The Blue Room Cafe

I am ambivalent about this place.

On the downside... 1. Their posted hours stink. Worse are their actual hours. I had occasion to be in the federal courthouse at 8:45. I would have LOVED to take a hot mocha with me. Alas, it was 8:35, and the place was locked up. And don't even think about drifting over there after 3 for a pick-me-up. Caffeine in the afternoon?!?! NO!

2. And then the disposable cups, ugh. Have we talked about Styrofoam? I think we have. It is a deal breaker for me. Like, I won't get anything larger than a small at Dunkin because of the 'foam. It should be a dealbreaker for you too; read this: http://bottomlinehealth.com/styrofoam-really-is-bad-for-your-health/

3. There is no urgency here. I mean, I recognize that this is in northern Indiana, but, come on, we're like ten minutes from Chicago. Let's get this show on the road, so I can get back to my business.

4. They frequently are out of things you'd think they'd have. For example, chocolate for, you know, coffee drinks that include chocolate. Or cheese, for, you know, sandwiches that have cheese.

On the upside.... There are admittedly a few important ones.

5. It is located in Hammond. Like, have you tried to find a decent coffee shop or ANY coffee shop in downtown Hammond? You have two options, this and Mares Eat Oats. And this place beats MEO on coffee. Probably just on coffee.

6. It feels like it is not in Hammond, not to shit on Hammond. But, if you don't look too closely, this place looks like a mildly successful cafe in Chicago, problems 1-4 notwithstanding.

7. Their cookies are so cake-like. Oh my, bready sweet soft things. And cheap.

8. They have art on the walls, and it's from a local gallery.

9. They sell fancy soft drinks and decent sandwiches (but see downsides 3 and 4 above).

I would go back (and would probably find myself thinking about 1-4 again).

I finally visited The Blue Room Cafe yesterday to get out of the house and find a local coffee shop in Hammond. It did not disappoint: the service was personable and friendly, my latte was perfect (I should have taken a picture), the atmosphere was casual, I enjoyed the music, and the range of (cheap!!) freshly-made (on-site) baked goods made for a tough snack decision.* I went with a German chocolate cookie; so good. The staff (/owner?) was happy to answer my questions about the business and the collection of local art on their gallery wall, to inform me about the Beatles fest they host in the summer, and to share what kinds of coffee *they* roast (Guatemalan and Colombian).

This is the place to strike up a conversation with staff and regulars, enjoy people-watching downtown, browse through their collection of books and magazines (nice, varied selection), and enjoy some top-quality coffee, tea, and sweets. I will have to go back for the paninis and soup... The menu looks to be a creative take on comfort food.

*...so I didn't. Hehe. Although not intending to give in to my sweet tooth, I can report that their take-away carrot cupcake is absolutely incredible. Again, dangit, no photo... I devoured it. :D

The walk from the South Shore Metra to here(especially right before the bridge) would garner just one star. Desolate.

But this oasis in the middle of what appears to be urban deglect?

5 stars. Not just for their fabulous coffee.

They serve the country's best! Metropolis.

That's not the only reason they garner 5 stars. They get their tea from teagweschender!

I've been to places that serve my favorite cups of coffee. But when it comes to tea, some of them serve the exact tea I'd get at Strabucks.

This place did not drop the ball when it comes to tea.

I will have to make this Hammond trek twice a month. When I do, I will make the Blue Room Cafe a part of my routine.

My wife, daughter, & myself stopped in around 4:15 last week, the owner started talking to us. I asked him the hours (they serve Metropolis coffee, so I automatically wanted to come back), & he said 8-4. He was already getting our coffee & inviting us to sit down. I've been to coffee shops that just look at you through the glass windows with a blank stare when they are not officially open for business...

Anyways, awesome coffee & tea. The owner is really cool, too. Looking forward to going back.

I've been here a few times now, after a ridiculous first lunch, and I think I have a decent picture of it. It's almost certainly the best option in downtown Hammond, with a full array of coldcuts or blackened chicken chunks on various nice breads (a few types of bagels, pretzel buns, etc.) with fresh veggies. As for drinks it's basically just soda and bottled water. There's one soup special a day, and they vary widely (I've called in to learn the specials). There's a half sandwich and soup meal. The cafe is cute, with big windows and a few tables and chairs, and some nice comfy couches. Things are often "down"--my fist visit pretty much nothing was working, from the sandwich press to the credit card machine. Another time just the credit card machine was down. So bring cash, and be prepared to roll with it.

Great coffee and Danish. Customer service was excellent! Went for an early morning meeting and although it's very cozy and small we were comfortable and area locals were friendly.

Really not a bad place !! Tasty BLT's!!! Little on the small side so it might be awkward if they are busy but as a small gem in hammond.... One of the best so far ^_^

This place is cool but would be SOOOOO much better if they were open evenings and weekends. Customer service is good; music cool; coffee and food ok; decor acceptable.

I've always been curious about this place as I drive past it several times a week. I'm sort of kicking myself for waiting this long to stop. What a delight! The menu is simple, the prices are reasonable, and it's exactly the kind of place we need in this area. The food was fresh and hot, my latte was on-point, and their soup was scrumptious! Not to mention they have copies of The Onion laying around for your reading pleasure. This is one place I'll definitely return to.

Room is too small, too cramped, foods seem a little pricey on smaller items. seating too uncomfortable.

Acoustics so so.

Need a larger room even for small groups. Or needs to really limit seating to exact capacity which is very small.

Ok for B & L, or snacks for special nights, Beer,Wine, Tea, Desserts,