate Chip Cookie. She liked both.
I had the Iced Thai Coffee and it was good. I asked the waitress for a recommendation between 2 drinks and she said the Iced Thai Coffee. I was a bit skeptical from getting it here, but gave it a try and I'm glad I did. The chicken sandwich was good, but I'll have to disagree about the side of pasta. To me it was basically just pasta with olive oil mixed with it. Not much flavor.
Definitely be back to try other items on the menu.1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
5/20/2009
Stopped in here to try the drinks after walking around.
I had a Iced Cappuccino and thought it was… Read more »
-
-
Review from Colleen M.
Chicago, IL
10/3/2009
Solid neighborhood coffee joint in Pilsen. Good food, good drinks, reasonable prices, accepts credit cards, nice atmosphere.
They could, however, use a little more space. I love a coffee shop with an intimate vibe, but the layout here is not the most inviting. Somehow I found an open seat, crammed in between two people working on their laptops at the counter. While I had hoped to stay and get some reading done, I couldn't get comfortable in such close quarters, so I didn't stay as long as I would have liked.
So if you're thinking of stopping by during a busy time, you might consider taking your drinks to go.Listed in: I need coffee.
-
Review from Emeutier T.
Chicago, IL
10/14/2010
This place is one of coolest cafés in Chicago. The variety of goodies here makes my mouth water even as I write this late at night reflecting on what makes this South Side establishment such a gem and credit to the Pilsen neighborhood.
Truly friendly staff (how many places can you all say that about?) that make fresh culinary treats right in front of your gawking eyes. I feel almost voyeuristic in my mood when I watch the ladies prepare those awesome colored sandwiches full of basic, but fresh ingredients. Who knew I could feel so dirty watching food being made?
So, they have great prices and a cheerful atmosphere where one can meet all kinds of people. Just be a little open minded and you'll strike up a conversation on just about any point of interest in the city or your own life. Well, you might want to keep some stuff from curiuos ears. But have at it with a nice coffee and a huge sandwich and Vintner's Chips? How much more Chicago can you get? Well, slap some ketchup, lime, and hot sauce on it and it gets South of the Border for ya!
All in all, you're a d-bag if you don't go here. The yummy level is off the charts...
My only complaint is that there is not enough space to sit. Only one. But I guess that helps getting to know your fellow patrons. Ehhh... that's fine. -
Review from PILSEN C.
Chicago, IL
1/28/2008
Hipster Hell.
Meh coffee, meh food. -
Review from Eric H.
Chicago, IL
2/12/2009
When I interned in Pilsen, I stopped in here all the time for lunch. While most people come here for the coffee (makes sense, it is a coffee house), I was more of a fan of their focaccia sandwiches (especially pepperoni). The coffee is good, but the food there is even better. Their side dish of pasta was a nice complement for the sandwiches, too.
My only complaint here is that it can get very packed during peak hours. I never had a problem finding a seat, but that was because I would take a late lunch every day. Even when it was busy, the service remained great. The staff is friendly and will get to know you if you are a regular customer.
Highly recommended for lunch or an early-morning coffee. -
Review from John S.
Chicago, IL
3/17/2009
I love the place. Great atmosphere, good, basic food, excellent cheesecake, good service, interesting art. Wish I got here more often. Could use more vegetarian options, but that's a small ding. I'm not really vegetarian myself.
It seems to attract a little more of a white crowd just lately... fewer educated latinos talking about la revolucion or whatever, more whitebread laptop jockeys like myself. But so goes the neighborhood. -
Review from Tara T.
San Francisco, CA
7/29/2007
LOVE this place. there's just something about how it makes me feel...
it's perfect if you need a cup of coffee and a bagel on the go, if you're meeting friends for a full blown out lunch, or if you have a huge stack of work that needs to be done. usually i just sit myself here for hours, and nobody seems to mind.
:- ( : takes cash only.
:- ) : free wi-fi, pretty windows, friendly and trusting service, lots of light and colors and local artwork, the screen door open there during the summer, and the fact that the owner will gladly allow you to go to the atm machine around the corner to GET cash (see? told you they were trusting). -
Review from Payal G.
Chicago, IL
9/23/2009
Love this place! The best place to hang out on a rainy afternoon with a good book. This place is always on the go and the coffee's are the best. I've in love with their Almond Mocha. It's a whole lot of goodness in a cup! Also, they have this cake (kinda looks lie pound cake) but its by the check out counter. It's half chocolate and half vanilla; OMG its GOOD! I totally did not want to share it with my friend.
The place is small but fun! The staff is super nice and friendly. They open early so I can pick up a coffee on my way to work. And they have the best cake to go! A girl can't ask for more!
