- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
- Nearest Transit:
-
Sheridan (Red Line)
- Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun 7 am - 9:30 pm
Fri-Sat 7 am - 8 pm
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
290 reviews for Dollop Coffee Co
Review Highlights
Loading...
290 reviews in English
-
Review from Jennie L.
Chicago, IL
This is my second home, a few blocks away from my own home when I just want to work outside. Dollop is that cozy, dingy neighborhoody cafe you can hole up in with your laptop and work for hours and they won't give you dirty looks. They serve Metropolis coffee (not my favorite, personally) and there's free wifi, thank god they finally got rid of that internet code for 2hr system and now it's just a password.
There are two bookshelves of random books you can look through, random art on the walls that they rotate frequently, board games in the back, and usually good music playing (though sometimes a little loud). Yay Dollop! -
Review from Ryan P.
Chicago, IL
I am one of those that thinks if you pay a couple bucks for a bagel at an independent coffee shop, you should at least get it toasted for you. I know how much bagels cost, and I know how much value there is in service. I was a bit disappointed by this. Maybe I'm too fancy pants and expect a lot. Dunks and Starbucks at least provide a little bit of service as opposed to just marking up a standard bagel.
The ambiance is nice though, and it's great we have at least some place to go in the neighborhood. I do wish I just felt like it was worth it. It's just as easy to just walk down to jewel and buy a bag of bagels for $4 and toast at home. -
Review from Adrienne G.
Chicago, IL
I like Dollop! The staff is a lot more on top of things than Awake and their space is much larger, and suitable for days when one is working remotely, needs to get out the house to read a book, etc. They have free wi-fi, offer sandwiches and other lunchtime fare in addition to the breakfast pastries in the mornings, and generally have a low-key, cafe vibe that is neither stifling with silence nor headache-inducing with conversation. I've been here several times and am definitely a fan.
I haven't had their coffee since I'm not terribly fond of it, but their tea is looseleaf and delicious. I also really appreciate that they offer little plastic cups of water for patrons.
Also, there is a $5 minimum for credit card transactions. -
Review from Kristy N.
I'm not sure why people like this place so much. If it' wasn't down the street from me, you would never find me here. The staff seems bothered by having to wait on customers and they are hardly every helpful or friendly. The place gets really crowded and they typically have music playing way too loud. They make you toast and cut your own bagel and refills are not free.
I do like the decor and cozy atmosphere and the coffee is good. I would love to become a regular here but I frequent Dollop strictly due to proximity. -
Review from Noah H.
Chicago, IL
Love the coffe and wi-fi, hate the parking.
-
Review from Mike P.
My wife got me a MacBook Pro for Christmas. Now I can look like a professional coffee house patron!
I may have taken a turn for the douchier, but Dollop is still holding it down. Keeping it real with great, hand-made, coffee drinks, friendly baristas and a cozy den. Even a poser like me gets the A-Level treatment.
Thanks, Dollop!1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
10/20/2009
See here, they are relocating some electrical work in the condo today so my work at home day would… Read more »
-
10/20/2009
-
Review from Mike W.
Chicago, IL
Great place for a cup of java. They never hassle about using WiFi too long.
-
Review from Erik T.
Chicago, IL
Hello, my name is Erik. Currently, I work for the giant of all giants, (in the coffee world, of course) Starbucks. Personally, I strive to find places that separate themselves from the big corporate world. A little peace and quiet. That "second-home" feeling, that I ultimately search for And, I find that here...
There's a feeling that one feels when sipping on hand-crafted espresso beverage, reading book(or doing work) on a chilly, Chicago Winter day.
Perhaps, it's that romantic part of me that longs to sit down, read a book that's been collecting a little bit of dust, and enjoying a cup of coffee that makes me feel home. This is the feeling that I get when I sit here! Where I can whisk myself away for couple of hours into a book-never bothered or annoyed by the person next to me.
The staff here are just as splendid as the feeling that I get. Their helpful, and genuinely care about the person. In this instant, me. I've had engaging conversations with them, to which, they have interesting, fascinating lives. There's a genuine connection.
Thank-you, Dollop for creating that "second-home" feeling! -
Review from cassie r.
The coffee was top notch. The place was a bit run-down, but still had a quirky, artsy feel. The server didn't seem super happy at the prospect of helping customers, but perhaps she was having a bad day.
Not super impressed with the bathroom - actually, it was downright ick. Avoid at all costs. Not a good prospect when combined with a place that sells drinks, but it just might be worthwhile to hold it, if you can.
Chill vibe AND Hoosier Mama pies. That alone is worth a trip in. -
Review from Rob S.
Chicago, IL
I guess coming from the NW I'm spoiled on coffee houses. Let me start out by saying "Fuck Starbucks" just to put things in perspective. To be honest, the best part of my experience there was the cute Brit behind the counter. A coffee house should be about the quality of the coffee not ironic mustaches and obscure ambient music. And please, stop "putting a bird on it". Keep up, it's all about "putting an octopus on it."
-
Review from Holly J.
Chicago, IL
First I'd like to mention that the space is absolutely brilliant. I could easily sit here for hours. It's interesting and inviting.
That is where the charm ended for me. And that's too bad. On my first and only visit to the shop I approached the woman behind the counter to place the order. I knew exactly what I wanted and didn't mull about preventing others from ordering for any length of time. For some reason the cashier was oddly rude as if I'd ordered in pig latin and asked for three male belly dancers to accompany my caramel latte.
She literally took the order, didn't even really look at me and then on top of that she basically threw the coin portion of my due change into my hand, half of it spilling onto the counter.
Really? I'm a very pleasant customer. I even tipped her a buck. Perhaps because I was in shock for the next three minutes and it's habit for me to do so.
The drink, when consumed, tasted bitter and almost as though it was burnt. Wasn't her fault, she wasn't making the coffee. She was merely posted at the register greeting customers with her ill-will and general sullen nature.
I suppose I just expect a friendly cashier. As they're the folks who greet the customer and make the experience something a bit more exciting than a jaunt to the Starbucks. I almost think that if you're going to be an "attitudey Judy" you should call in sick. It hurts business and recounts people of that time they got sucker punched by the angst laden grunge rocker in a mosh pit.
Stay home. Or get fired. This is supposed to be a friendly, neighborhood coffee shop that caters the hyper local masses. How are people going to feel the urge to come back when they never feel welcome to begin with? Major error in staffing especially when I've been to countless coffee shops round town where the staff is smiling, helpful and gets your change back to you in a polite and quaint manner.Listed in: Neverending List Of Worthy…
-
Review from Jarvis A.
Chicago, IL
The excellent coffee shop is a hallmark of a good neighborhood, and Dollop does not disappoint. There is ample seating, free Internet, good vibes, friendly baristas, and most importantly good coffee. I love this place.
-
Review from Jim B.
Chicago, IL
Great staff, coffee, atmosphere & snacks - what more do you need?
-
Review from Michael K.
Chicago, IL
This is my neighborhood coffee shop where I have spent many a night catching up on paper work. A year ago I would have gave this place five stars.
What's changed: they open later in the morning so I can no longer get a coffee on my way to work. The internet has always been wonky but the last five times I have been there I haven't been able to connect at all. Lastly, the new staff is just...OK. Listen, I don't expect my barista to be dancing around like they just had a double espresso enema - but at least put a damn smile on your face. -
Review from Laura C.
Walking past the exterior, it doesn't look like much. When you walk inside, though, you walk into a cozy cafe, are greeted by a charming fellow at the register who made us feel welcome, worn in furniture that feels like a family cottage, hardwood floors, and spicy, foamy chai that makes the cold weather disappear and everything is okay for that one cup. There is a backroom which seemed to be a library type atmosphere, where it felt like you couldn't talk, so we waited for a table in the main room which was full of laptops and people chatting over pastries and steaming hot mugs. The buzz of the coffee grinder in the background, scents of various teas and coffee concoctions wafting through the air made it a great place to catch up with friends and enjoy an afternoon.
-
Review from Eli S.
Chicago, IL
This place is top notch! The atmosphere is perfect, kind of on this quite residential corner on Claredon. There's a space in the back with comfy chairs and group tables. The baristas are pleasant and fun, and I just tried their Coconut Oolong and it's lovely.
Free wi-fi and the above combinations make this place a winner in my book!Listed in: Best Chicago Chill Coffee…
-
Review from Mary V.
Chicago, IL
I haven't hung out here much for writing or researching or reading, but I can attest that it is a place I would love to do those things in. It's like a comfortable, genuine, less-manic version of Filter in Wicker Park - old, mismatched but well-chosen furniture, funky art and strings of lights strung about, plenty of light if you sit up front but plenty of moody, lamplit seating in the back if you want to be away from the world.
It's a perfect location - in Uptown, we really don't have many other coffee shops to go to and hang out at that aren't also a long-ass walk from anywhere. Dollop is kind of the only place around, which is awesome for us, but I am also constantly surprised at how non-packed it is on weekend mornings.
The coffee, lattes, mochas, and capps are great, and many times during the summer I have grabbed an utterly delicious scone or almond croissant for a breakfast on the go. Service is chirpy, sometimes not as snappy as I would like, while I'm trying to catch a bus, but overall more than decent. I'm sorry to hear about others' bad customer service experiences!
The only negative thing I can bring up is that when my bf has brought his laptop and tried to work online, he couldn't connect. Now he just goes to some Starbucks for their dependable internet, and while I can't blame him for needing to get stuff done, I wish Dollop could fix this problem in order to keep local business local.
Overall a great place - so homey, so easy to just sit down and make it yours. You'll love it. -
Review from SJ C.
Chicago, IL
Delicious coffee, great food - they even have delicious sandwiches and fruit smoothie drinks in a cooler. Amazing pies (I'm a sucker for desserts), and an incredible selection of teas.
Plus, I always look forward to seeing Max or Gillian, two servers, there. They are super nice and fun, and have had some excellent suggestions for new things to try so that I don't always have to get boring old coffee or green tea when I go.
Gillian suggested this amazing coconut tea last week that she made me with a little bit of soy milk in it that was absolute heaven.
They have so much variety here there's something for even the pickiest coffee or tea drinker. Not to mention the free wi-fi, couches, great lighting, and pleasant atmosphere.
I only wish it were open late! -
Review from Long Q.
Chicago, IL
I love this coffee shop! I love the people that work here and their coffee and biscottis! What more can I say about this place that everyone and their mom on yelp has not? You tell me!
I gave this place one gray star (yes I said one gray star because I want to be original okay?) because I wish they would serve warm food? and I don't mean the bagels and scones that could be tanned in the oven. I meant something like a panini? perhaps a grilled steak? okay maybe not a grilled steak but you know what I mean (do you?) -
Review from Sarah Anna H.
Chicago, IL
Could be a fabulous coffee shop.
Good:
1. Cute
Bad:
1. Dirty
2. Rude
3. Slow
4. Not so great... what did I pay for? -
Review from Michael K.
Blacksburg, VA
I was in desperate need of a (good) coffee and someplace to work because I was utterly unproductive sitting in my kitchen. So I looked for yelp to rescue me and it didn't steer me too wrong! Dollop has a great atmosphere and the best latte I've been able to get since I've been in Chicago (3 months). They play great music, although a tad louder than was necessary, after it started to quiet down around 7 - it just seemed to be really blaring and kind of distracting at that point. I wanted a sandwich but they were out, I wasn't too upset though as it was almost 6pm, I also ordered a spiced cider, but that was just okay. All in all it was great for what I was looking for and I certainly plan to be back again over the next few weeks, even thought its not exactly in my neck of the woods. Cheers!
-
Review from William R.
Chicago, IL
Nice calm atmosphere, sometimes the music is funny, but nice staff and great tasting coffee!
-
Review from M P.
IL
Used to really love studying here. Cool space, great tables, nice vibe.
But lately the coffee prices have gone up - and no offense, but your large is the size of a regular coffee mug. And food options are limited, so after a couple hours of studying, I'm going to go somewhere else to eat.
They still make great coffee and it's still convenient....but if I'm settling in for a long study session, I'm more likely to hit Filter or Kitchen Sink. -
Review from Katy G.
Chicago, IL
The environment of this place looked really cool and being new to the area, I thought it might be a sweet coffee shop to call home. When I ordered, at 11 a.m. on a Saturday, they were out of Chai. I understand that this happens, but it was a disappointment. I went to the counter after getting a different drink to ask for the password for the wifi. I said, "excuse me." No response. I said it again, and without looking up, the woman said "yeah?" I asked for the password, and again without looking up or saying anything, she just handed me the card with the information. Then the internet proved to be awful... so bad I couldn't get a thing done. I left 10 minutes later having simply wasted money on a drink I didn't want.
-
Review from c e.
Chicago, IL
Cute neighborhood, amazing lattes, beautiful space with lots of windows and seating, great music, funny salespeople... what more could you ask for in a cafe?
-
Review from chishimba S.
San Francisco, CA
Dollop was by far my favorite coffee shop in Chicago. But then again it is the only cafe I hit up the entire month I was in Chicago... and for good reason.
If I lived in Chicago there's no doubt that Dollop would be my go to cafe. The exposed brick, the comfy mismatched sofas, the plants, the collection of magazines and books in the far back, all create a homey atmosphere that makes it a great place to go and get some work done or just read a book.
Their tea selection is great (I hear that their coffee is good too but I don't drink coffee so I wouldn't know) and I swear if you love pie as much as I do their pie from "Who's your mama" bakery will not fail to hit the spot.
And last but not least the Baristas are awesome. Especially Katie. My next visit back to Chicago I'll for sure be hitting up Dollop. -
Review from Richard T.
Los Angeles, CA
Yikes!
Okay for the record, I think that this place is incredibly cute and I really, really wanted to like it. After stopping by this place for the third time this week, I'm sad to report that I am kinda disappointed.
The first couple of days that I came here it was fine. The pastry selection is quite minimal and the staff was as friendly as can be. I actually worked from this cafe yesterday and the wifi, while free, wasn't very fast. But this morning... oh boy...
As I have a ton of work to do, I needed that extra kick so I stopped by this morning and ordered a triple espresso. A perfectly simple, normal drink... or so I thought. I had one simple request, can i get it in a small cup, since the little espresso cups are far too small after I add cream and sugar.
I was refused!
Shot down.
'We don't do that anymore...' I was told. I reacted with a confused 'okay that's fine' when in my head i was screaming 'What?! I just want it in a different cup!' Okay, so that was weird.
I get my espresso, and usually I wait a little while for it to cool down cause I don't like super hot beverages... so halfway home I take my first sip and holy crap wtf, it's cold. How is this cold? I did not understand. Was the espresso machine broken? I don't think this has ever happened to me. I didn't want to bug them so I just went home and put it in the microwave.
Awkward.
Anyways, this could have been a one-off experience so I encourage you to check it out. As I said in the beginning of this review, this place is really cute and cozy so you might like it. Their actual product however... hmmmmm..... -
Review from Matt G.
Chicago, IL
This is a great little coffee shop nestled in the Uptown/Buena Park neighborhood. They have a friendly staff and delicious mochas.
-
Review from Kristen M.
Chicago, IL
Dollop is pretty close to work, so I've stopped in a handful of times - and have either had great service, or it's been awful, nothing in between. A few times the person at the register has been super friendly, commenting on how sweet and well behaved my baby (I'm a nanny) is; the other couple of times I have had to repeat my order twice (or even three times; and it's not complicated (12oz skim latte, easy foam)) and they give me attitude. Half of the time my order comes out wrong, and they act as though I did wrong when I (politely) ask for it to be remade.
Today may have been the last straw, when the man at the register was either high, or too cool to care about his job - either way I really didn't appreciate his attitude; and I was given a damn mocha.
I love the exposed brick, local art, and whole ambiance of the place, but the inconsistency of the staff drives me crazy.. I want so badly to like you, Dollop, so I'll give you one more shot. -
Review from Andrew R.
So I tried this place on the recommendation on a friend and it was pretty ok! The scones were ok, not too sweet or too bland, not too moist or too dry....they were just missing that extra something. I dunno, maybe a bit more fruit in them would have helped.
The ambiance is really cool, that much is certain. It's a cozy, corner coffee place where you can just relax and read a book or grab a quick cup with some friends. The staff are friendly if you know what you want, not so much if you waste their time.
The coffee was fast and very coffee-like. I'm a coffee purist and I like coffee plain so I can judge it based on the bean, not all of the stuff people throw in it. This was decent coffee, decently strong, nothing overly anything. Oh, and the price seemed cheap...until you got the cup and realize how small they are. So all in all, a pretty average experience, but better than most coffee places. -
Review from Melinda K.
Chicago, IL
This little coffee shop is right around the corner from where I live. The staff is really friendly, the tea is very good, and it's the perfect spot to work on projects/catch up on reading.
Very nice place. I would give it five stars, but some of the menu items are a bit overpriced for the kind of quality they are.
Overall, great little coffee shop. I don't visit as often as I should for living so close! -
Review from rafia m.
Chicago, IL
After realizing there are 256 reviews, I had to rethink if my review will be even worth it. Eh..why not. This an adorable little neighborhood coffee shop that I have been coming to for a year. I live right around the corner and could not ask for a more relaxing place to study or work at. It does get a little crowded around the weekends so getting a table may be a struggle..but the coffee here is pretty damn good! Omg and their biscotties (sp?!) to die for....dip it in your lattee and yummy!!
The staff is also really friendly =) and the environment reminds me of Austin..I recommend!! -
Review from Sam N.
Chicago, IL
a nice neighborhood coffee shop...You will forget you are in the hustle and bustle of chicago. This is a good place to chill out and relax. I brought pizza here from next door and the owner did not yell at me...Even if this was not owned by my e cousin the chances are that I would still come here. I have to get back here
-
Review from Barney B.
Chicago, IL
I used to come here. Repeat. I 'used' to come here.
I don't get much coffee on the 'outside' much anymore, but when I did I would come here. And usually get some strange vibes, duuuuude.....I guess I'm older now and not such a hip, happening, coolcat sorta person. I mean, what's up with the weird attitude? Do we have some ex-Reckless employees here? A couple of the ladies who worked (work)here were (are)pleasant, but some are just really fucking strange, duuuuude. Like, in a weird-kind-of-vibe kinda strange. Like, you're making me feel kinda' self-conscious here, lady.
Not that their attitudes are a complete turnoff, but I'm quite frankly weirded out by the 'anti-corporate coffee' attitudes at some of these hipster places. What's with the weird vibe? You get the strange looks from the WiFi robbers camped at the table with an empty cup. Get the fuck out, Chad. Me wanty table for my coffee and bagel. And then I realize there is no fucking way I'm going to end up savoring my purchase here. Back home, please. Quickly.
Is it that bad? Maybe if you're younger or you aren't fed up with the place like I am. If you're in the neighborhood, then I guess your options are limited.
Done. Over.
p.s. who takes the pictures of these places? Horrid! I'm going to have to wash my eyes out with lye......... -
Review from Lili V.
Chicago, IL
My gripes:
1. They have this little card system now where you have to buy something to use the internet for 2 hours.
2. On top of that, they have a 5 dollar minimum to use cards.
3. When I did buy a cookie to reach the minimum, it was so hard and greasy that I think I could have eaten something better from under my stove.
Found a new place that has actual food and doesn't charge for internet. -
Review from Marissa D.
Chicago, IL
I know this review will just get lost in the slew of others, and especially in the mass of glowing praise for this shop, but I'm going to write something anyway...just to bring their overall rating down a notch. Is that bitchy? Oh well.
I dragged my butt down to the White End of Uptown from the far north on a hot summer afternoon just to try it out, because I had walked by before, was curious, and then read all these rave reviews. I'm from the Pacific Northwest originally, where there is an overabundance of coffeeshops, and my hometown actually has the highest number of coffee houses per capita in the US. It's a little ridiculous. I have my favorite spot back home, so I have been on the lookout for my favorite replacement spot here in Chicago. I'm still on the lookout, because Dollop ain't it.
The iced coffee I had was fine, but it wasn't toddy (why? WHY have I not been able to find toddy anywhere? You throw a bunch of coffee grounds in a vat of cold water and strain it the next morning. It is not a complicated or fancy process.), and it came in a glass mug. Okay...? I settled down at a window seat to drink my mug of iced coffee and read a book. At first the music didn't bother me, but it got progressively louder and more obnoxious, so I put my headphones on and listened to some Windy & Carl, which soothed me. After a while I took them off, and the music seemed to have gotten even louder and more annoying; I don't know how the few other people without headphones who appeared to be studying/working on laptops could stand it, but then I noticed the back sunken-in room... which was packed with studious folks. I was not surprised that they had holed themselves up here. It shouldn't be like that, though.
So in conclusion, I am still on the lookout for a coffee shop to call "mine," where the baristas are actually interested in making good coffee and not the pretense of being "hip." I am so over "hip," not that I ever was into it. Everyone who likes this place needs to get over it, too.
/rant -
Review from Alex S.
I needed a quiet place to get some work done in a neighborhood of Chicago I knew nothing about. Dollop, you were fantastic.
Walking into this BoHo coffee shops, with it's crazy artwork on the wall, mismatched furniture furniture, and girl twirling hula-hoops outside, I was a bit nervous. Would they accept me and my Target-shopping, Starbucks-buying ways? Still, my phone said they had free, open WiFi, and I was meeting a colleague here later, so onward and in!
I had nothing to fear from this foreign land though - the baristas smiled at me, the atmosphere was friendly and he WiFi was indeed open and free.
My only issue was the price of the drinks - $3 for an ice coffee? A small iced coffee? I don't know about that ... Of course, I always think coffee is top expensive and pay for it anyway, so what do I know.
I really enjoyed sitting here for about an hour and a half. I got work done, I enjoyed peace of mind and was even entertained by hulu-hoop girl's performance. Well done, strange little awesome shop, well done.Listed in: Alex's Whirlwind Adventure…
-
Review from Andre T.
Chicago, IL
First off, I kinda like this place, secondly I kinda don't like this place. If you come in regularly enough you start to notice that the baristas have this drama click going on, some kinda pyramid of baristas like high school. I mean I know how serious baristas can take their job, but you are in the service industry and you serve coffee, no offense, I'd happily do it, but common, we're making warm caffiene here..
Alright it used to be more genuine and vintage feeling now it's trying to be vintage and is sort of out dated and the layout of furniture used to be more inviting.
Really this is just a poke at the baristas who take themselves way too seriously, who's running this drama club? -
Review from Lisa K.
Cute place. I feel like the chairs etc could be a little more comfortable, but I can also see that they don't want to make it a place where you'd hang around for the whole day. Excellent iced lattes and I liked the tea selection.
Listed in: Chicago/land
-
Review from Rachel W.
Chicago, IL
I was driving my friend and her daughter to the airport and she wanted to treat me to a coffee on the way there. We both had our two year old kiddos with us. The service was a bit slow, but nothing terrible. The kids enjoyed the blueberry muffin and I really enjoyed the chocolate croissant. The cafe Mocha was delicious and I loved the touch of the heart shaped foam on top.
However, I would probably never go back. We received a shocking amount of dirty looks for having our kids with us. Sure, their talking level is louder than adults, but they weren't going crazy. In fact, one of the patrons shooting us dirty looks was waiting to get his coffee to go. To go, dude. Sorry for making 5 minutes of your life so miserable. We weren't camped out for hours, it was certainly less than 10 minutes. I apologize to the douche bag on the lap top and he managed to ignore me but somehow still give me a dirty look at the same time. I'm not one of those people that thinks my special snowflake should be able to go anywhere and do anything, but 10 minutes at a coffee shop is not unreasonable. Give me a break.
