On a mobile device? Try our mobile site, optimized for faster browsing.
Categories: Coffee & Tea, Sandwiches
Neighborhood: Logan SquareLogan Square (Blue)
Mon-Fri. 7:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Sat-Sun. 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
"Yum. Close to my office, lots of choices, and tasty? I'm sold. Roly Poly is my new go to lunch spot. There are so many wraps to choose…" read more »
Loading...
I adore the bright cheery decor (especially on grey days).
I can see myself walking back here ocassionally to brighten up my mood.
The food is reasonably priced and the sandwich I tried was generously portioned (2 meals worth for me that day). I forget the name of it but it had tomato, tuna, mustard and some other delicious fresh ingredients too.
I don't like Metropolis coffee very much but I tried a latte anyway. It didn't change my opinion but it wasn't too bad.
Luckily they serve plenty of other nice sounding drinks too.
The music selection, opening times, hodgepodge seating arrangements and the game area all get thumbs up from me too.
I prefer my old local (the Common Cup), but New Wave is my nice new local and I plan on supporting it.
It took me so long to actually get to New Wave from the time it opened that I'm surprised they didn't rename it in the meantime. I mean by this point shouldn't it be Old Wave or at least Middle Aged Wave?
Anywave (er way) you slice it though, this cafe is a welcome addition to the area around Logan Square park. I'm not a coffee drinker, which is part of why I had never set foot inside. But it was nearing November (and therefore National Novel Writing Month) so I needed to find a place with wi-fi for my new netbook that was a) close to home and b) wasn't as noisy as the Logan Square Library.
Little did I know when I wandered in the door just before Halloween that this would become a go-to, relatively quick, *restaurant* for me in such little time.
The sandwiches here are 80s themed and delicious. They're slightly upscale ingredient wise for a coffee house but not too expensive. I've found myself just stopping in for a grilled cheese (less than $3.00) and some hot cider (more than $3.00 but worth it). And like Spinal Tap (though they were hardly New Wave), they go to 11. Only the 24 hour Mexican places and grill pubs on Milwaukee serve later.
Now there are some issues here that I feel the need to wave at as they pass. These issues could easily constitute other possible names for this coffee shop; such as:
Slow Wave: the ordering system here is chaotic to say the least. There has to be a better way to order food than the barista screaming across a crowded cafe when the meal is ready.
Drag Wave: the wi-fi is free so who am I to argue but if you're looking to do something more advanced than just surfing the internet (i.e. downloading music), you're better off at the library. Speeds are actually faster at the CPL.
Hipster Wave: I feel old and squarer than Logan no matter what time of day I'm there.
Crowded Wave: seating can be hard to come by. It's interesting seating, a mish-mash of office furniture and incredibly comfy couches, if you can get it.
Still the music is generally good (more punk and 80s than indie or pretentious), it's not too loud, and once you get a seat it's one of the more relaxing coffee restaurants out there.
Now that I've finally caught this wave, I'm going to keep riding it for a while.
A few weeks ago I played original Super Mario Brothers here while enjoying a tea.
A few months ago I was having a *really* bad day. I spilled the espresso I just got all over, and the nice barista made me another drink. She said I shouldn't have to pay for it if it was spilled.
Yes, I still like this place very much. :-)
I feel like it's too early to review this place, it's too new. But there was a hollow in my heart… Read more »
Best coffee shop in the 'hood that I've been to. It has all the right elements: good, local coffee (Metropolis), spacious lounge zones, free wifi, and a pleasant, funky atmosphere. During the week it's full of people working, which makes a good environment if you yourself need to get some work done. Love the bombed-out bathroom too.
I'm still a fan of this place - they make a mean soy chai, and the prices are decent.
I wish, though, that they would serve plain old black iced tea in addition to the fruity/herbal mix they always seem to offer. Sometimes that's all I want! Also, I went in on a recent early morning and there were no food options other than the sweets in the display case. *cough*bagelsplease*cough*
I'm so excited that this place opened up in the neighborhood! The prices are great and the staff is… Read more »
Pay attention: Gluten-free baked goods. In the dessert case.
I missed out on chocolate cake today, but the peach pie has a delicate, flaky crust. You'd never know the difference. Go. Try some now; it makes the Hail Mary go down all the more smoothly.
I've gotta stop updating this review.
That barista from my last update who told me that New Wave…
Read more »
Amazing coffee from Metropolis. Lovely chocolate croissants, decent sandwiches.
The nitty-gritty: Stuck-up staff and uber-trendy atmosphere (seriously when are we gonna get off this '80s trend flashback kick?), all which adds up to a very lukewarm ju-ju. How is it possible for a place's interior to be a fashion victim?
Regardless, I really wish this place seemed a little more authentic, unique, and warm - the spirit of the place just feels apathetic and frigid, despite the bright '80s colors. It harkens back to now-closed Filter, only less fuzzy - now that's tricky.
I wish I could stand up to the tidal wave of change that is approaching from the east to overwhelm Logan Square, but I don't see much I can do. I can, however, point out the obvious, and it's that the charming elements of Logan Square that attract displaced hipsters (I can only assume that the onslaught of the young and the trendy to Logan Square and Pilsen has to do with the sky-rocketing price of living in Wicker Park and Bucktown) are going to be gone after this monsoon dies down.
I'm not against New Wave for only this reason-- that I object, I OBJECT, to all these local changes-- but also because I was genuinely not that into it. I wasn't into the confusing decade-clashing decor (antiques next to retro next to modern does not an attractive cafe make). I wasn't into the intense sweetness of the brand lemonade or into the air-conditioning being set at a freezing temperature. And I wasn't into the lack of community happening as a result of each 4 person table seating 1 person and their laptop-- I came in with three friends and there was nowhere for us to sit.
I did like the sofa and the video games, and I liked the bookshelf full of games. Recycled ideas, certainly, but good ideas nonetheless. Too bad it would be difficult to sit and do any of these activities. Not the fault of the management, obviously, just an observation.
The thing is, though, that this coffee shop isn't the problem. They took over a section of Logan Square that needed more businesses for the neighborhood. And the fact that I'm not a huge fan of the decorating and the idea of hipsters (the idea being what people are alarmed by, because clearly no one can make sweeping generalizations of a group of individuals) won't stop me from dropping by and grabbing a coffee sometimes, or for one of their tasty sounding, if a little expensive, sandwiches.
The problem is that this is how Wicker Park began. And I'm afraid. I'm very afraid.
I think this place is cute... and has amazing coffee... which one cup and your up for hours! Yum Metropolis!
The sandwiches are by far my favorite! Tasty
Relaxing Comfortable and i find myself getting a lot of work done...
However, there are times where there are No tables... and that is a good thing for them... but if I walk all the way over there with a ton of books... I wanna sit! Its ok I still Love them all !
Cupcakes are amazing... I was a bit put off when I found them to be vegan as usually pastry's suck... But WOW they were surprisingly delicious
interesting that one of the last reviewers enjoyed the coffee and the service, but was compelled to score this business a two star rating because of the customers weren't hot enough for their liking. Personally, all I know is some of the best espresso I've ever had in my life has come from that gorgeous machine and the fact that the place feels like the neighborhood living room is good enough for me. If you feel uncomfortable at NWC 'cause it didn't live up to a Craiglist expectation, yay for me, cause if you leave, I'll get a seat on the couch near the nintendo, or the cushy blue leather chair. The more people find the most superficial reasons not to like this place, the better my chances of finding a place to hang out for as long as I want!
So THIS is where all the supposed "hipsters" in Logan Square were.
While I only gave this place two stars, New Wave is a welcome addition to the neighborhood. More stars can come with improvements, and I expect even In These Trying Economic Times, hipsters still need coffee and more shops will be opening soon to fill the gap if New Wave doesn't step up.
Tasty pastries, great and inspired homemade soup, open and roomy, interesting layout and furniture. Metropolis coffee.
So what's the problem?
New Wave's baristas couldn't pull a good shot of espresso with a rope. A bitter, angry, miserable little thing, it barely covered the bottom of my cup, had no crema, and tasted of dirt and aluminum.
The hipster ethos goes a bit to far in this place I'm afraid. Somebody needs to step up and apply some standards. Note to New Wave: train your staff.
mmmm maple pecan vegan cupcakes. made my facebook friends drool with a status update. and they were even better in my mouth. :)
Oh hey, I've been here! My first encounter was one of the last really nice Sundays of the summer and the Logan Square farmers market was going on. That made for an interesting mix of young families and staple hipster crowd. For such an alt type of coffee shop, it's very nicely furnished and their sammiches are also delish. Free wifi too!
Of course I love New Wave. Cheap and the best freaking vegan peanut butter "rice krispie treat" bar things ever. Also full of good looking people to people watch instead of studying.
meh... ok price pretentious hipster vibe though. I did like the decor just not the attitude.
I like this place, it's convenient. I mean, it isn't that over-priced considering it is a local business serving decent coffee. It sure is always packed like people are saying, but I really don't have a problem with waiting for a seat since I'm supporting a local joint, you know? It's nice to see it thriving. And as for the decor? It's called New Wave - so it fits, chill people. The hours are great also. My only beef with this place is what a lot of other people are saying too - the service. They can be pretty damn rude. They are like professional eye-rollers here. But I can put up with that as long as they keep serving the Queen's Tea (peppermint is delicious) and the homemade caramels.
Bumping it up to a 4 star - looks like they updated the pastry cases and now there are veggie and vegan sandwich choices. Bravo!
SO EXCITED to have a thriving coffee shop in my neighborhood. Because it's so new, I feel compelled… Read more »
New Wave is a much needed addition to Logan Square. The cafe is bright and spacious. The food offerings include sandwiches and soups lots of vegan pastries for the hipster customers. My favorite is the vegan black bean quiche. The coffee and espresso is not spectacular but does the job. The baristas are friendly. Seating can be a tough find, and there is one couch in front of a TV hooked up to a Playstation.
Fun atmosphere, loud, colorful, usually some good tunes. Staff is pretty friendly and their coffee is good (im a fan of the metropolis!). I agree there espresso beverages or bev preparation could use some work.
Seating is an issue. Which is curious because the place is big. I think they should get some more tables and chairs. Maybe diversify and get a couple bigger stuff (longer tables fatter chairs) too. Def another couch or two.
The Wifi has not been so great for my computer. Not sure why. I usually go to another shop for wifi cause theirs doesnt cut it (probably best, considering how many people stick around all day for the wifi).
I have a feeling once this place goes through a couple revamps and reorganizations it will be an excellent and much needed addition to the neighborhood. Now i am just waiting for some good old community organizing there!
As an aside i dont understand Alyssa's position about the hipster migration (or why 50% of her New Wave review is a hipster critique). Where did you come from? Even if you were a neighborhood native we are all just visitors on this planet. Don't be so afraid.
Ever come across someone who is the perfect embodiment of a stereotype? Like maybe you meet a fella named Vinny Italiano from Jersey who looks and acts like Big Pussy from The Sopranos, reeks of marinara, and you think to yourself, "Blimey. I didn't know people like that actually existed," and you're just shocked but not shocked at the same time? New Wave Coffee is kinda like that except, you know, as a cafe.
Picture an urban coffeehosue in your head. Go ahead. I'll wait. Is there a bohemian, maybe even hip, vibe? Do artists use the space to hang their works and/or is someone playing music? Are the baristas a touch snooty or aloof, and are they only working there until they can pursue their real passion which is to make radio documentaries kinda like This American Life but not really like This American Life? Do you get a general sense that everyone is saddled with substantial debt from their undergrad days where they majored in creative writing or political science at some Midwestern liberal arts college?
I thought so. You just pictured New Wave Coffee in comically accurate detail. Like the Double R in Twin Peaks is the Platonic ideal of a diner or the Peach Pit is of...well...a diner in Beverly Hills, New Wave is the same for coffeehouses.
Their wares are well plied at New Wave. Metropolis coffee is used which is nice, and the baristas I came across made me excellent cappuccinos. The actual space is gigantic but it doesn't have the lunchroom/church basement feel of Mercury Cafe--especially during the morning when it is nearly impossible to find a seat. The Nintendo setup is well documented, and the only way it could be better is if they had two Nintendos. Some guy was whiling away the morning with Dr. Mario when I showed up, and I was more than a bit jealous.
If you have read my other Yelp reviews (hahahahahahahahah...unless you're my dear mother I don't presume you have. Hi, mom!) you'll notice I pay particular attention to bathrooms. You know what I've come to realize? Cafes ALWAYS have the best bathrooms: Soma in Bloomington, Indiana? Dazzling bathroom. Bridgeport Coffee Company? A bathroom you could take home to mother. New Wave, too, has an excellent bathroom with its graffiti-covered walls and roomy dimensions. Surely if ever a place needed a solid bathroom its at a coffeehouse or maybe a diabetic group home since these bathrooms are where you're going to spend a good deal of your waking life. Thus, the bathroom at a coffeehouse says a lot about the joint, and New Wave gets a firm pat on the back for a loo well done.
New Wave is definitely worth the trip. If you own a Macbook, ride a bike as a matter of orthodoxy, or have ever thought about doing an MFA in creative writing (even for a second!) then it's probably compulsory that you frequent New Wave. That's cool. Just save me a swing at Dr. Mario, a'ight? Much obliged.
i'm a fan i think.
they had a breakfast sandwich on a pretzel roll, which may have been the winning factor. but the prices weren't bad, considering they had free wireless internet.
the seating is odd in this place, i was able to find a table, but it was super tipsy. and in a weird spot.
the food took a while too, but i was asked a few times what i was waiting on, so i at least felt they were on the ball.
bottom line, i have lived in logan for a while now, and i'm excited that there is somewhere besides mcdonalds to get my morning coffee. i think this little coffee shop could be a good thing for the sq.
You know I was expecting a 100% hipster ratio, but alas, no.
Maybe it was because of the time (2:30pm on a weekday) or the date (finals week perhaps?) but it was mostly college students bogarting the couches and tables with one person, one coffee, and piles of note books. My friends and I (who actually ordered sandwiches) had to sit on the floor, on a corner of the coffee table, and on an arm of a ripped leather sofa.
Also people stared at us for having a normal conversation (which sure may have included massive amounts or profanity, and talk of drunken/drug binges but srsly this is Logan square, and we were quietly talking amongst ourselves). I didn't know that even the "hipster" coffee places had to bow down to students that want to feel urban while studying? Aren't there library's for that? If I sat 10 ft from someone at the library to talk and enjoy a meal with my friends, that is totally rude and uncalled for, but for you to lean in and peer over your notebook to creep on/judge our conversation in a public cafe I believe you are in the wrong.
The coffee was an 8, and the sandwich was good, but not anything I couldn't make for a quarter of the price with ingredients that I literally have in my fridge right now.
Solid 3 stars, but yes I will/have be/been back.
I really like this place. I've spent many hours on their couch in front of the big screen playing Klax and other Nintendo games. This is definitely a huge draw for this place for me. There is a variety of board games and books for people to enjoy as well. The music selection is usually spot on and it is quiet enough to allow for study or reading.
The espresso drinks are always great and I enjoy the tea selection. The sandwiches are good, but the menu could use some growth. Seating is ample, most of the time, and the prices are fair.
I really really love this place. I love everything about it... except, at times, the music. Sometimes it's okay and at an okay volume, but other times it's screeching pounding loud punk stuff that's really difficult to work/read/converse to. I know that you can't please everyone and of course there are probably many people that enjoy that music, I guess my only request is can you please turn it down? Play something just bit more mellow?? I hate leaving earlier just because of some songs. Thank you, I love you NW :)
I LOVE YOU NEW WAVE!!!
Thank you soooo much for opening up in this neighborhood! We SO SO desperately…
Read more »
Three stars for New Wave Coffee shop.
One star for the creepy homeless dude staring in the window after the manager told him to leave. He gets one star because he's playing Journey on the keyboard he set up out front. Journey should get more stars, but you know, extra creepy means less stars.
Anyhow, decent red eye ($2.50-ish). Free WiFi. Good music (Bowie, Reed, Pixies). Lots of seating but none available as it's in high demand. Very wonky table near the front they just need to toss already.
New Wave is a testament to how desperately Logan Square and Avondale need more coffee shops. It's hard to imagine this place empty since there's been a near constant stream of people since I set up shop. Which is a good thing.
I have to say it's nice to have a new shop in town, especially since No Friction closed :(. I still miss my Sunday morning coffee runs! We needed a replacement, and for that I am grateful to have New Wave around.
This place is definitely bustling. Don't expect to find a seat for more than one on any given weekend day. I love the interior look to this place. They did a great job with the design, and they have a lot of interesting art on the walls.
I have to say that I would prefer Intelligentsia, but Metropolis is a close second. I have to second another review...I also received an extraordinarily cute latte heart from the barista :).
I don't frequent coffee shops. Not because I don't like them, and not because I don't like coffee. I love coffee. Espresso specifically. I just get bored if I don't have a real reason to hang out there. But this place is in my neighborhood so it was inevitable that I would stop in at some point. The coffee I did have here was damn good. Real damn good.
And the place itself is very cool and comfortable if you are inclined to hang out all day or meet up with someone.
great coffee, i dont care about the artwork or ambiance, but the service, eehhhh.... i know, if i want fake smiles and "flair" i can go to starbucks (which i would NEVER do) but seriously, when a room full of customers get told by an employee, that "all of your coffee is going to take at least 5-7 minutes" in a snotty tone... on a saturday morning, ugh... doesn't sound like a big deal, but it was rude and frankly, i work too hard for my $ to give it to anyone who isn't pleasant.
I love this place!
the baristas are super friendly and make my drinks perfect!
the prices are awesome.
it's a fairly large place but its always packed and finding a spot to sit is sometimes just a waiting game.
This will have to serve as a temporary review, because I wasn't able to spend much time in here due to the whole popular place = no tables problem. I plan to go back at a less busy time so I can relax and take in the place.
Very cool coffee shop, and VERY big! Hipsters abound, for sure. They had lots of yummy coffee, tea, and food options, INCLUDING vegan treats which always wins big points from me.
The baristas were chipper and funny, it was nice and cool with the AC, and they offer free WIFI. They even had an old school Nintendo box, some couches strewn about, and some real desks to sit at.
Very unique and Filter-esque. (for those of you that know the old Wicker Park spot).
Logan Square deserves better than this.
Don't get me wrong the place it's self is lovely, big room lots of seating and on a great corner to people watch. The drinks are ok and the sandwiches are tasty it's the service that I have a problem with.
About half of the time I walk in someone takes my order right away and the other half the employees that theirs sweet time. The drinks take a bit longer than I would like but the sandwiches take ages. Today I sat and stared at my sandwich sitting half made waiting to go in the press for minuites even when there was room. When they're busy I understand but the guy was just standing there staring off into space.
The employees themselves are very hit or miss. Some are friendly and seem like they care about doing a good job. Others(mainly one girl with multicolored hair) are slow at best and rude. I've had eyes rolled at me for saying I wanted my sandwich to go, and on more than one occasion had someone nod when I said I didn't need a bag then give me one. Small things yes but they add up.
I realize this is a trendy coffee shop and I like it for some of those reasons but it could be great if the employees stopped acting like assholes.
I am not a laptop user at coffee shops, so what I look for is good coffee, good music, and pleasant baristas. Oh, and treats.
I must say that New Wave poured me the cutest latte as of yet. Doesn't make the coffee taste any better, but it sure does make me feel nice (the latte was great, by the way...as was the speedy barista-man). Van Morrison playing, tasty peanut butter chocolate bar in hand, it's all good....
Except for a place to sit. The place was packed! So we headed out to the square and proceeded to be harassed by a bum. He just wanted to buy some ham apparently, so he said. I mean, who doesn't want some ham?
:( So, I came here for the first time in January. It was during a visit that ended with me choosing to move here. It was mildly populated, had an awesome artsy vibe, and a cool staff to top it off. It is now August and what happened?! I am glad they got more business, but it is constantly crowded, they hired new staff that seem to lack social skills for customer service, and honestly the espresso has an unappealing aftertaste. I like the chai, the old staff, and when I can find a seat. I don't really go here any more and it makes me sad that it isn't the same chill spot.
I like New Wave. They have yummy stuff by local bakers, including a nice spread of vegan stuff. But when I pointed out that the "Pop-Tart Cupcakes" couldn't possibly be vegan because, well, Pop-Tarts (the frosted kind) aren't vegan, the counter girl snipped back with a very snippy, "Um, yes, they are."
Well, no, New Wave. They aren't. But keep on bringing me back with your Glazed Donuts and tasty coffee.
I like it here, free wifi + coffee is a hit in my book!
Lots of cute nooks/chairs/sofas to sit in and the fresh orange juice is just right.
Be sure to buy one of the fifty cent toffees up at the counter too, they are so good!
First, I'd like to point out that the worse the review of New Wave, the more stereotypes it contains. I'm just saying.
New Wave is great. This is why: good coffee, good seating, good sammiches, and good music at a reasonable volume. I really don't see what else is required in a good coffee shop.
Their Hail Mary makes me want to convert. Great location with an NES to boot, and Anise Cookies. Weeee!
1 star for being in Logan Square. Logan Square can support lots of new cafes, restaurants and shops.
New Wave is a decent 3 star place. Friendly staff. Could use better organization and decor but I do not care that much about decor.
It's like Filter, but not as good, and in Logan Square. Whatever.
It's nice to have a spot like this in the neighborhood, but the qualms I have about it overshadow the good things thus far.
My #1 issue is that this place is overstaffed by presumably undereducated morons. I understand that this isn't a "get it and get out of here" type of coffee place, but the cashiers are always always painfully slow, even though this place has been open for like two months. The guy today asked "how much pie do you want?" A nice gesture, but come on - why isn't it sliced before hand? If you're offering the entire pie, then fine, I'll take it.
It's extremely frustrating that it can take 5 minutes for a simple tea order to be fulfilled. I don't know if it's just the ineptitude of the employees, or the fact that there are just simply too many of them, or that they're trying too hard to be laid back, but this is simply unbearable for me.
Also, despite being so spacious, there's almost no where to sit. They have a lot of room, I feel like they could utilize it wiser and have more sitting room, considering it seems like the type of place people just plop down and spend hours at.
Just because some hipsters opened a coffee joint doesn't make it automatically good.
Daily specials
Neighborhood: The Loop
FREE Homemade Potato Chips &…
Neighborhood: Noble Square
Neighborhood: Portage Park
Category: Farmers Market
Neighborhood: Logan Square
Category: Mexican
Neighborhood: Logan Square
Category: Women's Clothing
Neighborhood: The Loop
Category: Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt
Neighborhood: Logan Square
Category: Coffee & Tea
You know, here are some places that I think…
My local dry cleaner, watering hole, deli, cafe,…
Sometimes it is just hard to find a good cup of…
Avondale's more famous neighbor to the south,…
The ultimate, complete, definitive guide. Well,…
This is my one and only true vice in life and it…
Now that I'm in grad school, I get to sit in…
Here's a few places that almost always have a wait…
