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Savor the Flavor
Category: Food Coffee & Tea Coffee & Tea [Edit]
2545 N Sheffield Ave(between Altgeld St & Lill Ave)
Chicago, IL 60614
Neighborhoods: Lincoln Park, DePaul
(773) 883-5287
- Nearest Transit:
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Fullerton (Brown Line, Purple Line, Red Line)
Diversey (Brown Line, Purple Line)
- Hours:
Mon-Tue 7 am - 6 pm
Wed-Fri 7 am - 7 pm
Sat-Sun 8 am - 7 pm
- Price Range:
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$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
129 reviews for Savor the Flavor
Review Highlights
"The grilled cheese was great and the iced tea fresh."
(in 40 reviews)
"Don't leave without trying the Peach ice cream."
(in 43 reviews)
"Free wi-fi is always a plus too."
(in 13 reviews)
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129 reviews in English
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Review from Cain N.
Austin, TX
2/8/2012
This place is super legit! I love the atmosphere and the hodge podge decor. The staff is friendly and seem to be lifer's! The soups and sandwiches rock. I can't wait to go back in the summer and try the ice cream. The coffee is great. I am a coffee snob from Austin the home and stomping ground of all coffee snobs and I would recommend this spot to all my Texan Friends.
The owner is nice and helpful. I can't say enough about the grilled cheese or soups! Lentil! Very comfortable! -
Review from Navi A.
Chicago, IL
9/17/2011
Love the atmosphere and the service (though it is sometimes slow and understaffed). I often have meetings there since it is quiet and there is a really adorable dog.
Downside is that they usually burn the espresso and the syrups taste like cheap costco brand. I'd go more if they got syrups from Jo Snow or some other delicious company, and sped up the service. -
Review from Johnny M.
Chicago, IL
8/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
I walked in and felt like I discovered something. The coffee is marvelous and served in a mug.
Knowing about this place, made me feel like I know places. Ya-know-whadamean? If any of my friends bring up coffee, I bring up Savor The Flavor and that makes me feel cool because you know what's not cool? Going to Starbucks. -
Review from Audra M.
Chicago, IL
2/6/2012
OMG, if you haven't tried the homeMADE soups, you have to! For me, it was the perfect warm and amazing lunchtime meal I needed! So good, I had to take one to go as well! You will also find yourself recommding to your friends :) The owner/staff are awesome as well !!
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Review from Brian C.
1/22/2012
Their internet connection is faster and much more dependable than any other cafe I know of. It's a big and colorful place, and sort of feels like a elementary school art classroom.
Listed in: Caffeinated in Chicago
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Review from Michael S.
Northbrook, IL
12/18/2011 3 Check-ins Here
The grilled cheese sandwiches are excellent, which is very weird for me to say. I am not usually one who eats grilled cheese sandwiches, let alone go to a restaurant and order one. The downside: it takes a while to get your food (even if there are not any customers in front of you).
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Review from Sara E.
7/29/2011
Sad to say I have lived about 50 yards from this place for 10 months and today was the first day I'd visited. I walked in and was surprised to see a rare Pug skin rug, but was corrected... it's Felicity... perhaps the most vicious (see: sarcasm) guard dog in all of Chicago.
Ordered a vanilla latte and an oatmeal raisin cookie. Friendlier, faster, cheaper, and tastier than Sbux. Definitely my new go-to coffee shop! (And, dude, I am so going to be in grilled cheese heaven at some point in the very near future.) -
Review from Misty L.
Chicago, IL
7/30/2011
I like this place.
They have grilled cheese sandwiches that you can add up to three different kinds of cheese, plus meat like ham, bacon, or more, and you can add sundried tomatoes, banana peppers, ect.
Good selection of ice cream, and I love the space. They have two entrances, one of Sheffield and one on Lincoln. The counter is right in the middle, and both entrances are like their own little coffee shop, with spacious seating, board games, couches, and lounging.
Thumbs up! -
Review from Bonita G.
Chicago, IL
1/14/2012
I really like this place. It is the perfect studying environment and hang out place. They have a corner of board games, much more than other coffee shops I have previously visited. Prices are decently affordable. I had an apple strudel and it was fresh and delicious. I have only toaster strudel to compare it to and strudel from 'Savor the Flavor' was much better.
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Review from Annie N.
7/17/2011
Nice place: plenty of seats, nicely decorated, simple and very relaxing.
I am a big fan of places like this. I got a coffee - and I had to wait a little bit for it (they were brewing). My boyfriend got a hot chocolate, and we saw the barista prepared his drink and we knew right away - not enough chocolate for him (although he consume about 2 bars of chocolate a day, so I can't blame her). Our drinks were ok - more like 3/5.
Definitely a good neighborhood find and a good alternate for Starbucks. Seems like a good place to study too. -
Review from Brynn M.
Chicago, IL
10/2/2011
This is a great locally-owned coffee shop. Their chai tea is really good and the place itself is very fun... lots of random seating and a Pug that runs around the place. It's a great alternative to the Starbucks of the world. And the grilled cheese, though very expensive, is really good!
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Review from Laura O.
Chicago, IL
8/15/2011
Was looking for a lunch spot a little bit on the lighter side, and walked past Savor the Flavor, which boasts a combo of my two favorite things in the entire world: Grilled Cheese & Ice Cream! Yum!
Texas toast is the correct choice, trust me... and mini sundae that accompanies the sammy was the perfect snack size (not snack size as in a mini candy bar that is bite-sized, but snack size as in a little side of perfection). Food was great, not to mention the interior is cozy & adorable. I wish I worked closer to this place. I would be here every. day. -
Review from Lorrie M.
2/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is an interesting little coffee shop where you can actually walk through and they serve, get this, ice cream!
We arrived at this place a bit empty inside and too full for our own good. I saw the grilled cheese menu and thought to myself, nostalgia! This place serves up a mean coffee for a colorful little shop that has ice cream and desserts and other candied treats all designed to put you in a sugar coma.
It's a nice place to chill, hang out and be a kid, especially if you get a grilled cheese! We just stopped by for coffee and left after to go to the conservatory. Cute! -
Review from Jamie B.
Updated - 5/24/2011
I decided to give Savor the Flavor another chance after having written it off due to a few underwhelming experiences. The ambiance is still very inviting and a nice place to do some light studying. Geri and Rosa are so sweet and really make you feel welcome.
I ordered the chai again and it was much better this time. It's still a little pricey (of course the prices weren't just going to decline), but I'm willing to pay it for the environment you get. Another time I came in and tried the grilled cheese. It was good, but seemed comparable to something I could make at home, so I wouldn't necessarily get it again. I also tried the ice cream and it was delicious. I'm a sucker for ice cream so I just couldn't resist.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/29/2011
I really want to like this place, but it just doesn't do much for me. I love the idea of being able… Read more »
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Review from Jennifer J.
Chicago, IL
4/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
I love the feel of this place. It feels very Seattle coffe-house-esque. The coffee is ok, but not outstanding. I feel like the bigger reason to go here is for the comfort value. My husband and I went here on a chilly Sunday afternoon and sat and read books for an hour. We liked the chill-ness.
I really love how the owner has your older pug walking around. That definitely adds to the homey-ness.
One thing that I did see when I was there was one of the employees rudely ask a man who was studying if he would move from his 4 top table to a smaller one. Now I obviously don't have a problem with the idea of moving to allow other customers the joy of sitting, it was just how rudely she asked. I didn't get a cool vibe from that. And on top of that, the table that she did make him move for was annoying and loud with an irritating kid whining the whole time. I think that's why we ended up leaving actually.
Overall, good place with decent coffee. Personally, I think bringing in some Lavazza or Starbucks and enjoying the coziness of Savor The Flavor would be the perfect combination. -
Review from Amber S.
Hoffman Estates, IL
6/30/2011
I loved this place. As soon as I walked in I fell in love.They have plenty of chairs, tables, and newspapers to read and the feel to it is very welcoming. I also loved the artwork they have hanging around. I ordered the Chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream which was very tasty. No complaint about this place.
There was a hitch where one of my friends ordered a sundae with nuts on top and once she tried some she found out that the nuts were old, however it was fixed quickly and the person who served us threw them away, gave my friend another sundae and a refund for the sundae.
In short, I'm going there again to take my sister to try to Chai tea shake and I hope she likes it as much as I do. -
Review from Vanessa F.
Chicago, IL
4/15/2011 1 photo
This place is located between where I live and where I go to school, so I occasionally stop in.
First. Pugs are my third favorite dog. (Boston, Frenchie, Pug)
Second. The barista put hearts in my foam. I actually teared up because I was pmsing I think, but regardless, hearts were in my foam. ''
Third. Plenty of space to study and sit.
Forth. Awesome breakfast croissant, egg, cheese, meat optional, priced well thing. Order and enjoy. -
Review from gfiddy f.
Chicago, IL
8/27/2011
Had a tasty mac & cheese and cafe drink.
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Review from Susan F.
I defininetely savored the flavor here...at Savor the Flavor.
Making my way inside, I knew I wanted something hearty, but was heaving trouble making the 10am decision between breakfast and lunch. Obviously, I needed a coffee, but what to eat?!
My eyes immediately grazed over the make-your-own grilled cheese. Ok! Why not? With up to 3 cheeses kinds of cheese, a choice of turkey, bacon, tomatoes, sun dried tomatoes, etc. I found myself making the right choice.
I had cheddar, colby jack, and moz. (they offered pepperjack, american, and swiss, too) turkey, and tomatoes on multigrain. Side choices were carrots or chips, or even a mini sundae scoop for .89! I swear, if it had been 11am, I would have gone for the ice cream.
It did however run me almost $9, but I saw it as brunch fare, so it was ok.
The place is adorable and is really large. I believe on the other side of the Sheffield entrance is the more for their ice cream parlor shop customers. There was a lot of seating, very comfy couches and friendly service.
It was a nice change from being rushed in and out of Starbucks, being unable to enjoy my beverage and breakfast at a table. -
Review from Dana A.
Chicago, IL
8/15/2011
Hands down the best Italian ice in the city! The flavors all taste very clean & fresh, but also have a bold fruity taste. Definitely recommend the black cherry!
The overall atmosphere of the shop is very laid back, but intimate at the same. There are a ton of places to sit whether you are with a few friends or by yourself. Great, great place! -
Review from Maureen S.
Chicago, IL
8/20/2011
One time I rode my bike to this coffee shop to check it out, just to you know, stop going to the same place all the time. It reminded me of why I go to the same place all the time. The drinks aren't good, it smells like standing water in here, and the decor is dull. Meh.
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Review from Mary T.
8/6/2010
Grilled cheese and ice cream? Lactaid, take me away!
After years of passing this place, I decided to plan a little event here several months back; the owner could not have been nicer! We traded a few e-mails and she reserved a table for my group. This may not sound like much, but I've done this same thing other places only to arrive and find that they forgot you were coming or remembered, but had no space set aside.
The place is very cute and eclectic, from its quirky floor plan to the random tables, chairs and artwork adorning the walls. The music is also quite varied too, but thankfully unobtrusive. They have some board games and free wifi too; they just ask that you limit your internet use to 2 hours per purchase.
Savor the Flavor serves your typical coffee and tea staples, but where they really shine is in the ice cream and grilled cheese department. If you're jonesing for a grilled cheese, take a little laminated card and dry erase marker to choose your bread, cheese (up to 3 kinds) and add-ons like tomato and side (carrots or chips). My grilled cheese was quite good, the only downside was that they don't have ketchup, something I require when eating grilled cheese. However, they had a solution - Hoagie Hut. I'm sure the people *dining* there thought it odd when I strode in, pumped a little cup full of ketchup and strode out.
On my most recent visit, I spent several hours there working and decided to treat myself to a chocolate shake too. I'm no shake connoisseur, but this was really good - made with fudge instead of chocolate syrup and some brand of homemade ice cream that escapes me. I realize that it's kind of like ordering a Diet Coke to accompany your super-sized meal, but I loved that they were willing to make my shake with skim milk too.
If ice cream treats and grilled cheese aren't your thing, never fear - they also serve Italian ice, Italian sodas and Sweet Miss Givings pastries (http://www.sweetmissgi...).
During the day it's a pretty quiet place to get some work done, but on the weekends it's a bit livelier with DePaul students and people grabbing a quick drink before shows at the Apollo Theater down the street.
Just a short hop from the Fullerton stop (and right of the #11) this is a great place to work, chill, indulge your sweet tooth, or challenge a friend to a board game.
Note: I found it curious that the bathroom had a picture diagram on how to lock the door. I'm sure it's there for a reason, but it's just one of those little knob locks that take a half-turn to lock, not Fort Knox. Really people? REALLY?!Listed in: Lincoln Park, 11, Eleven, Onze, Once, Elf,…, Ice, Ice Baby, Surf's Up!
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Review from Luther C.
Chicago, IL
4/2/2011
A friend and I found this place after a trip to the Lincoln Park Zoo.
It's pretty nifty. I don't drink coffee, so I got hot chocolate - it was super good. I also got a kick out of the grilled cheese sandwiches. I got provolone and mozzarella on wheat with tomatoes - also delicious. Where else in Chicago can you get both hot chocolate and a grilled cheese in the middle of winter? It was perfect.
Atmosphere - a bit too yuppie for my liking, but cool nonetheless. We sat in the back room closer to Lincoln. It seemed as though my friend and I were the only two people who weren't young mothers in their twenties with screaming kids... but the weird factor dissipated after a bit. The supply of board games was a pretty interesting find.
If we ever head back to the zoo in February, we're definitely going back. -
Review from Mark A.
Chicago, IL
8/27/2010
Amidst all the Starbucks that litter the city, that these little places exist and thrive...rules. Nothing against Starbucks, I just need more character, a different vibe and as much as an independent thinker as I am, I like the communal atmosphere here.
Right now, as I'm sitting here one guy orders the Belgian waffles...then SHARES it with everyone else sitting in the place! I declined on my bite. I have my Odwalla bars and Pecan Bites that they sell here.
My iced coffee is good. They have a pretty extensive menu of snacks, sandwiches and drinks. Milkshakes and ice cream too. Take that SB.
The lady who served me was very nice and friendly. She creamed my coffee then topped it off...and stirred it! Cute and very nice of her. That's service. Maybe a little to personal for some, but even I appreciated it. And I hate people.
There's also a fat pug sitting by the counter. He's so fat...and probably old that he looks like those ceramic dog statues that you'd buy at Brookstone or something and put by your front door. But he moved. It was cute. And slow.
Free wifi and the music wasn't too loud. -
Review from Dhyia T.
Chicago, IL
8/15/2011
I wasn't too impressed. The coffee was okay, however the customer service was great and I've never seen so many open seats. Had to give it a three because they are called savor the flavor and didn't enjoy my cafe au lait. Extra points for nearby FREE parking!
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Review from Sam B.
Chicago, IL
8/22/2011
As a lunch place, for a $6+ grill cheese, I expected more. They offer many different kinds of cheese which is nice. The tomato on my sandwich still had the green end on it. The bread just didn't taste fresh.
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Review from Deena D.
11/13/2010 1 Check-in Here
So happy my roommate had stumbled upon this place. I had driven by this place numerous times and not known it's presence.
Very cool and cozy vibes, this is not your usual Starbucks in & out type of joint. Lots of hot coffee/tea beverages and a nice selection of baked goods by Sweet Miss Giving's Co., ice cream, & grilled cheese. I ordered a mocha and had a grilled cheese to go. You fill out on a laminated sheet with marker of what kind of cheese, additions (tomato, bacon, etc), and then if you want carrots or chips. Next time I will def need to try the ice cream
Please advise, do not come here right after one of the childrens shows at the theater next door --they will rush in this place and scoop up the mini cupcakes like bandits. -
Review from Amy T.
Chicago, IL
3/21/2011
I love, love, love this place! I've been coming here for years, and it always brings that familiar, homey, comfort feeling. You can study here, eat here, hang out here, talk here, play board games here, relax here, etc. The grilled cheeses are surprisingly tasty, and the coffee drinks phenomenal. Love me some STF!
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Review from Tom P.
Chicago, IL
I spent a full afternoon here one day recently in order to get out of the home office for awhile. And let me tell you, it delivered beautifully.
As a recent shift in life, I haven't taken full advantage of the work-from-home situation I have going. However, one day recently I agreed to help out some friends by hanging near their new apartment so I could let their new cable provider in to get them set up. Since I needed to get some work done while waiting in the 6-hour block of time they gave for the possible installation, I searched Yelp for places with wifi in the area.
(THANK YOU YELPERS!)
(Note: I'm not sure the wifi is exactly free. I was buying something anyway, but they gave me the passcode with my receipt, so it seems that they ask/require purchase to use the wifi...but I think that is reasonable.)
Savor the Flavor is a nice coffee shop. I'm not a huge fan of coffee shops, so that's saying something. I could totally hang out here. Do work, chill with friends, kill time, you name it! Good coffee, solid assortment of treats. If there was anything to nitpick, I'd ask for more "real food" choices, but the grilled cheese holds its own. (this is no simple grilled cheese...just trust me. and get it with bacon. can't go wrong.)
I think the key in making this place so inviting is the size and layout. They have a lot of space, and it is somewhat divided into two areas. One half seemed to be filled with more socializing, while I was able to set up in the other side and get some work done with minimal distraction. There were also students studying, so I assume this was not the first time it has been divided as such.
Not only is the space inviting to a variety of activities (work, study, play), it is unique and comfortable. The decor is colorful and lively. The music is loud enough to enjoy when the mix comes across an old favorite, but not so loud that it disturbs your activity du jour. There are tables of different sizes and shapes that can accommodate all sorts of things, individual or group, work/study or play! Even though I was there for business, I did notice a stack of games, which I plan to return to play. I can't yet vouch for the quality of the games since I didn't explore the options, but someday I'll let you know.
Coffee, grilled cheese, ice cream, games. 'Nuff said. Savor the Flavor, I'll be back. -
Review from Erin G.
Chicago, IL
4/12/2011
This is the best independent coffee shop in the city. The ambiance is bright and cheery, and the owner greets you with a smile! They've even expanded their menu into breakfast sandwiches (which are amazing), paninis, waffles, and more. Get your daily fix at Savor the Flavor!
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Review from Morgan P.
Chicago, IL
7/5/2011
IN. LOVE. Great lighting, great service, great tunes, comfy chairs!!!
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Review from Mike F.
Chicago, IL
3/18/2010
Wow - it's a good thing I read the review by "Jennifer M" before I went here. I had already packed up my fondue set and a can of sterno -- and I was looking forward to making a snack while I took off my shoes and read War and Peace over there.
Thanks to her review I realized that if I wanted eat and drink there I had to get the food and drink the SELL there. Otherwise the place is pretty good. But, I will take off one star for not being able to bring in my own hibachi grill.Comment from Geri s. of Savor the Flavor 3/20/2010
Hi Mike! Thanks for the hysterical review. Loved it. More » -
Review from John Powell P.
Chicago, IL
1/30/2008
I've been a regular at Savor the Flavor for about three years now. While there is so much to love about this place, there are somethings that do irk me.
Let's start with the good. I've obviously come here for four three years for a reason. It's the perfect place to relax and spend a whole day of studying. The atmosphere is bright, sunny, and uplifting. Try to snag a spot by the window. I totally take advantage of the free wi-fi, and can spend several hours there relaxing. Also, the coffee (Intelligentsia) drinks are great. I can't speak much for anything else on the menu because I love the coffee. The music they play in general throughout the cafe is great. Open mic nights and musical acts set a great coffeeshop tone - look for the eight year old violin, folk/country singing prodigy on Sunday nights. An awesome mix of folk/alternative/indie. Finally, the service (from Geri) is a huge plus. She has a warm, sassiness about her that my friends just love, and she genuinely cares about her customers.
Unfortunately, the bad...outside of the coffee, they serve ice cream which seems really overpriced. The ice cream tends to draw hordes of yuppie families who bring their screaming children in on a Saturday afternoon. While you can't blame them for wanting to enjoy Savor the Flavor, I've left due to shear annoyance. I suppose families have the right to enjoy Savor the Flavor, too. Also, while I don't know if this is a permanent decision, but it seems to close earlier - like 7pm as opposed to 9 or 10pm. Then, most of the tables/seats are metal lawn furniture type seats. While they look uncomfortable, you do get used to it, so I prefer to sit one of the three comfy couches. Finally, having been a patron of this place for several years now, some of the newer baristas are not as nice as some of the ones who have worked there in the past (this means you red-haired, punk girl).
Overall, I've been going to Savor the Flavor for years, and will continue going - until I finish school and no longer have the need for a place to study for hours on end. It certainly lives up to it's reputation as the most welcoming and warmest coffeeshop in Chicago, and it's definitely a place you can call your own. -
Review from Daniela M.
Chicago, IL
5/11/2011
Been here a couple of times. The first time I ordered two mochas to go, and felt it was a little too pricey. I could've added a lemon treat at Starbucks with it for the same price. The second time I went in to relax and unwind with some homework and my laptop but it was the opposite of what I'd hope for. Yes there were others studying but there were too many loud kids and loud chatter among parents for my liking. So after 10 minutes, I chugged my lukewarm regular coffee (wasn't the tastiest either) and just went home. I agree with Jamie B.'s yelp, but I'm sure I'll give it another try.
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Review from margie o.
Chicago, IL
9/27/2008
First off, good coffee. Important for a coffee shop. I'm not a huge fan of tea, but they have this great tropical green tea (I always have to have them list all the options because I can never remember the name of it). Not a huge fan of the hot chocolate - they don't heat it enough, so it's just luke warm. I like my drinks steaming hot. And no, I won't sue if I get burned by spilling my drink like the klutz I am.
It's a cozy place, with a few different couches amongst the tables/chairs. The pug who owns the place (in his/her mind) wanders around, not bothering patrons but is open to affection if you wish. I haven't taken my laptop, but there are plenty of outlets and I see plenty of people computing when I'm there. Good people watching out the windows.
I've had muffins, which are delicious and huge, and ice cream, which was ice-creamy. I haven't tried the grilled cheese, but the boy has, and he approves. Side note - during the summer, they come over to Jonquil park across the street and distribute little tastings of scrumptious frozen treats to the loungers, such as myself. Good sales tactic!
The baristas are generally friendly and helpful. Funny story, though, I was in one time just picking up coffee to go, and the owner was talking to the man in front of me, bragging that she knows the names of all her regulars and asked his name. So I get to the counter expecting the same treatment (I don't go every day, but since the shop is basically across the street from my apartment, I do stop in frequently), and she fills my coffee order and proceeds about her business. Ok then. Guess I don't qualify as a regular. Or I don't have the right parts... No worries, I'm not so sensitive as to take offense.
The bathroom is absolutely tiny and right by the counter, so if you have privacy issues, be warned. But it's cute and clean.
You should go here for tasty coffee and treats and to support a local business (owned by a woman, yay!).Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Debbie K.
New York, NY
8/21/2006
I not only Savored the Flavor, I licked the bowl!
I spent a good couple of hours noodling at my computer at this joint and I have to say, it was one of the most pleasant coffeehouse experiences I've ever had. Strong mug of Intelligentsia Coffee, plenty of seating, nice waitstaff, wifi, loads of sunshine. I now need to zap it to NYC and put it in my 'hood. This is what a coffeehouse should be! -
Review from Erica T.
Chicago, IL
10/1/2009
Reasons I heart this place:
1) Because it somehow makes my online pharm lectures the least painful they can be.
2) It is the closest non-Starbucks to my apartment (one can only take so much Starbucks).
3) It's huge, and the furniture is not all crammed together so that you are not thisclosetosittingonthenextperson'slap like at certain other coffee shops I have been to.
4) The drinks are good - I am a fan of anything chocolate, and they use Ghirardelli chocolate for their mochas. Yum...
5) There are zillions of outlets and they're actually located right next to places that people sit.
I have yet to try the grilled cheese, but it sounds amazing. -
Review from Karl H.
Milwaukee, WI
10/28/2008
Really how can a coffee shop private or corporate bolster up to 5 STARS.
They all have seating that is totally neat-O
They all have good coffee (shucks even McyDee's has good coffee now.)
They all have an overly frustrated hipster on his Mac trying to pound out a crappy novel
They all have tweaked out coffee junkies working behind the counter for a free fix
However they all don't have Geri (Owner of STF). In CHEERS like fashion its a place where at least she knows your name. Whether its her smile, or a fresh made grilled cheese just like mom used to make (maybe even a little better). Its those nuances and comforts of feeling so at home at a local business that make this a favorite neighborhood hang out.....That's 5 STARS
I think this would be a great new place for groups of Yelpers to flock to like the salmon of Capistrano.
I'm thinking some Jack in the coffee would spice it up nicely -
Review from David R.
11/2/2008
The fun, funky signage in this joint belies the indifferent service. I like it here because it's never full or noisy, so you can spend as much time as you like. The two seating areas feature bountiful wall outlets and a mix of comfortable and utile furniture. You see a fair mix of patrons, too (it's the frozen treats that draw the kiddies, I'm sure). The games in the toybox are beaten up and missing pieces, which is a real bummer.
They have great ice cream, and strike a fine balance between chocolate and espresso in their cafe mocha. I would appreciate a better pastry selection because sometimes a cafe mocha just isn't enough when you're trying to kill a sweet tooth after lunch. -
Review from Melissa R.
Chicago, IL
6/20/2009
One of my favorite coffee shops in the city, I probably plant myself in here every weekend for an hour or two. I'm not going to pretend that I don't enjoy a cup o' joe from Starbucks occasionally, but I try and patronize independently owned places whenever I can...and everyone should give their business to this place.
The location and the set up inside are great. There is a ton of room to sit at a table, cozy into a chair, or spread out on a couch. They balance friendly with edgy by having lots of sunlight pouring through the huge windows and combining the vintage mismatched furniture with brick exposed walls. They always play an eclectic selection of music (very XRT-ish), and it just adds to the charm.
Another thing I love about this place is that the staff is really nice and cool, they never bug you or try to kick you out if you've been there more than an hour. The wireless is free, the coffee is delicious, and iced tea is divine. I have yet to try any of their food, but their grilled cheese sandwiches are supposed to be fabulous and their ice cream selection is very tempting. Usually when places try to do too much it's overwhelming, but the hodgepodge of options is really endearing.
Just in case I didn't sell you on this place with the above ringing endorsement, they also support local charities. They have paintings for sale by developmentally disabled adults (Arts of Life) and sell yummy snacks made by a bakery that employs people in need of training and job skills and whose 50% of their profits go to AIDS housing (Sweet Miss Givings). So make the world a little better place by buying some of the art or noshing on some treats.Listed in: I'm a Reader
