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Cafe Mozart
Category: Food Coffee & Tea Coffee & Tea [Edit]
600 Davis St(between Chicago Ave & Orrington Ave)
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 492-8056
- Nearest Transit:
-
Davis (Purple Line)
Dempster (Purple Line)
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
42 reviews for Cafe Mozart
Review Highlights
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"...is relaxing and there is classical music playing in the..." In 3 reviews -
"...in yesterday to get some work done in a quiet environment..." In 3 reviews -
"Always friendly, and the frozen yogurt is low calorie (only..." In 5 reviews
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42 reviews in English
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Review from Barry J.
Chicago, IL
3/12/2012 1 Check-in Here
Coffee drinks and teas are high quality and prepared properly. I've enjoyed the soup and pastries. Paninis smell fantastic but I haven't tried them yet.
Nice little room, pretty good people watching. It's about half students and half townie geezers, with the occasional tableful of homesick glamorous euro expats.
Not really an all-day on a cup type of place. That said, the service could be a little friendlier; they seem to know me now after several visits, and always treat me well. Also, the security cams kind of creep me out.
Bottom line though, I really like this place, will keep coming back, and I will level up to panini soon! :D -
Review from Sally S.
Evanston, IL
5/22/2012
Cafe Mozart - Words of Caution
The staff, particularly Joseph (at least this is what he says his name is), is very nasty and rude. He asked us to leave just because we had been sitting for 10 minutes without having yet ordered our coffee. It is because we had just eaten a big lunch and were not yet ready. We left immediately and will never ever return. Neither will our friends and family. Our loyalty is over.
This review is to make others aware of the piss poor business descision he made and prevent others from being mistreated. Thanks "Joseph" for showing your true colors and saving us from wasting our time again! -
Review from April H.
Chicago, IL
8/14/2011
Came here with my son before heading to Tinydog Cupcakes. Saw they served Intelligentsia and I had to walk in. Walking in the door, the barista behind the counter gives me the evil eye. Um, no wonder the place isn't packed. It was practically empty save for two others chatting over coffee. I ask for a cafe au lait....
Yummy drink. Horrible service. Would it kill the barista to at least smile? Or how about this....if you don't feel like smiling at least don't look like you want to murder me for ordering in your establishment.
Shame, because my cafe au lait was very tasty.
I ended up going to the Other Brothers K coffee shop around the corner. Service was like night and day.
When I am in the area again, I shall pass on Cafe Mozart. The delicious cafe au lait and wonderfully brewed intelligentsia coffee is not incentive enough to come and feel so unwelcome.
Pass on this, and walk around the corner for a smile and just as good coffee at Other Brothers! -
Review from A.M. C.
Chicago, IL
6/22/2011
What I love most about this place: delicious coffee, family-owned, the sweets, and the sofas.
This is a great place to come for lunch, as their food menu has some tasty paninis, and you can chill out on the couch after you eat, read a book, sip your (insert favorite coffee-shop drink here... they have it all). If you're looking to get somehomework done (NWerners, talkin to you!) this place is great for those people who need a little background noise, but not full-on distraction. There's wi-fi too, but don't be a jerk and expect to use it for 4hrs because you bought small drip coffee. That's not cool ANYwhere.
The main guy who works the counter is very nice and helpful, though I know sometimes his extended family may fill in when he gets a day off, and I think some of these bad reviews may have caught a substitute on a bad day. Peronsally, I've never had a bad experience at Mozart.
Overall, I think they only thing they could use is a chess board, scrabble game, or maybe a backgammon set - something to do with friends that's appropriate to the place setting, but encourages you to stay :) -
Review from Jelena Z.
1/20/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Looking at some of these poor reviews, I have to wonder if I was in the same coffee shop! But, I was.
I dropped in yesterday to get some work done in a quiet environment and of course, for a jolt of caffeine. Intelligentsia coffee up in here, yo! I noticed a sign for a Pumpkin Pie latte and was immediately sold. I'm probably the only person out there who gets their espresso drink with skim milk to cut the calories but still opts for the whipped cream. My rationale? Whipped cream calories are SO worth it; milk, not so much.
I loved my drink (it really did taste like pumpkin pie) and it took all my resolve to slow down and savor it instead of downing it too quickly. The lone staffer was super cool and attentive, and I never felt rushed. Less work, more fun? Well, this corner shop's view of bustling Davis St was made for people-watching and the small tables and leopard-print couches a-plenty made for relaxin'.Listed in: The North Shore., It's E-Town to the locals, Hey, Pumpkin!
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Review from Mark H.
Skokie, IL
1/12/2012
Their Panini is yummy and nutritious and affordable. The tables are too little to study or draw. It does not feel too comfy after you ate. Your food and computer will not fit on same table. Maybe they don't want you to eat while staring at your computer :-) It is more like a restaurant rather than a coffee shop. Wonderful classical music.
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Review from Taryn T.
Chicago, IL
3/13/2011
Sigh... there is no suggestive eye contact to be made with fellow coffee-drinkers at this cafe, because in my experience, I've been the only person in here over a given stretch of time.
I mainly go to coffee shops to lounge around, work on my laptop and make small talk with handsome strangers while I sip on a chocolatey drink. They make great mochas here, so we can check off that box, but Cafe Mozart falls short in all of the other categories. I feel awkward working on my laptop when it's just me and the barista.
Should you stop in here for a drink if you're on the go? By all means. Should you count on this place as a sweet spot for getting some work done and people watching in the evenings? Nah... for that, try Unicorn Cafe on Sherman Ave instead. -
Review from Joshua N.
1/24/2011
This may be the first time that I was the only person in a coffee shop in the morning. I was a little surprised. Waiting a minute or so for the counter guy to come out from the back room made it even lonelier. Rough start. Everything from there was pleasing enough. The atmosphere is relaxing and there is classical music playing in the background. I could see myself getting actual work done here if I tried, since there is nobody else there. I'd prefer a little bustle though. I like to be around people when I get my fix. There is a library down the street...
The espresso is Black Cat and I believe that the rest of their supply is Intelligensia as well. That's a good start. Standard preparation of the coffee, but a lack of passion is well evidenced by the milk frothing. I believe that every latte has a choice to make. It could become a quick blast of hot milk and caffeine for some guy to gulp down before studying or perhaps driving a semi-truck at night. Or, it could take the high road and become somebody's transcendent release from the everlasting drone of the city; it can be an acquittal to anyone who shows up with three dollars to prove that they played by the rules for another day and deserve deliciousness. The difference is the quality of the foam. In my experience, Mozart composed a bubbly mess.
There are a few pastries for sale on the counter, but nothing noteworthy. I'd say that this place is good for a caffeine pit-stop if you are walking by already and cannot find it in you to go an extra block southwest, but not a great place to go for a serious coffee experience or to make new friends. -
Review from Jason P.
1/7/2011
Have you ever walked into a place and just gotten the feeling that you were going to have a bad experience? That is basically the feeling that I got from this place.
The only reason I went was that I live about a minute away walking and I wanted to get some food. I walked in and ordered and the lady behind the counter gave me this incredulous look and said she was done making food for the day. Now I understand if this was 10 minutes before they closed, though it would have been nice for her to be slightly more polite, but I checked the hours as I left and they closed in an hour. I guess I should thank her as I won't ever waste my money here. -
Review from April F.
Chicago, IL
3/21/2009
I usually stop here about once a week to get tea to go. Last time I walked in it was about 2:45 on a Thursday afternoon. There was no one there. Not any patrons, not any employees. I stood at the counter looking around for a while, wondering if I was on candid camera. Then I started saying "Hello?" quietly. Then a little louder... "Hello?? Anyone here?" Then louder "Is anyone working here?? I just want some tea..." Finally after what seemed like 10 minutes (it was probably closer to 2 or 3) about three employees emerged from the back room area. No apology, no "can I help you," just a look that I believe meant "what do you want." So I ordered my tea, got it, paid, and left, and I will never go back.
Weird. -
Review from Dee W.
11/1/2006
Stopped by trying to find somewhere new for lunch. Their organic green tea was really good - service was decent - friendly, polite, but nothing out of the ordinary. The cashier was a bit hard to understand when she was mumbling...
anyway, I got a soup/panini combo - the panini was alright - the pesto chicken was fine. And the lentil soup was fine, too. Nothing terribly out of the ordinary. Nice little cafe - I like the leopard print couch in the window and someone ordered frozen yogurt (when it's like 30 degrees outside) so maybe I should try that next time. -
Review from Jeanne J.
Chicago, IL
12/2/2008
I thought I'd swing by here the other day when I had a few readings to finish for the last class session I'd ever take as an NU undergrad.
I was drawn in by the free internet. Wonderful. Then irritated with my $2 something hot tea (thought they had a pretty nice selection of my fav black). It's just hot tea? Then I just loved my turkey sandwich. It can't just be mayo.
Okay I was there about 3 hours and no one ever made me feel as if I should leave. Neither did I see anyone bothering a nearby man who was there just as long as I was. I was a bit annoyed for the 20 minutes the two employees chatted it up over the counter. Over the distant classical music that was playing, their conversation was all I could focus on.
In any case, they gladly refilled my tea cup with hot water. I was also surprised at the constant flow of customers. Though most stayed a bit or got their food to go, it may not be these Yelpers that are coming back but a number of other customers are definitely satisfied. -
Review from Maggie B.
Chicago, IL
6/13/2006
Always friendly, and the frozen yogurt is low calorie (only 8!)
If you go on the second Tuesday of the month, after 7:30 or so, you'll run into a bookcrossing meetup where you can get FREE BOOKS! Yay!
I asked once, and apparently this is no relation to the Cafe Mozart that was next to the Music Box Theater about a million years ago. -
Review from Morgan C.
Chicago, IL
7/28/2008
Can't speak for the meal-type food, but the baked goods have been very decent. Yogurt, though, has been the draw. Reasonably priced (like you can make a sundae for under $5), and definitely delicious. It's the Only 8 yogurt, which not quite as "good-for-you" as Tasti-D-Lite in NYC, but compared to a lot of the fatty/sugary dessert options out there, it's pretty darn good. Staff's been acceptably pleasant, even pretty nice.
Basically, if you want a "healthy" dessert, go grab some yogurt. And since the yogurt is so good for you, you can grab a brownie bite or something baked.
Parking in downtown Evanston can be a little on the tricky side, though. But I guess that's just a risk one has to take... -
Review from Jiyoun B.
Chicago, IL
11/7/2010
Yikes. Iced coffee in a plastic cup? You know the ones that cheap diners use to fill up tap water? Yup. Went here on a date. Don't do that. It was too quiet and made things even more awkward.
The service was okay but the guy behind the counter didn't look like he belonged there or any other cafe counter. I gather the experience differs depending on who's working that day from the other reviews, which means that the manager/owner doesn't train his staff on customer service. Too bad since the location is pretty convenient. -
Review from Jackie G.
6/22/2010
As a formerly devout patron of Ambrosia, I spent the fall in search of new study spots in Evanston when my favorite coffee shop closed its doors. Of the options available, Mozart ranks just okay in my mind.
In my experiences, the cappuccino and coffee taste fine. I come back to Cafe Mozart as I enjoy reading on the couches. Though there are only two in front, I've actually never had a problem getting one. Most people read or chat at the cafe tables for one or two.
For those using computers, beware. I hear that the wifi is not so good and have witnessed friends struggle to find convenient plugs. That said, I think the atmosphere of Mozart and its patrons appreciate the feel. Professors and local Evanstonians converse, whilst classical music plays in the background. The low-key feel serves the needs of its current clientele, but as the high tech, student community grows around it, I think it may have to change to stay in this town. But then again, I still long for Cafe Ambrosia and its chocolate chai lattes. -
Review from Alison E.
Lake Forest, IL
9/26/2008
The coffee stinks. The pastries are stale. While I like supporting non-chain coffee houses, I can't bring myself to go here ever again.
I think Mozart himself, from the grave, has been baking the scones. It explains the old, crusty, and moldy taste to them. -
Review from Kkubetry K.
Chicago, IL
3/10/2012
decent coffee
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Review from Aileen A.
Los Angeles, CA
7/23/2008
It was my second choice after Peets up the street and after my experience, it will probably remain that way. The place could use some decorating, but it's decent. Plus, major kudos for FREE WI-FI!
Sure Peets gets the upper hand with the gourmet coffee, but if you're looking for a no frills place to log onto the Internet, Cafe Mozart is a good place to check out. Just bring some earphones if you're not a fan of Mozart music. -
Review from M R.
Chicago, IL
5/2/2011
Definitely for a more mature audience than the other coffee places in Evanston. Powerful Intelligentsia coffee, quiet enough to read well. Service is okay.
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Review from Keiko S.
1/19/2007
Another decent coffee shop in downtown Evanston where you can casually drink, eat and chill with friends or your laptop. Okay coffee, okay service...so 3.5 stars, maybe? The seats aren't very comfortable for long-term sitting, though, and I'm not too keen on their decor. The only reason I go there is to guiltlessly satisfy my sweet tooth with their low-cal frozen yogurt that's supposed to be non-dairy, non-fat, non-sugar, non-everything...and that's only when I can find parking.
Listed in: Caffeine in Evanston
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Review from Leah B.
Chicago, IL
2/5/2011
I'm surprised to see all the other reviews for this place. Came in with my boyfriend and daughter. Ordered a couple espresso drinks - DELICIOUS! and a breakfast sandwich...which was amazing! I will definitely be back!!! Wait time was a little longer than expected for the espresso drinks...but for the quality it was worth it.
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Review from Maria C.
2/4/2010
While this place has some very tasty paninis (the chicken pesto panini is delish!), the customer service needs a total revamp. I came with a friend for lunch and the guy behind the counter looked like he was going to shoot himself from boredom, and it totally came across in his 'tude.
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Review from Elena D.
Chicago, IL
6/1/2006
The fellow who manned the counter seemed shy and fidgety, but the frozen yoghurt, a decent $2.50, was very good and the atmosphere was relaxed and quiet.
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Review from S K.
Philadelphia, PA
8/19/2005
Excellent Free WIFI Coffeeshop in Evanston. Coffee is good here but the pastries are just mediocre. Paninis are highly recommended and so are the ice cream desserts. Plenty of outlets and free space.
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Review from Kate S.
Chicago, IL
12/7/2006
Good frozen yogurt and hot drinks, and the few times I've been there they've had a guy playing acoustic guitar. It's worth checking out if you're walking down Davis Street and you want to get something quick to eat or drink.
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Review from Jennifer H.
New York, NY
1/18/2007
Evanston's a college town, so there are a good 5 or 6 coffee shops within walking distance of me. But Cafe Mozart's the closest and, because of that, I really wanted to like it. Plus, those huge leopard print sofas? How cute. But the coffee's just fine, not great, and the prices are about the same as a Starbucks, whose coffee I happen to prefer. On top of that, the food is nothing special (except the frozen yogurt-that's worth a stop in the summer) and you can't charge things to a credit card under five dollars. I discovered that the hard way and found myself buying a bunch of brownies on top of my cup of coffee just so I could put it on a card, when I was out of cash one day. Cafe Mozart's not bad, but considering the quality of places only mere feet away, it's not worth the stop.
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Review from Anoni M.
Chicago, IL
5/26/2008
I guess playing Mozart's greatest hits and being in Evanston can fool most people, but for this reviewer, I've had it with this joint. I've been to this place on occassion for several years and the staff is consistently rude and offputting. If it wasn't for their coffee, the shop probably would have closed up by now. The guy, as mentioned by another reviewer, is just rude and the other younger East German shot put looking woman is scary.
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Review from Eryn S.
Evanston, IL
8/22/2008
Seriouly a medium latte here is like a tiny styrofoam cup (like 10 oz) and is like $4 and not that great. I find the staff to be cold/ indifferent, the place is kind of devoid of any warm feeling, I can't understand getting excited to come here. I have tried the food which is ok.
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Review from Stacy T.
12/2/2008
Nice place to stop for a hot tea. Not the most busling of the cafes, but we prefer the independent shops over a chain. Perhaps we ordered wisely, becuase we were really happy with our tea and the woman helping us was very friendly.
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Review from Lois A.
Chicago, IL
7/17/2010
I always drive by this place and have always built it up to be something super great. The other day I finally came in. I'd walked to the lake and was so thirsty I thought I would die. I ordered a lemonade and it was awesome. I sat back on the leopard couch sipping my lemonade and listened to some Northwestern professors bickering about the curriculum. I had a nice time. Service was kind of crap. The girl wasn't busy but I had to ask where the straws were. Even though they were right behind me I thought she could have offered that info. I do not have eyes in the back of my head.
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Review from Robyn F.
3/4/2009
Judging from the other patrons of this cafe, it looks like I'm not the only one who has had a poor experience with the service here! My friend and I were studying here, and he had previously ordered food and a drink. He had to go, so I was left alone. Within minutes, the server came by, cleaned up my friend's empty plate and cup, then asked whether I was planning on ordering anything and if I planned on staying long. I had been thinking about doing so before he came by, but decided against it after being accosted.
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Review from Robert L.
Los Angeles, CA
9/2/2005 1 photo
Duck in hear and grab a comfy chair and some hot tea or coffee and grab a newspaper or some reading material and relax. There a plenty of seats both inside or outside at their patio. One of the better cafes in Evanston. Maybe after you got you caffeine buzz going you'll want to walk around the area and check out some of the swanky shops nearby.
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Review from Keith A.
Chicago, IL
11/1/2006
Clearly interested only in to-go customers. I can't imagine spending any meaningful amount of time here.
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Review from Patricia B.
Chicago, IL
11/8/2005
I thought this place was pretty nice, and I did have some good, hot drinks here. The pastries were just okay, and the staff seemed kind of indifferent, but I love the big, comfy couch in the window and the quaint charm of the decor and music.
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Review from Eran C.
Evanston, IL
7/1/2011
This place is not only central, it epitomizes some of the best qualities of Evanston. It is quiet and harbors, to my mind, an intellectual atmosphere. This includes soft classical music played in the background, nice European-styled tables and a rich décor themed around the Mozart legacy.
Basically it's a mom and pop layout that can beat, in my mind, corporate coffee houses and restore some of the soul that a local coffee shop can offer. Its owner is super friendly and you can always spend a great chill-out time in this location. The place has Wi-Fi and is a great spot to study or meet up with friends.
Personally my favorite choice there is the café salad with raspberry vinaigrette walnut grapes mixed greens diced chicken and feta. They have ice cream, yummy sandwiches and other options for a light meal.
I wish there hours were longer (they close at 7pm), so I'll have to look for other Evanstonian spots for late evening coffee fun. -
Review from Jen T.
Chicago, IL
9/5/2005 2 photos
This is a great environment to study in and the decor is pretty cute. I'm not crazy about the coffee and the lady behind the counter can be a bit grouchy sometimes. The free Wi-Fi is great!
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Review from David B.
Evanston, IL
5/23/2011
Delicious Paninis! Succulent Chicken and Pesto goodness. Have eaten here 3 times and it has rocked every time.
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Review from H H.
Alexandria, VA
10/6/2008
This is a cute cafe space, but needs work on clearing the tables to make room for new customers. I've had their Chai Iced Tea, and it was pretty good and refreshing. Price is mediocre and could be a little cheaper, but it's Evanston. They also don't give you NU student discounts (c'mon, at least 10%? Even Jamba Juice gives you one). Either way, it's not really a place where you can relax and stare out the window; if I were in a mood for Chai Iced Tea, I would take mine to go.
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Review from Rhetta G.
Chicago, IL
12/28/2008
Great coffee and lattes period. Sandwiches aren't bad, takes about 7 minutes if slow. Staff was friendly, but I always have the same morning shift person, couldn't tell you about any one else. Yogurt is low calorie and okay priced for evanston. Small seating area, but I always see customers using personal laptops. I plan to continue going for many years to come.
