Ipsento

Ok, this review is looong over-due.  I haven't been to Ipsento since I last visited Chicago a few years ago.  But, when I lived in Chicago, it was my favorite place to get coffee.  

Yes, the interior finishes are rustic, but that's part of the charm.  It's cozy in there, especially in the dead of Winter, and a great place to study or catch up with friends.

I like to get a Sassy Ipsento, but any of their drinks are good.  Haven't been to their newer location, but will definitely check it out the next time I visit!

Super cute little spot that I always drive by but never have come in. There's plenty of space to grab some coffee and sit around for a bit . The back room is super quiet and relaxing and honestly what I would equate to heaven.
I got a latte and my husband got the Ipsento . The latte is your tradish latte. The Ipsento is absolutely worth trying - the cardamom adds a bit of spice that hits the back of your throat .
10/10

I ordered ipsento latte which came with coconut milk, some sort of spice and honey and it was the bomb! All the ingredients worked amazingly well together and had a nice spicy kick. I expressed my concern about sugar so the barista was able to accommodate my request and only added 1 pump of honey to my coffee.

They also had a nice patio in the front so it was nice to sit outside on a sunny day while savoring my coffe. They also put a bowl of water outside to quench my dog's thirst. What a pleasant place!

My friends and I went here for a quick caffeine fix before going out.  The place is v cool. You can go to the back and there are cool stuff hanging around. There's even a printer for all you skool kidz out there or work. Good cofffee. Honestlly pretty solid place. I'd stop by. It's what you make it. Good place to study or take coffee to go.

Good coffee. Delicious breakfast sandwiches!

However everything is on the pricey side. And the employees here seem to move in slow motion. No sense of urgency whatsoever. My friends and I waited nearly 20 minutes for our breakfast croissants. And it was not busy.

I visited Ipsento for the first time on a weeknight the Fall of 2015. (Yelp is like my food diary.)  My friends absolutely love this spot and were excited for me to try it.  We rushed over after dinner in the area and arrived about ten minutes before closing. They close at 6pm all days of the week. The barista was kind, friendly, and patient while queuing up 4 lattes.

The word Ipsento was invented by the founder and is a combination of 2 Latin words: "ipse" meaning self and "sentio" meaning to discover. I love a good origin story, as much as knowing the origin of my coffee which Ipsento staff knows all about.  They emphasize micro-lot single origin beans and the variety will change seasonally.

I had an 8 oz Ipsento Cardamom Rose, listed under their Signature Lattes.  Since then, I have ordered purely from that list.  I alternate between the Cardamom Rose (espresso, rose water, spice, milk) and the Ipsento (espresso, coconut milk, honey, cayenne, milk) to be exact.  I have no hesitation sticking to this list for the rest of eternity - they are SO good - and perhaps rotate in a seasonal latte once in a while.

Their signature lattes are the highlight.  If you're ever in the Bucktown neighborhood, Ipsento is the place to grab coffee.  Stay and linger by grabbing a seat in the back where there's an eclectic collection of vintage furniture.  Or better yet, grab a coffee to go to stand in line for Margie's Candies in the summertime, or make your way to the 606 Trail (where you will find their other location on Milwaukee that also serves booze).

They even offer coffee classes like "Barista Basics" to steam milk and pour espresso, plus classes on brewing and cupping. Check their website. I hope I get the chance to take one in the future and enrich my coffee wisdom.  In any case, you absolutely cannot go wrong with Ipsento!

Major advice: read the menu board.  They've got some brews that smack of uniqueness.

I had their Ipsento latte which featured cayenne, honey and coconut milk.  Spiced heaven (equally described as a hellacious brew)!

It may be out of the way, or maybe Ipsento is the center of the world and everything is judged as the distance from there.

I guess it's clear.  I really enjoyed my first visit.

Love their use of reclaimed lumber and recycled wood from old doors, crates, window frames etc. Art from local artists are displayed on the walls, some I believe you can purchase.

Their namesake latte, the ipsento, was every sip delectable, with the perfect amount of espresso and sweetness from the honey. The cayenne gave it a nice kick that wasn't too overwhelming.

If you want something a bit on the lighter side, try their lychee matcha latte - you can actually taste the lychee and the matcha was neither too weak or too strong.

I didn't get to try their food but their croissant sandwiches looked mighty popular!

Used to dig the place. But the owner ( I guess) mad an employee take off a BLM mask off in front of me. And that's cool. I like it when racists are open like that.  So yeah. Shop there if systemic oppression and supporting white nationalism is your bag but I'm cool on that.

My favorite coffee shop for lattes. The "Ipsento" with oat milk and extraaaa cayenne is heaven in a cup. Not your usual latte. Creamy, coconut hints, & an odd yet satisfying spiciness all in each sip! The sandwiches are also good, but I rarely come for the food.