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Dollop Coffee Co

4 star rating
based on 190 reviews

Category: Coffee & Tea

Neighborhood: Uptown
4181 N Clarendon Ave
(between Buena Ave & Gordon Ter)
Chicago, IL 60613
(708) 655-6753
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Hours:

Mon-Fri. 6:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Sat-Sun. 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Price Range:
$
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes
Outdoor Seating:
Yes
Wi-Fi:
Free

190 reviews for Dollop Coffee Co

Review Highlights   

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"Its a great place for working, and the free wifi is a plus." (in 25 reviews)
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"Luckily, I pulled up Colleen C's great free wi-fi list." (in 14 reviews)
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"The exposed brick, the sofas, the mish mash chairs." (in 11 reviews)
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One of the Business' Favorite Reviews What's This?

Photo of Amy F.

 

19

142

Amy F.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
5/31/2008

I love this coffee shop.  You can't go wrong with comfy couches, FREE wifi, tasty coffee and smoothies.  Most other places in Chicago have stiff chairs, but not Dollop!  My girlfriend and I would come here when we needed to talk and do work stuff.  When you need to go somewhere for a good latte or cup of coffee, come here!

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Photo of Rachel F.

 

1

10

Rachel F.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
11/16/2009

Thinking about this review has made it clear to me that Dollop and I are in a bit of an abusive relationship: often I come and it's awful and unpleasant and I ask myself why I'm here.  Then, once I've convinced myself to try it again, Dollop romances me with a workday so wonderful that I can't remember why I ever left.  

The wifi may be free, but those new-ish "expire after two hour" codes make me nervous (What if I'm not done after two hours?  What if I have one more important email to send and my two hours are suddenly up and I'm about to leave anyway so I don't want more coffee?).  I'm not against buying a second drink if I'm sitting for hours, but cutting off my internet seems a little harsh, especially when there's no one begging for my seat.  Also, there have always been light and temperature issues - the whole place tends to be freezing in the winter, so much so that I considered bringing a blanket last year . . . and the overall aesthetic does not lend itself to bright lighting, so if you don't have a table lamp next to you, you can forget about reading.  And while some of the baristas can be positively charming (I've been offered free refills on my coffee more often than not, and I'm not exactly on a first name basis with any of them), many of them seem like they'd rather be anywhere than making coffee - and frequently are.

On the other hand, it's comfortable and cozy and quiet most of the time (though the music, even if well-chosen, could stand to be a touch lower), and it's just the sort of place I can convince myself to go to on a cold day when I don't want to get out of bed and work.  The coffee is great, and I appreciate the variety of workspace (large tables, small tables, couches).  On the whole, people tend to leave you alone but not make you feel like you've crashed their private coffee shop party, and I appreciate that.    

On days when everything falls into place, and I've got a table with a lamp and an outlet in the back room to myself, and it's in the low 70s indoors, and the mild roast is delicious and in funky mismatched mugs . . . Dollop could be my favorite in Chicago.  Until the next time I come and get slapped around again.

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Photo of Mary O.

 

0

1

Mary O.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
11/10/2009

Officially my favorite coffee shop in Chicago. I'm not huge into espresso drinks, which is good, because I prefer The Dollops coffee and teas. They make a pretty killer Chai latte though, I will say.

This is great for the following things: Coffee in mass quantities, pastries, pies, sandwiches, getting work done, there's free wi-fi, tables, comfy furniture, and a quiet room all the way in the back if you want to just read and be away from the main cafe area. The dollop baristas always entertain with a great shuffle from their ipod. The place is always mixing up their art and displays to keep it interesting and kitschy.

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Photo of Mike P.

Elite '09

71

386

Mike P.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
10/20/2009

See here, they are relocating some electrical work in the condo today so my work at home day would have been Amish style and I already churned all the butter, the barn is raised. So in a 6 AM panic I realized that I actually have some real work to do today.

Luckily, I pulled up Colleen C's great free wi-fi list.  Being a fellow Uptownian, I knew she would have a rec near my home.  I landed in Dollop.  

So this review is on the fly, I'm writing it while some big spreadsheets save. (They're done now, Dollop's wi-fi is faster than I thought!)  Anyway, the Metropolis coffee is good and the cinnamon roll I just ate was fantastic.  

Anyway, I'll update when my day is done here.  Power comes back on at the casa at 1 PM.  So far, though Dollop seems like a great place, and it's great to while away the day in Buena Park.  Ah Buena Park, it's like Lakeview and Uptown had a one-night stand and you are their lovechild.

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Photo of Tom j.

 

0

1

Tom j.

Chicago, IL

2 star rating
11/16/2009

I used to frequent dollop at night to study.  it was great. A lot of couches and room to study.

However, i recently visited on a couple of Saturdays in the early afternoon and the employees seemed really disinterested and and rude.  It didn't make me happy that I had decided to spend money there.  I haven't been back after the second Saturday visit when the same employee acted like I was an inconvenience to her day.  

It's too bad too, because I would have liked to make it a regular part of my Saturdays.

Also the coffee is not so great.  And if you go in the winter it get's really cold.

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Photo of Nicole C.

Elite '09

68

61

Nicole C.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
8/20/2009

Great atmosphere, comfy couches, ample tea selection (the loose kind they put in a little paper satchel for you), superb (I've heard) locally roasted coffee from Metropolis, yummy Hoosier Mama Pies, and friendly service from cute baristas.

Should be 5 stars but...

My old lady gripe: The music (well chosen) is  too dern loud. I almost always want them to turn it down, and have made that request a few times. A tip: the music is not quite as loud in the back room.

You kids are gonna lose yer hearing!

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Photo of Johnny T.

Elite '09

307

151

Johnny T.

Chicago, IL

3 star rating
Updated - 10/6/2009

Hmm, I wasn't pleased by all the flies buzzing my head and other places (not on me!!  eww!!) about the coffee shop.  When I mentioned I liked that it was a little dirty, I meant in that "looks like but not really" kinda way.  This is an area in which it's OK to sell out.  Authenticated flies are not my thing.  Secondly, you (not you, kind barista in the pink shirt)!  Yes, you the surly coffee lady (no fancy term for you).  I'd like it if you didn't roll your eyes at my drink order or grunt and nod when I ask which cup is mine.  I was once a teenager too.  And I was meaner.  And I can channel him.  Like *that*.  'k?

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 4 star rating
    9/25/2009

    gather 'round, folks.

    Back in my day, the coffee shop was a place to commune, listen to music, drink… Read more »

Photo of amy e.

 

1

5

amy e.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
9/14/2009

A bullet list for Dollop:
- tasty coffee, great lattes
- yummy pastries
- good music
- delightful staff
- free internet
- cozy atmosphere
Basically, I go to Dollop because I hate pretentious, trendy, over- priced coffee shops. I've spent a lot of time there over the past year and I've never had a bad experience there - it's always warm and welcoming. When I used to pull long nights studying there they refilled my coffee for free. I'm sad I moved out of the neighborhood. I miss you Dollop!

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Photo of Carl I.

 

3

11

Carl I.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
10/20/2009

I used to live across the street in a bed sitter, and loved this place, the coffee is great, and I find the staff super friendly, and knowledgeable.
It's a great place to study, though one feels odd having a conversation when everyone else is buried in a stats text, or wading through a research paper, but, the atmosphere is so kicky it reminds me of my hippie days in East Lansing, MI!  The drawback is the food: it's not always fresh, especially after 3:00 PM. and the slices of pie are overpriced. The lemon meringue was particularly vile, but despite too much cream of tartar, the real villain was letting it sit out and molt. What saves the day is the rich, aromatic coffee, all kinds, all flavors, satisfying, as satisfaction can be. And, for tea lovers there is quite an extensive range of tea!

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Photo of jose g.

Elite '09

31

202

jose g.

Brooklyn, NY

5 star rating
9/8/2009

Okay, I must confess that for a while, I refused to check this place out because I had some preconceived notions. Life is a learning experience, and we all make mistakes. I'm willing to admit that. It takes courage. I should get a 'Cool' just for that.

But I showed up when they agreed to host a training I put on with some other folks for free. And loved it. In fact, for my last month in Chicago, I was over there often. The staff are incredibly friendly and wonderful- I just can't say enough good stuff about them. The drinks are great, and they were a nice treat from my usual coffee-avoidance, and the art on the walls (I remember two distinct installations) were nice as well.

The whole place is chill, with a kind of nice front area complete with high chairs on high tables, and the other types at a more normal altitude, and a back room full of comfy furniture. And everytime I went there, I saw someone I previously knew. I say previously, because the staff quickly became my friends.

Dollop won my cold, discriminating heart. Take from that what you will.

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Photo of Jessica N.

 

1

5

Jessica N.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
9/15/2009

This coffeehouse is a winner when it comes to finding a place to get a little work done. There are lots of comfy seats and a variety of sizes of tables and couches. There is free wi fi. Finding an outlet was easy, but I am not sure there are plentiful outlets everywhere. Maybe I got lucky. The staff and patrons were all very nice. When a woman at a larger table saw that I was meeting a friend, she offered to swap with me so that we could have the bigger table. The atmosphere is very comfortable and has a great, independent vibe. You can easily concentrate on your work or you can sit and chat with friends and not worry about disturbing anyone. I appreciated that I could sit here for 5 hours and no one seemed to mind.
My only gripe is that is gets crowded very early, even on a weekday and seats become hard to find.  I guess with a thing this good it is hard to keep the masses away.

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Photo of Penny P.

 

0

38

Penny P.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
8/6/2009

Dollop has the best coffee and WAY more character than you'd find in a Starbucks.  I love to stop in on the weekends for a cup before I head out on a long walk with my dog.

One quibble, though - the music is often hit or miss.  I stopped in at 10am on a Sunday a few weeks ago and Britney's 'I'm a Slave 4 U' was blaring.  Luckily I wasn't planning on hanging out there and relaxing with a morning paper.

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Photo of Daniel H.

Elite '09

10

80

Daniel H.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
9/1/2009

This place is rather nice - independent coffee house with funky decour and local artists on the walls. They play an eclectic range of music which isn't ALWAYS indie rock (thank god), and the layout is pretty cool with that back room with the random books and incomplete games laying around, although it can be hard to get wireless back there.

There's free wireless which is nice, though I'm not sure if they put a time limit on it or not. Sometimes they do and sometimes they don't. I guess they haven't made up their minds either.

The coffee is decent. I'm not blown away but it's solid. The food is on the better side. I forget which bakery they contract  to for their desserts but I like them. It closes early for my taste, cafes shouldn't close at 10 on weekdays or 9 on sunday!

All in all, before I moved out of uptown, I spent a lot of time here and it's one of the places I'll miss.

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Photo of Luis L.

Elite '09

19

76

Luis L.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
9/28/2009

I like this place a lot. If I had more of a need to go to a cafe, I would choose this one, for convenience and atmosphere. Free WiFi and friendly service are always a plus, but what's really a plus is nice, comfortable seating areas to do your work and cute guys to distract you from your work when you need a break.

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Photo of Venetta L.

 

5

30

Venetta L.

Chicago, IL

2 star rating
Updated - 9/28/2009

It really pains me to bring this review down a couple of notches.  The place is charming.  But then I started going 2-3 times a week and the novelty of the place really started coming down.  First off, the service is inconsistent - some days the coffee drink is excellent, some days okay, some days its crap.  There is one barista in particular that never smiles, she is quite depressing.  I never get the feeling that I am a regular there - and for 6 bucks each time (2-3 times a week), for coffee I can make at home (I order two drinks) - I would expect more.  I'm not saying that I am looking for the cookie cutter consistency from a Starbucks, or even the friendliness of the staff at Starbucks, but, for the love of anything holy to you, please smile once in a while.  Please make me think that I am valued in any way for choosing to give you my business.  I have other options within walking distance.  
I keep going because I really hope that it will change.  I guess that truly is the definition of insanity, because at Dollop, it won't.
And really - charging me 50 cents for a cup of water is nuts.  Let me explain that one - charging me 50 cents for warm water from the tap is insane.  And after noticing you charged me for warm water and after (very politely) asking you to add ice, I would appreciate if you did not visibly grumble.  If policy is to charge for water, so be it.  At least make an effort and don't hand me warm tap water without a smile.

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 4 star rating
    7/8/2008

    I went to Dollop for the first time yesterday.  I have lived in the area on and off for about 13… Read more »

Photo of Lisa K.

Elite '09

18

86

Lisa K.

Atlanta, GA

4 star rating
6/27/2009

As a committed Intelligentsia fan, I was skeptical of going to Dollop. I must say, I am pleasantly surprised! The metropolis espresso was delicious, the milk was steamed well, and my mocha was not overly sweet.
Nice work, Dollop! You did not ruin my morning!!!!
If you're in the neighborhood, I encourage you to swing by this local coffee shop and get a drink from the friendly and attractive baristas!

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Photo of Becky W.

Elite '09

139

122

Becky W.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
4/22/2009

When I was in school, I would go out of my way to come here. Its a great place for working, and the free wifi is a plus. And, their drinks are delicious. I haven't really gotten any super great art on my latte, but they still taste good. And the pastries are yum too! I also hosted a crochet-club meeting here and though we had to fight for a space on a sunday afternoon, once we were in, the staff was accommodating, and happy to have us crafters there!

I love how its kind of like a library, and its warm and cozy. And delicious!

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Photo of Ivan G.

 

0

14

Ivan G.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
7/16/2009

Feels like a college house, very comforting esp. since it is located in a neighborhood-y area.

I enjoy coming here to watch movies in my laptop or a productive reading session. It is way bigger than it appears since it has a big back room

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Photo of Brendan C.

 

5

2

Brendan C.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
10/31/2009

It's always strange to read negative reviews of a place that you love.  I've bounced around a bit since moving to Chicago several years ago, and I've never really gotten settled enough in one apartment to feel like it was "home" in that warm, ephemeral, fuzzy-insides way.  The closest thing I have to that kind of place is Dollop.  It's warm, homey, and -- while there are those who would disagree with this last part -- I find it completely unpretentious.  It's full of people happily coexisting while doing their own thing, which is what I look for in a coffee shop.  Some of the baristas can be a bit gruff, and it's true that the music can get a bit too loud, but Dollop has deep charm.  It's the ultimate "third place," which is something that the owner (Phil, who is a great guy and also runs the similarly rad Noble Tree cafe in Lincoln Park) has consciously worked toward.  As far as I'm concerned, he's done a great job.

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Photo of Lauren J.

 

36

67

Lauren J.

Orlando, FL

5 star rating
5/21/2009

Dollop just randomly popped into my head today as I was looking at my old, broken ipod.
You see, on one very busy day, on which I pretty much traveled through all of Chicago, I lost my ipod. It was new then, and my best friend forever, as it accompanied me on long bike rides.
Anyway, I had no clue where it was and pretty much gave up hope immediately.
About 3 days later, PHIL OF DOLLOP messaged me on myspace with the message: "IPOD- did you lose one?" How the hell he knew it was my ipod I have no idea (I think he told me at some point but I forgot). Anyway, it was pretty much the best day of my life and I love that Phil loves his customers enough to go out of his way to return such a thing. THANKS PHIL!

I would also like to add that this was the cafe that broke me away from Starbucks at the tender age of 19 :*) Memoorriiiesssss!! Dollop forever. I'll be a regular when I move back in 2011.

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Photo of Colleen C.

Elite '09

3399

1092

Colleen C.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
Updated - 3/1/2009

Bonus: free cup of coffee when you buy a whole bag o' beans.

Made my day!

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2 Previous Reviews: Show all »

  • 4 star rating
    7/2/2008

    This morning I woke up and to my absolute HORROR realized I had no coffee to make...

    For the love of… Read more »

Photo of Brian J.

 

0

7

Brian J.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
9/12/2009

If this coffee shop disappeared I would be so upset. It is everything a coffee shop should be . Comfy chairs, great coffee, free INTERNET, places to work at with your laptop with places to plug it in . Relaxing atmosphere and art on the walls with great music make it a great place to plug away at that work or studying that you need to do . Good coffee every time, never had a problem . I would consider it the cornerstone of coffee places in the neighborhood.

Buy coffee at this local coffee shop not the corporate monsters in the area.

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Photo of Mike P.

 

7

31

Mike P.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
8/9/2009

Dollop Coffee is wonderful little coffeehouse located in Uptown. It has a great lived-in , almost bohemian vibe that makes you want to stroll in and order a coffee to go with the book you're reading or the work you have to do on your laptop. The music playing was definitely interesting when I was there ( Iron and Wine mixed in with some Joy Division and Prince!). The staff was friendly and the coffee was great. I felt like home there. TIP: try the french silk pie.

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Photo of Anthony C.

 

7

21

Anthony C.

Seattle, WA

2 star rating
Updated - 3/30/2009

Sorry, Dollop, but you've done bad. You've changed where you get your baked goods from. No longer do you source your scones and such from Bleeding Heart Bakery - no, Alliance Bakery  is your new supplier. This means no more vegan scones, no vegan baked goods at all (I'm sorry, but bagels do not count). I live across the street and my wife and I would frequent your establishment despite the high price of your soy lattes because a) it was close b) vegan scones c) the lattes are tasty, but the lack of b) means I can get my equally tasty lattes for much cheaper at other places that are not so close in order to enjoy them with my requisite baked goods.

Oh, and apparently many of the employees are either ignorant of or don't care about the smoking laws in Illinois, because they stand directly outside the front door to smoke on their break. I'll no longer have to plunge through their noxious clouds of tobacco vapors in pursuit of caffeination and edibles, that's for sure. Nevertheless, a reminder - 15 feet from any door or open window, people, 15 feet.

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 4 star rating
    2/25/2009

    Nice atmosphere, good coffee, vegan baked treats from Bleeding Heart Bakery, and about 20 different… Read more »

Photo of Laura A.

 

0

10

Laura A.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
8/13/2009

Dollop is a great place to hang out and drink a good cup of coffee, as I have done on many occasions while I was living in Uptown.  The baristas are really friendly compared to some other places I've been.

The music is occasionally a bit too loud, but it has hardly ever been a problem, even when I'm planning on hanging out there for a bit.  

The thing I like most about Dollop is the laid-back atmosphere and the comfortable furniture.  I think the quieter area in the back is a great idea, as some people go to a coffee shop to see friends while others may go to read, study, etc.

All in all, this is a great place, and I wish I got the chance to come around more often these days.

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Photo of Elizabeth B.

 

59

27

Elizabeth B.

Chicago, IL

1 star rating
1/25/2009

All I wanted to do was search for jobs someplace besides my own living room, drink some good coffee, and hang out with my mate. He suggested this place and it fit all my requirements so, we went.

Aesthetics are nice, big couches, low lights, tables and bar tops, a general feeling of warmth. The artwork could have used an upgrade, it looked a bit like an elementary school art show.

The coffee was good. In fact, the barista  brewed a fresh pot when I ordered. The eclectic mix of coffee mugs and water glasses was a nice touch but I recommend NOT getting a medium hot beverage because they serve it in a glass without a handle so you risk grabbing a hot cup. (annoying)

I gave Dollop one star for two reasons:
1. you only get 90 minutes of free internet at a time and you have to punch in a nonsensical code from a business card. I get the "business reasons" for doing this (so people go and buy a new drink ever 90 minutes rather than just camping there all day with an espresso) but it's really annoying.

2. the barista was a complete asshole. I asked him if I could get a code card for 90 minutes of internet and I swear he eye-rolled as he said "um, yeahhh". He was really short with all of his answers and acted as though he didn't want people there. I prefer warm and friendly service at coffee shops; you're not that cool.

Next time I want a warm atmosphere, good coffee, and a couch for job searching, I will stay in my own living room.

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Photo of Tara P.

Elite '09

7

100

Tara P.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
8/5/2009

I LOVE this neighborhood coffee place.  The space is cute, selections include a range of drinks and a few tasty desserts.  What I love about the space is the different areas - front window sofas, mid-cafe tables, back room with lots of cozy couches, books and a few games.  There's wifi throughout.  Sitting in there with a book and/or on my interwebs machine makes me feel like I'm still in college...in a good way, without deadlines.

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Photo of Carrie S.

Elite '09

208

496

Carrie S.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
1/5/2009

Yelp's Hook and Needle events have become my beer gardens of the winter. Instead of sipping brews in beautiful beer gardens in the hot summer sun, I'm drinking coffee or tea, knitting, and kvetching with fellow Yelpers among the various coffee shops in the city. This month's Hook and Needle took place at Dollop. I like that Dollop's located in the middle of a residential area and near the hospital. It gives you that feeling of a neighborhood hangout.

When I got there, the front room was packed with studious people and their laptops. Becky secured a spot in the couch and chair setting out in front. It gave us a lot more light than previous experiences with other coffee shops. After settling in, I grabbed a chai tea. For those relaxing there, they give you a nice mug. The tea's pretty decent with a lot of foam-so no complaints here. The coffee shop's walls are filled with artwork-some good, some not so good. I enjoyed my afternoon of knitting and kvetching with the Yelpers. Overall, it's a good coffee shop that has that lived in feeling where it borders a dive bar in decor. It's nice and I would return if I'm in the neighborhood.

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Photo of Richie D.

Elite '09

169

628

Richie D.

Chicago, IL

2 star rating
3/11/2009

Just a little blurb of complaint...

I read on Yelp and was then received a comfirmatory response over the phone saying that Dollop carried Yerba Mate and would sell it in bulk.  

I arrive an hour later and they responded to my question, "Oh we would never say that.  Sorry, we only sell by tea bag."  I was cool and calm, it all went down in a cafe after all, but they were down right rude.

Wasted time, wasted possible stars. :X

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Photo of Andrea R.

Elite '09

2917

1562

Andrea R.

Chicago, IL

3 star rating
12/14/2008

My colleagues and I had an hour to spare and just happened to be down the street from Dollop Coffee.  I was pretty full from a delicious dinner at Urban Belly, but when Gabi K of Phoenix Yelp fame started talking about the delicious white hot chocolate she had the night before I had to get some for myself.  Fortunately, Dollop had some white chocolate (ghirardelli!) waiting for me! While it wasn't the best hot chocolate I've ever had (I think i may prefer milk chocolate when it comes to hot chocolate) it did the trick of providing me with something sweet...

Farrah A of Houston Yelp fame also ordered a carrot cupcake and was sweet enough to give me a bite. It was pretty good, although I think I've had tasted that cupcake before at Alliance Bakery so I'm going to guess Dollop gets their baked goods from them.  And yes, apparently I know my cupcakes just a little too well...

As for the rest of the gang...they ordered cups of tea, coffee, and made themselves at home among the other hard people at work on their laptops. I was surprised to see there were a bunch of people here on a Thursday night, but then again it's finals time for students so I guess it shouldn't be too surprising.

Dollop isn't a place I'd go out of my way for, but if I happened to be in the area again I'd stop in....for one of those carrot cupcake and this time milk hot chocolate.

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Photo of Noa P.

 

2

10

Noa P.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
6/15/2009

Great place to hang out, read, do homework, or just get your daily fix. Coffee is served beer steins (!!!) and they'll comp you a free cup when you buy a bag of beans.  Nice selection of tea and some bottled drinks and baked goods/munchies are available. Lots of tables and outlets for laptop users and there's a bike rack right outside the door! Easy going baristas and free wi-fi. A terrific neighborhood spot.  Enjoy!  Oh, and definitely check out the awesome mural in the bathroom.  * update - they no longer serve tasty treats from Bleeding Heart Bakery. (boo) *

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Photo of Renee D.

 

0

15

Renee D.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
7/7/2009

Great coffee shop! Super cute inside, great coffee, good pie (is it HoosierMama?), a lot of sitting space, and good music!

This place is rather large but still feels like a cozy nook of a shop.

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Photo of Steven M.

 

0

6

Steven M.

Chicago, IL

1 star rating
3/1/2009

This place used to be a great spot for chilling with great snacks BUT NO MORE.  The case is always bare with fewer and fewer treats, even in the morning.  They no longer get treats from Michelle's Bleeding Heart Bakery...why you ask?  I just think they don't give a shit!  The baristas all have a bad attitude, like they're doing you a favor...give me a break.  I asked if they could up the heat recently because it was freezing in there and you'd thought I had asked for their first-born son.  

I also called the other day to see if they had received a bakery delivery so I didn't waste a trip and I found out they don't have a phone, just voice mail.

What business owner in his right mind forgoes a phone?  It's not the 1930s dude!  So I left a voice mail and the owner called me back and argued his business practices with me, telling me vehemently that he knows his business.  He doesn't know it very well if he couldn't prevent a customer like myself from taking the time to write a negative review of his cruddy little joint.  

Get some food dude, get some heat, get some clean coffee cups, get some baristas who don't disappoint, get a new attitude guy and get a dollop of customer service!

I'll go down the block to Starbucks before I come back to your sorry-ass cafe!

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17

Daniel A.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
3/12/2009

Good place to cool down from chain stores.
Huge tables for laptop junkies, friendly staff, decent atmosphere.
Prices are competitive with Starbucks and Argo Tea, just slightly cheaper.

Watch out for Sunday mornings though, you may not find an empty seat.

I read a few complaints regarding the business card with the 90min access code for internet service. Argo Tea does this so it's not new. After a few months of unlimited free internet, people tend to get greedy so this is a perfectly reasonable way to remove the one cup trolls.

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Elite '09

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120

Katie B.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
11/9/2008 1 photo

I barely ever make coffee at home anymore because I love dollop so much, and not just in the morning.. it's actually a great place to hang out at night and get some work done.

Free wireless, good salads and pastries and great music.  

Sometimes they have random furniture and bikes and stuff for sale and I actually bought my guitar and amp at dollop!  I had been drooling over it for few days and finally just called the number.  Had a few consultants with me and after a solid little coffee shop hang, that baby was mine all mine.  

Pastries in the morning are sometimes stale, but the pies are always perfect.

I've met quite a few cool peeps here as well.

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61

Jaz P.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
2/17/2009

I just checked out this place to get some reading done, middle of a weekday. Right outside, on the door and glass storefront, there's alot of ad postings that immediately caught my attention, and as soon as I was inside, I noticed all the great lighting, so it almost could make you feel you were enjoying the day. Productive-looking people were scattered enough throughout the big space that I had a nice pick of places to sit, including whole couches.

The staff person behind the counter was really nice, probably because I was so happy to finally find a coffeeshop on the northside that wasn't Starbucks. (Hate to admit it but I go there often out of desperation, and I don't even like their coffee - sigh!)

I liked it so much I tried to go back again late tonite, but I couldn't find any parking so I decided to try back later. I think this place is gonna be a keeper.

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18

Carl H.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
2/12/2009

Dollop???  Oh Daisy!!!!  

My favorite coffeehouse in the whole of Chicago.
Great drinks, great baristas, great atmosphere.
My friend lives around the corner so she usually know where we are gonna end up.  

It's just a great place to relax, talk with friends, work at your comp or just people watch.

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Elite '09

16

114

Ben E.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
4/4/2009

This may be my favorite place to hang out in the city. It's big, has tons of seating, and feels like a real coffee shop should -- laid back, with good music, and plenty of places to lounge around, read, or hang out with friends.

Despite all the complaints about the service, I've never had any problems. Everyone's been perfectly efficient and polite. I can't speak to the quality of your particular "half-caf soy chai latte americano frappucino," or whatever your ultra-detailed order happens to be, but I've never had an issue with the quality of the coffee, lattes, or anything else.

Most coffee shops in this city are just designed to drive you out as quickly as possible, or have no idea how to create a comfortable, relaxing environment. I've never felt that way at Dollop. It feels like a place I'd see in San Francisco, where people are free to relax instead of getting shoved out the door.

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Elite '09

30

214

Kwoky L.

Chicago, IL

3 star rating
7/11/2009

I was never a big fan of Dollop. It's always crowded with people and I could hardly find any seat. If I ever find one, it will be at the back of the cafe which is quite dusty and dark. Not exactly the best place to read a book or do my work. The only plus is that I used to live right across it. Nevertheless, Dollop has some character that you can't find in other cafes.

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20

Ramon C.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
11/11/2008

Why this place isn't more popular, I just don't understand. Perhaps it's due to the out of the way location.

It's incredibly cozy, the coffee is extra tasty, and the little blonde gal that works there is one of the cutest human beings i've ever seen. (apologies to little blonde girl for objectifying you. also, sorry to my girlfriend who will inevitably read this and give me stinkeye.)

This is a great place to study. There's plenty of tables located near power outlets. There's free wifi. There's more seating in this place than just about any other coffee shop in the city.

It's super close to Truman, yet strangely doesn't appear to be crawling with Truman students.

BONUS: head north a block or two and make a left on Hutchinson Street. You'll find yourself in the middle of an architectural gem of a neighborhood. Every house on this block is beautiful. On the corner of Hutchinson & Hazel, there's a plaque commemorating the large amount of work architect George Maher did on this street.

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