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Category: Coffee & Tea [Edit]
Neighborhoods: Lincoln Square, RavenswoodDamen (Brown)
"I crawled out of my yelp hole to rave about Chava. AWESOME space, great seating. Free wifi with no limitations. Yummy clover coffee. I…" read more »
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The Perfect Cup is one the kindest, friendliest cafes in Chicago! It is a perfect place to stop in for a quick coffee or to stay for a while and read or work. I meet design clients there regularly, and it is easy to have a conversation without interruptions or disturbing other customers.
The selection of pastries and muffins is minimal but good. If you order a chocolate chip scone, be sure to get them to toast it for you! One of the clerks recommended this, calling it an "upscale pop-tart" and they were right... so good!
I typically get plain coffee, but their espresso drinks are tasty as well. Anne's Special, a mocha drink, is especially good on cold winter days.
The staff is amazingly courteous and congenial. They are very fun to talk to and go out of their way to help all customers.
I have been visiting The Perfect Cup for years; it truly is a great part of the neighborhood.
The staff are kind, the space relaxes me, and the vibe is actively peaceful. I've started stopping here for the occasional morning coffee en route to the train, though I also hang out in the evenings or on weekends. The wifi is free, or at least it has been recently. I also appreciate that they include tax in the prices -- much appreciated for a cash-only establishment.
I've had everything from regular drip coffee to mochas and lattes, and I've always been satisfied.
I should also add that I've never been assaulted by their music selection, and that's all I ask for in terms of café music.
The Perfect Cup is my "clean, well-lighted place."
I've been here a couple of times now to meet one of my wedding vendors, and I must say, I dig the atmosphere here. Very laid back and cozy, Perfect Cup is somewhere I can envision myself bringing my laptop or a good book and hanging out for hours. It's not one of those super-quiet coffee shops though (in fact, it can be quite noisy, which I love), so you can also sit and chat with a friend for hours if you like. Today there were all sorts of characters bustling in and out.
My soy latte was made to my liking, and you gotta love drinking it out of a mug for once. The baked goods look tasty, but since I'm kind of on a "my wedding is 2 months away" diet, I refrained. They don't have sandwiches or any type of lunch/savory food.
My only beef with this place is the Cash Only policy. I have a running list in my head of places that don't take credit cards, but this one wasn't on it today, so I had to walk a couple blocks to CVS to get some cash so I could get my caffeine fix. I can see how this might keep me from coming back here too often.
Nevertheless, a good place to get coffee with a friend in a cute little strip of Damen.
I visited here while in the neighborhood visiting family over Thanksgiving vacation. The place is clean, the food is tasty, and the selection seems good but not overwhelming, and reasonably priced.
My son enjoyed his bagel and OJ; my dad liked his chocolate croissant and mocha, and my coffee was tasty and the perfect temperature.
I won't lie -- I like me some Starbucks, but when I can I always try to hit the local coffee places (which are often better, but not always). I think you can't go wrong with this one.
SUPER HOMOPHOBIC!!!!!!!!
I had a HORRIBLE experience at this coffee shop!! I've been there several times as I used to live in Lincoln Square. I thought it was nice enough. Never gave it more thought than that. It pretends to be an "artsy" styled coffee shop. That it surely is NOT. I was in there the other day and had the most disgusting homophobic experience involving staff and a patron. I was minding my own business checking email on a gay social website, After this i was in my yahoo account checking email when this old, nasty woman stands in front of my table and says that I can either stop looking at gay websites or she will announce to the whole place what I was doing. Mind you, by this time I was in my yahoo and not even on a gay site. Anyway, apparently this woman thought that I would be so embarrassed that she "caught" me surfing on a gay site that Id do whatever she said. I wasnt embarrassed I was pissed. I asked her to remove herself from my presence and keep her face out of my computer. From there she created a huge scene. The manager of this place came over to me and, instead of being even handed, began DEMANDING that I show him what it was that I had been looking at. I felt like I was being interrogated by Nazis. Of course, i told him where he could go with that request. The situation was horriffic and disgraceful. The staff there is completely unsophisticated and SUPER HOMOPHOBIC!!!! Watch out! I wish that I had been warned before entering this place. Can you say backwoods redneck?? I am currently seeking legal representation to sue for harrassment and discrimination. Truly sad.
Gays stay away. I'm sure they'd prefer it that way.
The space is perfect. It has a great atmosphere. Their coffee is ok, but there's something about it that's lacking. If their pastry and food item selection was better and if their coffee was as good as Taza's, I'd probably sit around there with my laptop trying to write a novel or something. Staff is friendly too.
Another great location for cyclists returning home along the traditional route back to the city from the long north suburban training loops. Great pastries and quiet, sunny room.
Very friendly service and I often see the owner working the counter.
A perfect cup is a family owned coffee shop located in Lincoln Square. It has been a neighborhood staple for years. In fact I think it is really the only vestige of the Lincoln Square we all loved. Luckily it is removed far enough from the ever changing (in a bad way) Lincoln Avenue, and still remains a great neighborhood mainstay.
The prices are great and the adorable owners are always happy to see you. They also try to stay somewhat different. They carried mighty leaf teas years before it caught on to the masses.
I've seen everything from neighborhood knitting clubs to business meetings converge at this shop. There is also a lot of natural light and comfy chairs/couches and wifi. Go now and be caffeinated in peace.
A great place to stop on the way to the train. Quick service for a non-Starbucks and always pleasant. And the coffee is above average.
For sitting down, the space is inviting, a little on the quiet side, and the art is impressive. Outdoor benches on both sides of the corner are great on a sunny day for people watching.
Wi-fi is pricey. I can understand charging a bit to keep people from squatting (prefer it actually), but paying an all-day rate for just an hour is keeping me from going when there's so many other free options.
I'd give it three and a half stars if it was possible.
My criteria for a good coffee shop are pretty straight forward. I use them as my office, so I look for places to sit, places to plug in my laptop, wifi, an atmosphere that makes reading possible, and decent coffee.
The drip coffee is not bad, and it comes with a free refill, which is lovely. Even if the source of caffeine isn't stellar, more of it generally is. And the people who serve it smile and are friendly. I appreciate that.
There is plenty of room to sit and the chairs are comfortable, as well as several outlets. I don't know if I'm stealing wifi or if it's actually the cafe's, but I'm connected to the internet.
I suppose it's just the atmosphere that stops me from giving it four stars. The decor feels a bit chaotic to me, though I can't give any really good reasons for it. So take that for what it's worth.
Oh my!
So cute, and DELICIOUS coffee. I wasn't wowed by their pastry selection, but the space is super comfortable and I really enjoyed my visit.
If I lived closer, I'd plaster my buttocks into one of their comfy chairs and tweak out on rich dark roast all day!
The Perfect Cup really is underrated. I always think I like The Grind better -- and I love The Grind -- but every time I go to Perfect Cup, I realize how good it is. It's comfortable and everything is good. There's nothing fancy, just the requisite coffee, espresso drinks, tea and pastries. It really is what a coffee shop should be.
Sure there are a few drawbacks -- the picnic tables are weird, the prices are a little higher than the Grind for drinks and sometimes it's too quiet in there. But overall, it really is a great little place.
Really cute and inviting place. When I first stepped in some tables were occupied and people were lounging on the couches and I immediately wanted to do the same.
The barista was friendly but not in-your-face friendly which made me happy. He reflected the chill, but inviting vibe of the place.
The espresso was good and fairly priced. I definitely wouldn't mind seeing more bakery items but the lemon cookie my friend had was good but not really spectacular.
A medium mocha and cookie was just $4. Not bad.
Decent coffee, not amazing, but very decent for standard airpot coffee. The service was friendly and very smile-y.
What I really loved about the place was the seating area though, old couches and stuffed chairs made for a comfy lived in feel. Like hanging out in your friends living room. Excellent space for studying or just reading.
I would totally go back
Good coffee and really tasty cookies. They're homemade wonders straight from your grandma's kitchen. Try the jam ones and the lemon ones--you won't be let down!
There's always seating when I go here and the people are super friendly. It's a nice, quiet place to read or get some work done. However, wi-fi can be a bit sketchy. (I think they're working on that issue, though.)
I started going to this place pretty regularly after I moved to the neighborhood. Unfortunately, I've had better. So far, I've mostly gotten coffee and chai, which were decent. The problem I really have is that the service is so mediocre. The staff don't really seem very jazzed to be there, and they hardly say a word other than to take your order.
Oh and not taking credit cards is a hassle for me personally, since I rarely carry cash.
The atmosphere is nice and clean, but nothing special. The location is decent if you take the brown line frequently. Overall, I will still grab the occasional cup of coffee here, but I wouldn't go out of my way.
Ok, this place has a name that they hope is a self fulfilling prophecy. I don't think it is. Its not the perfect cup. The coffee is decent and all that, but I'm not loving the cafe. I went for free wifi, and it was freaking freezing in there! I couldn't even stay for a long time because I was so dang cold. Not even hot coffee could help! If I lived near here, I'd stop by for a cup on the way to the train, and it would be great for that. BUT I don't, so I likely won't be going out of my way to go here...
I've used the Perfect cup as my perfect spot to meet blind or first dates, in the past. Its usually laid back and weekend mornings and early afternoons would usually offer a few people enjoying brew and working on their PCs. I Agree with other reviews, the cash only thing needs to be done with. We need more options. I tend to go for cafes that can offer a strong brew, while I don't buy my coffee here, I'll opt for fresh baked goods and an occasional ice coffee.
Free wi-fi and they have comfortable couches which can keep you sitting and reading for hours. Counter peep is helpful with offering her advice on selections.
The Perfect Cup is a little cozy coffeehouse a couple blocks away from the Brown line Damen stop. Great neighborhood too. Enjoy the big cups, the kind that you can practice your backstroke in good coffee. As for food, there's pretty much just baked goods and cookies. Nice couch to relax and read a book too.
We used to live in this building, and it was like an extension of our (tiny) living room. We met friends, met people from the Reader, hung out, looked at the art (bought a piece once), drank delicious mochas and hot chocolates. Clean, friendly, nice vibe. Too bad we moved before our days of heavy laptop use. I don't know if they still serve sandwiches, but they were excellent!
Miss you all, miss the neighborhood, miss the city!
I used to do a lot of studying at the Perfect Cup, and I miss it. It's such a comfortable space - if I want to sit on a couch, I can. If I want to sit at a table, I can. The coffee is tasty (and you get a free refill), they have good snacks, wi-fi, and I can usually get a seat. The wi-fi not being free is a bother if I have something to get done that requires a PC, but if I have a lot of reading to do and don't want to be distracted by the internet, it's a great choice :)
I would love it more if it were in my neighborhood, but it was only a short bus ride away and a perfect place to meet a new friend.
I had a mocha with coconut latte and it was wonderful. The prices surprised me as well, compared to other places it's very wallet friendly. But too bad its cash only.
Well, I don't know how "perfect" it is, but the coffee ain't half bad and I had a sample of brownie that was to die for. So what else do you need in life, right?
Menu options are limited, but the interior is small, funky & cute, & the girl behind the counter was sweet as pie. Prices are reasonable, but CASH ONLY! Good thing I could find enough cash on me (I tend to be a debit-card addict).
Good to know about this place on this somewhat desolate stretch of Damen.
Came in here to kill some time before looking at an apartment in the area. I got a weird vibe from the start, Sunday around 5 and the place was packed... but silent. So silent that it weirded me out. Like libraries... but that's another story. Maybe it's not always like this, but we left. I felt like I would be disturbing people if the bf and I sat down at a table and had a conversation.
Coffee = average
itty bitty cookie = average
So, I guess I wouldn't hesitate to come in for a coffee, assuming there isn't something better in the immediate area, for a coffee to go, but I really wouldn't go out of my way for this place either.
Ventrella up Damen a few blocks is superior in every way, in my book. Relaxed, friendly, and quiet, but not creepily so.
I like their hot chocolate here, it comes in such a big cup and it tastes just the right amount of milk for me...which is usually the problem with other places I try.
It's pretty loud in there so I wouldn't study there.
Cash only.
Extra friendly service. Wifi is not free because you have to like sign in to a service and it charges per minute or whatever you choose.
Maybe it was the newly fallen snow affecting my mood, but the Perfect Cup was absolutely the most wonderful place I could have spent an afternoon off work.
I made a mental note of it walking past the storefront on my way to pick up my iGo car (I needed a trip to the DMV, gross) and promptly returned after dropping it off.
I received a warm greeting from Becky (think SNL's "Delicious Dish" NPR spoofs but less ridiculous) when I walked in, and she made small talk with me as I perused the menu. Which is handwritten, by the way, on a big chalkboard behind the counter. Gets me every time.
I ordered a soy chai made with Oregon's "Slightly Sweet" concentrate, served piping hot in an adorable mug covered with snowflakes.
I resisted getting one of every pastry in the case and instead opted for a spinach-feta croissant sprinkled with herbs, which Becky warmed up and brought over to me at my seat on a futon in the corner.
The lighting was soft and inviting (perfect for reading my Chicago Reader), there was nice jazz playing on the stereo, and despite some lively conversations sparked among patrons while I sat, it was never too loud. Just peaceful and relaxing. So peaceful and relaxing, in fact, that I didn't even mind the melting snow soaking through my boots on the way home.
Now that is a good coffee shop.
SSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!
Yes, if you're loud they will shush you and give you the evil eye that teachers are famous for. It's like a library! I feel like I'm back in junior high and whispering/giggling/gossiping at the back of the classroom! Next time I will just pass some notes.
Despite that, it's a good place. Good coffee. A good place to curl up that's not your couch with a book, or knit a sweater or sock. You can even crochet if that's your fancy. The staff is nice!
Small patio in the warmer months. I like sitting outside!
Just be quiet and everybody is happy!
I swear this was the best Mocha I have ever drank in my entire life, I felt a little dizzy... I think it was an out-of-body-experience! Delicious! Orgasmic!
Caramella cookies? More Please! Cash only? No problem!
It's quiet, inexpensive, and I felt like every customer present went outside to the bench where i was sitting (looking like the Bernini 'Ecstasy of St. Teresa' sculpture, but with a cup of heaven and chocolate & buttserscotch scone) to pet my dog... the name says it all... PERFECT!
Everytime I stop in this place, I always think I should stay awhile and read the paper, But something about it gives me a feeling that I should just go in and out.
Don't get me wrong, the place looks nice and cozy, but it may just not fit my tastes. As well, the coffee is decent, but not great and prices are the same - decent, not great.
Cash only is a bummer, because I would probably stop in almost every morning- but I understand why they would stick to the cash only. The outdoor benches are nice too for the cooler days.
Overall, Id say its worth giving it a shot, but it may not be your "DAILY" coffee place.
The latest stop on my ongoing cafe project, the Perfect Cup is indeed aptly named!
HB and I popped in near closing on a Sunday only to be assured by the sweet barista we could settle and take our time, as she was going to be closing up and perferred having a little company after hours. So welcoming!
After perusing the tea selection, we each settled on caffeine-free herbal flavors, both of which were very good. In this world of plastic-a-go-go disposable styrofoam mugs, the actual china cups and saucers were an absolutely adorable touch!
The corner spot we picked was full of fun publications, cool postcards, and neato posters, all advertising local events and groups. There was great people watching along Damen, which is always a bonus.
A few items of note -- the menu is limited, so this would not be a place I would come for a meal. Also, the lighting was notably bright, which on further reflection made sense because the back area was filled with books and magazines. Obviously this is a great place to grab a cup of tea, settle in with a good book, and just relax. Neither of these points in any way detractted from their flawless five star rating, however!
What a fabulous gem in Ravenswood!
Carry on, Perfect Cup!
I love the Perfect Cup! I like that the tables aren't too close together and the room is bright and spacious. It's usually quiet, so it's the perfect place to disappear into a good book. They have a "take a book/leave a book" shelf in the back by the couches, a concept I love. Books were meant to be passed and shared! I walk over here when I want to avoid the Lincoln Avenue crowds.
I usually keep it real and get a regular coffee. There's vanilla, cinnamon, and other spicelike stuff by the cream and sugar if I'm feeling inventive. I've had their bagels and their hummus, both of which were delicious. They open a small patio outside in summer, and a huge cup of mango iced tea in summer can't be beat.
Great place for Java. joe, and the always needed tweak to my mornings.
I alway go to this place on my way to Over Easy.
A great local spot in the 'hood, though I wish they had more variety. Some flavored coffee drinks would be really cool--though they can sort of create them if you ask for a flavored syrup shot. I must say they have the friendliest, warmest employees ever! One morning I got coffee without realizing they were cash-only, and when I pulled out my CC the gal told me i could pay her back tomorrow. What a gem! How many shops actually do that these days?! I was so impressed.
Not alot of seating but when you can snag one of the big cozy couches, it's worth it!
Their scones (especially the choco-butterscotch chip) are yummy.
Several factors have led to the above rating:
1. It's a block from my new apartment half of the way to the brown line stop in the morning.
2. Their espresso drinks are quite good.
3. It's a great place to read as it is well lit and has a few comfy chairs and couches.
4. I like the chatty baristas, especially the one who's always hung over.
Just had the pleasure of walking into this cute corner cafe for the first time. Yes, a pure serendipity. It's clean, spacious (the high ceiling helps), warm, and artsy...over all, a perfect space to enjoy some quality coffee. They have the basic coffee menu, plus cookies, bagels, muffins, etc., all reasonably priced. I was happy with my americano - rich and smooth. The paintings and the photos on the wall are cool to look at while comfortably being 'sunk' in their super soft couch.
The owner is friendly and approachable, and she's one of those baristas who remember their customers' names and their "usuals." She takes great care of the facilities, too. (As she admitted herself, she's very anal when it comes to hygiene.) The cafe just celebrated its 9th anniversary. Yay!
Wireless internet connection available.
The Perfect Cup was the perect setting for my perfect lazy, Saturday morning...
My "good lookin' fella" stopped in for a cup of coffee while I tried to convince the ladies across the street at Sharewear to buy some of my work clothes...I met up with him, and to my delight...it was a charming little place, and he was tucked away in the corner reading the paper. I ordered an Americano...and it came in a real, ceramic cup. Ooo la la, how I enjoy drinking out of real mugs...and not crappola styraocardfoam.
So we sat. We drank. We talked, we read the paper...we lazed away a drizzly Saturday morning...perfectly.
Yeah perfect cup. Comfey seating, nice casual people running the place. Good coffee. Simple. The atmosphere is really unpretentious..you know how some of thoes hipster cool kid coffee shacks can be. I really appreciate a simple, down to earth coffee place. They keep the prices reasonable and they keep the menu short.
The only thing I don't like is the fact that it is sooo quiet in that place you can hear a pin drop!! It's totally not the doing of the company ...just sorta happens i guess. It really doesn't make me uncomfortable though...I'm the type of gal who really doesn't care about stupid unsaid ettiquet like that. It's not a library--and yes i will talk to my friend--AND laugh at re-tellings of our hilarious hijinks of yore. Idunno...it's kinda like being the first person to get up and shake it at a party. That's what talking is like at the perfect cup. once you do it--everyone else starts doing it.
I don't like Starbucks. I'd much rather get coffee at a local place where I can also take up space by reading a book or doing work. The Perfect Cup had a very good house blend. It was strong and bold in flavor. Their muffins were pretty good. My Banana Nut muffin had big chunks of walnuts, just the way I like it. I also liked the fact that I didn't have to break a fiver to get my coffee and muffin. They also sell gelato, which appears to be a popular item.
But the space itself wasn't incredibly inviting. There are a lot of tables for two, so I wouldn't recommend coming with a group.
With the weather turning cold I've recently been on a bit of a tea kick. So, I stopped by the Perfect Cup to check out their wares. The selection of teas and coffee drinks seemed to be pretty good. I settled on a citrus tea that hit the spot.
The food selection leaves something to be desired - I'm usually swayed by the pastry case, but nothing looked interesting to me.
There was a lot of loungey seating and a bunch of people hanging out, reading the papers, and enjoying a lazy morning. I could go back and just hang out.
The staff was friendly and willing to strike up a brief conversation.
ATTENTION ALL YELPERS!! WI-FI IS FOR A CHARGE!!! I believe that when the cafe wi-fi was free since 5 votes went for Free Wi-Fi and 3 for Paid. Yes, it's a cute little family-owned cafe with nice art, seating and space but they need to understand that when it comes to cafe competition that they can't continue to charge for Wi-Fi through a separate service. I mean they don't have the power of monopolizing Starbucks, nor the clientele to pay for it beyond the coffee prices. That is my big complaint. So for now, I will continue to boycott the place, even though it is around the corner from my home... Yes this winter will be HARSH walking the extra blocks to a technological friendly cafe, but its worth it to me (oh and one preferably with a CC machine but that can be negotiable). Anyone wanna join me? ;)
Neighborhood: Lincoln Square
Category: Coffee & Tea
Neighborhood: Lincoln Square
Category: Desserts
Neighborhood: Lincoln Square
Category: Coffee & Tea
Neighborhood: Edgewater
Category: Coffee & Tea
Neighborhood: Bucktown
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