On a mobile device? Try our mobile site, optimized for faster browsing.
Real People. Real Reviews.®
Category: Coffee & Tea [Edit]
824 W Belmont AveMention Yelp and get a bagel with cream cheese and a coffee for $3!
Announced one week agoBelmont (Purple Express, Brown, Red)
Mon-Sun 6 am - 10 pm
Loading...
Kickstand was my caffeinated (and air-conditioned) oasis during Attack of the Heats & Humidities last Thursday.
I stumbled in around 3 p.m., drenched in sweat and dragging my wheelie suitcase. I was waiting for my host/friend to get off work and thought I'd spend some time working before meeting her for dinner. Trying to avoid Starbucks at all (or most) costs, I found Kickstand on the Yelp app and made a beeline in the direction of locally owned and artisan.
I made the right choice. The A/C was cranked up so high I actually had to put a cardigan on midway through my iced coffee. It was about 100 degrees outside, so I cannot put into words how insanely happy that made me.
My iced coffee was served by some friendly dudes who brew their coffee strong. It was late afternoon, so I knew I shouldn't have finished the whole glass... but I couldn't help it. I spotted a piece of lemon pie in the case that looked phenomenal. Too bad my appetite was suppressed by the sun or I would have ordered some.
It definitely seemed to be a neighborhood hipster hub. I hung out for a couple of hours with my laptop along the window-counter seats and got a lot done, despite the loud-ish music. There weren't too many other customers, and those that came in were grabbing things for the road. I, however, couldn't bear to leave the happy confines of Kickstand until I absolutely had to.
Listed in: Chicagoing
Support your local businesses. I love that we finally have a local coffee shop on the walk to the Belmont el. (Though thank you to Starbucks for providing health insurance to some of my best friends.)
They serve Metropolis brew, which is amazing and also local. For you coffee snobs (like me), this brew will suffice.
I will tell you, if you're in a hurry, this may not be the best option. I've stopped by on the way to work, there has been no line, and it still takes a bit. I know they are brewing masters, but sometimes you need to get on to the El.
I love the atmosphere. It's friendly and inviting and a great place to work or people watch. You can find me here once classes start again in the fall.
First time at Kickstand today. All I can say is, WOW. I just started a job around the corner and stumbled upon this place during my break. I got what I usually get at Starbucks, which is a large iced americano - black. Kickstand's coffee definitely has a better, more complex taste akin to Intelligentsia's. The staff was really friendly and I love how the coffee making area is set up like a bar!
Peace out, Starbucks.
I've been here a few times now and I this is now my new favorite neighborhood coffee place. They serve Metropolis coffee (delicious), chocolate scones (perfect weekend treat), Southport Grocery cupcakes (mind-blowing), and play great music. The people have been incredibly nice every time that I've been in there and while it did take a little while to get my latte, it was the best I had in a long time.
I decided to check this new place out, while I was walking by. What a fantastic coffee spot! The iced coffee I ordered was delicious! It out beats Starbucks coffee anytime! The people who work here are super friendly too, they welcomed me with a smile and very polite and nice. I found my new coffee spot that I definitely will be coming to again!
Second time at Kickstand today, and now they've got a punch card (love places that reward customer loyalty).
I'm a Lakeview girl at heart, but going to Kickstand allows me to bust out my hipster shades and let out my inner Wicker Parkian every once in a while.
The drinks take a while because they are made to order, unlike that behemoth coffee chain just around the corner (that I admittedly visit, oh, once a week at least). Food selections are great - in fact, I most recently had a fabulous veggie sandwich brought in from Southport Grocery.
The last time I was there the Wi-Fi was slowwwww, but perhaps they were having an off day. Luckily I had a few Excel charts to pore over so it didn't completely damper my time. Besides, what's a hipster need Wi-Fi for anyway?
Lovely, rich, bitter-edged (finish) espresso! Perfect spot for a midnight double - inside & out of the street fray.
Intelligent, kind staff.
Fab li'l (spartan) hideaway.
I was having a bad day...really BAD. Bitter people everywhere. On my way from the gym I ran into Kickstand where I was greeted by shiny happy people. The cashier had the cutest laugh ever and the baristo was super cool and made my iced soy chai juuust right. Best part was the VEGAN muffin. Omfg. Kickstand turned my day around. Thanks guys.
I am currently writing this at Kickstand. Obviously I like this place enough to be compelled to write a review about this sitting on the premises. That, and I don't want to do schoolwork right now.
I am obsessed with coffeeshops/houses and having been to over thirty different coffeeshops/houses in Chicago (I'm not a bragger, but this I'm very proud of! What an accomplishment!), this has instantly moved up into my top 10 list.
It's a small spot, but it's super chill. I LOVE the highchairs (sorry shorter friends.... they must hate me for saying this)... obviously because it's supposed to be an "espresso bar" (or so goes their moniker.) The pop art on the wall is very eye-catching and the old school Coca-Cola imprints at the espresso bar is precious... oh and so is the multiplicity of clocks above the doorway.
They serve Metropolis coffee so that's another plus. The Iced Americano was excellent. (That is my standard litmus test drink. I order that for every first visit to a coffeehouse. If they mess that up, it's over! I'd flip a table "New Jersey style.")
Another plus is the location; its proximity to Belmont station. I often travel up and down the red and brown line (and of course, the hipster/cool person blue line) for awesome coffeehouses and having a new favorite right off an el station is fantastic. The best thing about this spot is that it's not pretentious nor is it trying too hard. Even the barista Claude introduced himself to me (the cashier was nice too, but I didn't grab his name!).
I highly recommend this place, but I'm kinda scared this place will be so popular that everyone and their momma will come here. I'll be back! In the meantime, I'm still sitting here... so I can't really talk in the future tense just yet.
Is there a difference between an espresso bar and a coffeehouse?
I believe Kickstand to be a little different than most coffee joints in Chicago. Most places have low, luxurious couches to relax in and large tables to spread your books, buckle down and study. Kickstand, on the other hand, has high top tables, tall chairs, and more of a bar-like atmosphere.
Don't get me wrong, I LOVE kickstand to its rustic bikes on the walls, to its pop art, and friendly staff. Plus, they make some damned good coffee. My friend was in heaven after her cortado, and I expereienced a depressed feeling after I finished my latte because it was so good.
It isn't the cozy type of coffee establishment, but it has a great social atmosphere and top notch coffee. Not much to offer on the pastry and food end: a few sandwiches, salads, and other carb friendly treats. But keep in mind this is an establishment where their focus is coffee and customer service is speedy and excellent. You'll get a cup of coffee that is so knock-your-socks-off good that you'll want to move in permanently.
HIpster comes to Lakeview... I liked the atmosphere here right away. A few high tables with bar stools, window counters. Cool art on the walls. Good coffee. My iced mocha was sooo good. Staff was super friendly. Completely laid-back, unpretentious.
I like a little noise when I get work done, and I could totally see myself sitting down here, people-watching through the window on the corner of Belmont and Clark and tapping it out on my laptop. Unfortunately though, my love for this place started to fade after experiencing the ridiculously sloooow free wi-fi. Buzz kill!! (haha espresso bar... lame I know) Anyway, once this place gets its wi-fi together, I'll be back.
The coffee is great, the service is good (they always seem to be out of half&half, but refill quickly and pleasantly when prompted), and they still do the buy 10, get 1 free punch cards that I love.
But the best part is - HOOSIER MAMA PIE! There's nowhere in Lakeview to pick up a piece of good pie casually until now. The French Silk is so good. We're in there at least once a week just for pie.
Awesome little coffee shop in a great location. No need to go to Starfucks on the corner anymore (unless it's 3am and you just really need an espresso fix). Clean environment, friendly staff, plenty of food options, and great coffee.
Someone mentioned Intelligentsia is better on Broadway, but I'd say the two are different vibes. Intelligentsia is almost always packed and it's hard to find a place to sit sometimes. Also, its location is fine if you're on Broadway, but if you're heading towards the Belmont stop from anywhere north of Belmont, Kickstand is more convenient.
All in all, a great indie coffee shop, and a chill atmosphere to get some work done, too!
Oh man, this place is so hipster that it doesn't even need lamp shades for their lighting fixtures!
Seriously though, this place is great. It's nice to actually see some creative design in Lakeview rather than some silly ikea modern style decor in the hood. (Though, I will give one suggestion, it would be cool if they had a half wall behind the cash register with their logo on it)
The latte I had was delicious! Might I say better than intelligentsia? It was sweeter and creamer than intellys. And hooray for latte art!
I also had their banana bread pecan muffin, which was also delicious. Grainy, bananay, and bites of sweet pecans filled my mouth, along with an orgasm.
So my verdict is go! Go support those indie coffee shop startups. We need more of you!
Definitely a fan, thought I've only been there once for a soy hazelnut latte. Flavor was nice, strong, but not overpowering or bitter. Just the right amount of milk and foam, this is no burnt, overly-sweet Starbucks latte! Just as expensive, maybe a bit higher, but in my opinion worth the price.
Not a ton of seating but that seems the point. Chill and get some work done, or get your coffee and go. Some small pastries but no food that I saw, maybe there was a menu but I was just there for the java.
Decor was kitschy and original, loved the antique bike art. The yard stick paneling was cool too, may borrow that idea if we ever get a house ;) Also, FULL of hipsters, holy crap. I felt so old, frumpy and lame, LOL.
Kudos to Phil Tadros, he's mastered the art of Chicago (indie) coffeshoppin'....and Kickstand Espresso Bar is just the most recent installment.
Phil also is responsible for:
Dollop: http://www.yelp.com/bi...
Noble Tree: http://www.yelp.com/bi...
Kickstand has a bit more edge, a little less "boho" coffee shop furniture (read: mothballs and dust). Think stainless steel counters, semi-electronica music (or, whatever that was, I'm not a fan!), shiny floors, and sleek tables and hightop elementary-throwback chairs. BUT, they all match. Something not found at D or NT.
However, the local offerings (and admirable focus!) are much the same...Hoosier Mama Pie Co (Be still my pie-lovin' heart), Bleeding Heart Bakery, Metropolis coffee...Kickstand's got the the goods, most definitely.
My iced, soy, vanilla latte was perfectly made and served...and my brief little work "catch-up" session was nearly flawless, save the too loud music...though I do suppose it goes along with the theme.
However, if you're lookin' to camp out and study/work for hours, this is NOT the place. Phil already has two spots like that...so head north or south to seek refuge. Kickstand is a passerthrough, conversation type place. Bustling intersection of Belmont/Clark...it's loud and energetic, and caffeinated.
Well done. A great addition to the 'hood. Down with neighboring Starbucks...Metropolis is now being brewed fresh in Lakeview!
Listed in: Coffee Shops with MUGS!
I have been to Kickstand three times over the last few weeks and I have to say I love the feel of it. It makes me feel like I'm in New York City and not Chicago. No offense to Chicago, but any place that feels New York just makes me all warm and fuzzy.
The people who work there are always super friendly and are even polite to the little boy I nanny. Most places that are low key see a toddler walk in and cringe, but they are always very welcoming to him. Maybe its because I know not to stay very long, since people are actually trying to enjoy themselves not listen to a child gab.
I love the ice tea and the warm tea. I love the rulers on the wall. I love Kickstand. Hooray for locally owned coffee shops.
Brought to you by the same great folks at Dollup (Clarendon, Lakeview) and Noble Tree (Clark, Lincoln Park), comes a third addition called Kickstand (Belmont Clark, Lakeview). Sometimes I ask my self as I pass the nearby Starbucks, who actually studies there? You pay for Internet, the coffee tastes like metal unless it's doctored with sugar, the music sucks, wackos everywhere and the smiley barista seems strangely robotic. Point being, support small businesses working hard to bring you a well-crafted environment, giving you a unique experience, along with a great product. I love the DIY decor, the people are always genuinely kind, and the espresso is always good. Any Starbucks is like any other Starbucks in America. Do not support corporatized mediocrity. Open up your minds and wallets to support your local small businesses stupid!
p.s. Hoosier Mama Pie is the best pie i've ever had!
So great! I'm not a Starbucks hater, but I've sure missed having an independent coffee shop nearby. I like all of the shops in this lil Chicago indie coffee empire (Dollop, Noble Tree, now Kickstand) and I'm really happy there's one close to my house. Not cozy like Dollop/NT but still super cute with a friendly vibe.
They made me a really yummy americano. I think I'll be here a lot...
Listed in: Coffee Talk
Awesome! great to have an alternative to the starbucks/dd on that corner.
my iced mocha latte was very good and the blueberry muffin i ate was excellent.
I was happy to see this place open. It's nice to have a non-chain coffee shop within sight of Clark and Belmont, and I kind of enjoy the drama of someone in the neighborhood stepping up as a serious contender to Intelligentsia. Oh, and they're offering a discount if you work in the neighborhood.
The coffee is perfectly good -- no complaints on that score. Metropolis coffee has never let me down, and the brewing seems to be skilled. Food options could be better; just pastries and a few premade sandwiches, if you get there in time.
I think the interior could use a work-over, though. There's plenty of cool art and the vibe is fine, but all the tables are bar height with stools and they just float in the middle of the room. I don't find them very inviting to settle down to for a couple hours of work. Also, someone is going to trip and die from falling over a laptop cord that's stretched from the top of a table down to the socket on the wall a few feet away.
For coffee to go, though, I'll get all my on-the-way-to-the-Red-Line drinks here. Later, Starbucks.
I have now been to this lil place about 4 times now. I just moved to Chicago two weeks ago and needed a place where I can plunk away at my netbook while looking for jobs online, had darn tasty coffee and tasty treats. Luckily for me this place fits the bill, crosses the t's and dots the i's. I have had two tasty morsels to tempt my tummy so far. The first being those lil white frosted cupcakes. Oh man the inch or so thick frosting is almost enough to send one into a might big O sugar coma! All the while the cupcake is pretty moist too. I got the cupcake just before they closed and ate it when I got back to the burbs where I am staying and it was moist like the start of day. The second morsel I had was the peach and blueberry pie with a strussel type topping. Oh dear sweet jeeebus! This stuff is soooooo good and not super sugary either with a nice I am guessing homemade crust. The pie is top knotch and hope that they have a slice for me when I go back in. It should be noted that there are salads, sammies, MEXI COKE! and other cold bevies but you have to look down at the floor to see them and the pies. My first trip I didn't notice any of this until after I picked my drink up. So yeah the drinks. I am pretty simple, 16 ounce latte iced. All four of these have been just as good as what I got from Vivace and Vita out in Seattle. The only thing that throws me off is that they put steamed foam on top of the bevie. But to be fair a lot of places I've noticed do this. I'm not saying it's wrong, just different. Now for the service. I've found that the folk that have been working the register and the bar to be friendly, approachable, willing to hold a convo with the customer that they are making a bevie for, even if they might not be a regular at that point in time. I'm glad that I listened to the voices in my head and checked the place out. For as long as I live in Chicago this will be one of my regular places I get my coffees when I am in Boystown.
This is a welcome addition to the neighborhood. Though Lakeview already has great coffee choices (Intelligentsia and Coffee & Tea Exchange, not to mention other pretty good choices) it is nice to catch a coffee here on the way to the Belmont "L". I've frequented the owner's Dollop many times, but this seems to kick things up a notch with outstanding espresso and improved coffee.
I have been so excited ever since this sign going up - I used to study at the 24 hour Starbucks because, well, it was 24 hour. That's the only positive I can say (well, and that I like when the dragqueens hang out before going to Spin, that's always for a fun night).
Anyway, I finally got to stop in (it's only been open for about a week) and I was *very* happy I did. They didn't have my favorite tea of choice, but the masala chai was a nice substitute. My blueberry muffin was excellent. The staff were *really* nice and it was a great place to do some school work. The only downside is the table are a little small, but the counters along the windows are great and there are plenty of outlets! Also, the prices are great - on my second trip, I got an excellent cafe au lait and scone for the price of my usual drink order at S'Bucks
I must admit I was pretty excited when I drove by this place the other day. The Belmont/Clark area is devoid of any really good coffee shops and has been for a long time. Fixx Coffee was pretty solid, but they closed down about a year ago.
Unfortunately, I wasn't really overwhelmed when I first walked into Kickstand. Metal tables, bar height chairs, very small inside. I'm not sure what all the great reviews were about so far. I will say the espresso drink I got was definitely very good and well above anything you'd get from a crummy Starbucks or Caribou.
The owners clearly took some time and put some thought into decorating the walls in the place and it shows. However, the tables, as a previous reviewer mentioned, are high tables with bar height stools. The stools are the hard thin wood seats and backs (think IKEA), so not particularly conducive to any long term study or work sessions. Not to mention, it's hard to sit in a stool for a long time anyway. I'm 6'0, so I'm not particularly short at all, and it would be uncomfortable for me. I feel sorry for any women trying to plop down for a couple of hours here.
The food selection was also pretty underwhelming. There is no visible food menu anywhere, so you're left to gaze around, hoping to figure out what they have to offer. I suppose I could have asked, but that doesn't seem like a repeatable practice, or one you'd prefer as an employee, having to read off a menu 30 times a day either. It appeared there were wrapped sandwiches, a small assortment of bagels and some pastries in glass jars on the counter. Presentation was definitely lacking again here.
They also had a couple of large drink coolers laying around completely empty but take up large amounts of space. Perhaps since it's new, they haven't had time to come up with a plan for them. However, you'd think you'd realize they were an eyesore and plan appropriately prior to opening.
One more example of blah was that I ordered a bagel to go. The lady pulled a bagel from the jar and placed it in a bag along with one of those tiny pre-packaged Philadelphia cream cheese containers. It didn't occur to her to:
1. Offer to toast the bagel
2. Even bother to cut the bagel in half so I could easily toast it
Not to mention, nicer coffee shops, though they distinguish themselves from the chains via their espresso machines, really should try to not mimic those places in any way whatsoever. Fresh cream cheese would be a good start.
The only reason I'm giving this place two stars is because the espresso was very good. Hopefully they'll work on improving some things in the future.
This place is super cute. I love the sign, and the interior is very cute as well. The day I went, all the staff was wearing floral aprons...I liked this too.
I had a cappuccino and a bagel - both were tasty. From what I understand, one of the baristas takes his job very seriously, so you can expect a tasty beverage. This is a great location and a nice place to sit and read a book.
Interesting people watching, friendly staff, nice coffee. Elizabeth is my favorite employee. :D
I'd been looking forward to this place opening since I saw the sign go up as I work in the neighborhood and I love to support local coffee shops versus the big chains if I can. Kickstand did not disappoint. The staff is friendly and unpretentious, the coffee is made perfect, the scones are delicious and the space is welcoming and warm. Ill be back as often as I can.
The only negative point i'd mention is something that is mostly out of their control and that is the lack of bike rack or other place to lock up. It's just a bit strange that a bike themed coffee shop doesn't have accommodations for cyclists. Since everything else was wonderful I have to give them the benefit of the doubt that it's hard to get the city to get a bike rack installed and they've just opened
It's kind of dead in here right now. The place has only been open for a week, so I get it. But considering the decent size, it seems extra empty and kind of sad. And the Starbucks across the street is soooo crowded. Still, I'm hoping this place will catch on. The coffee's good, and they have vegan scones. I didn't ask, but I'm 99% sure they come from Bleeding Heart. The people working are nice, and they have good music taste. Wifi, coffee, water, vegan snack... this place is a winner for me. (I only wish the refill was free. I'm so spoiled by the Grind. It's $1 here.)
My husband and I were super excited and waited anxiously for their opening. Our neighborhood needs independents. I've been a few times now and so has my husband. On the plus side, the coffee is very good, probably ranks up there with Intelligentsia. They have decent looking pastries and pies (I'm a fan of Hoosier). However, their employee friendliness really leaves something to be desired. The cashier people seem pained to make the effort to talk. The baristas have never once acknowledged me. It definitely has a "hipper than thou" thing going on. I don't mind the hipster vibe, but at least a little friendliness would be nice! If you are young, hip, and like the attitude, this is your place to hang out. . If you like good coffee they are worth the visit, maybe just take it to go.
This is such a welcome addition to the neighborhood. Glad to see the Starbucks across the street get some local competition, and also nice to see a great alternative to Intelligentsia. Kickstand serves quality Chicago goods -- Metropolis coffee and baked goods from Bleeding Heart. My coffee was nice and strong. The space has a nice personality, comfortably small with a kind of minimalist, industrial/recycled aesthetic, and they were playing good music (quietly) while I was there. Free Wi-Fi with lots of outlets. Oh, and they like bicycles to boot!
Listed in: Steps Away
Great espresso bar, great employees and cool artwork inside! This place rocks and the location is awesome too! Can't say enough good things about this place!! Kickstand!!!!
Kickstand kicks ass. No doubt about it.
They serve Metropolis, expertly I might add, and the best soy cortado I've had in months was made by the lovely Tif Harrison.
Forget the pretentious, overpriced, boring drinks at the quickly becoming corporate Intelli. The decor rawks, the coffee rawks, the baristas rawk, the location rawks....
I predict that Kickstand will be the newest Lakeview haven for coffee geeks, bikesters, and those oh-so-desperate to be seen cafe philosophers reading Nietzsche in the corner alike.
Welcome to the neighborhood Kickstand!!!!!
I went to Kickstand yesterday and I think it is a great addition to our already great neighborhood. The coffee is strong. The location is great. The staff is friendly. My only complaint is that it is a big open space with nothing to absorb sound, so if you are trying to read or do work in there, you can hear every sound in the place. I think if they hung some cloth from the ceiling or put up some acoustic tile it would probably fix it, and I would give them a fifth star.
Places within steps of home -- for my out-of-town…
I don't like coffee flavored with cardboard. These…
Places I sip warm drinks and nerd out on my laptop…
