Coffee Shops in Evanston (and some in Chicago)(by E. Tamer)


Note: This not a top ten list nor a list of all establishments I have visited. This list contains places that I like, for many reasons (location, food, atmosphere,....) and frequent often. Please, do not send me emails agreeing or disagreeing with me :)

There are a number of coffee shops in Evanston, many more than say ten years ago. As the competition for clientele rises, quality has improved and shops try to become unique in their own way. For example, some want you to just buy the coffee and leave (Pete's, or Italian coffee bar) but others try hard to get you to stay longer... They also try to make the atmosphere more enjoyable by displaying local artists.

(not in any order)

Unicorn Cafe (Sherman btw clark and church) : Although their coffee is from a good local roaster (metropolis), I don't go there for that. It is just a comfortable relaxing place, close by. If you go there later in the day, you will be run over by tons of students with their laptops and if you are not particularly in the mood for being in a sort of college sorority house, do not go there after 11. I don't.

Italian coffee bar (sherman and grove and another location on church and maple): Interesting place with good, good capuccino. Don't count on staying... both locations are just meant to sell you caffein and get you moving... but you will be happy with the coffee. Also, in the summer, they sell Italian gelato (which to me is not an attraction). Go there if you have kids.

Mud Cafe (across from 1915 Maple) Interesting place that openned up a few years ago. Coffee is ok but not spectacular. Definitely the winner for music and atmosphere. Unfortunately, it is not in an area with sufficient foot traffic. But, if you are looking to do some work, in a relaxed atmosphere with good music... head there.

Liquid Cafe (Oak and Davis): I just went there for a few times in the morning. They sell organic local produce (yes, you can get celery and cucumbers!) and pride themselves on the healthy/organic.... the problem for me is when i go to a ``coffee shop'' I don't want to see tomatoes and cucumbers in the display. I would rather see tarts, croissants, and cookies.   I definitely recommend it though- it is a welcome addition to that part of Evanston (it would be great if Pine Yard- the chinese restaurant across the street- can control the fumes from their kitchen....). 

Cafe Express (Dempster and Sherman): I have been coming here on and off since 1994. It used to have a serious smoking section up till this past year. It is definitely a real hard working man's place. Coffee here is what you would get at a diner It is a place I go to get away from the stuffy academic environment. Plus, there is something about a place where you can sit and watch the train go by every 5-10 minutes.

Brothers K (Main and Hinman): Hands down the best capuccino/expresso you will have in Evanston (if prepared by either of the two owners-- they did a wonderful job with this place). Also, they have very good pastries (Kim's scones--)- everything is locally made. I have been coming here on and off also since 1994. The location is perfect: a real neighborhood coffee shop where locals really feel part of and frequent a lot. In the mornings, the same bunch, it feels like the owner should collect rent... Also, check out the art on the walls - order a double expresso, or a two shot capuccino with a ginger Kim's scone... and just relax.

Cafe Ambrosia (Orrington and Church) A nice place that just oppened up. Friendly for laptop people and you can definitely stay here for a while. Nothing special about their coffee or pastries, although I must admit I have not been there all that often. They have a nice tea collection. I hope they do well. That stretch of Orrington definitely needs it.

Mozart Cafe: (Chicago and Davis) nice place. A bit too dark for me, but I like the coffee.

Peete's Coffee and Tea (Chicago between davis and church): Some say this has the best coffee. May be... but I cannot judge a coffee shop just based on how good the coffee is. I feel that  it is too fast and slightly impersonal. It is meant more for lawyers and people on the run. But, the coffee is good, what can I say.

Links Cafe (Wilmette: on Greenleaf by the train tracks) This has got to be the "cutest" coffee shop. Family run, with beautiful  pastries and sandwishes. The coffee there ought to be excellent -they roast their own- but for some reason it is not there yet.... sometimes too acidic, sometimes too bitter...I am not sure. But, definitely a store martha stewart would be proud off. It is a nice addition to the neighborhood.

Metropolis Cafe (chicago--Granville and kenwood). Also, one of the best double expresso you will have anywhere. Really nice place. The clintele tends to be too much of the hip/young variety...look, some people like that and if you like a good cup of coffee with it, Metropolis is as close to perfection as you want. Just one of those gems...

Charmers Cafe (rogers park-- Jarvis) I have been here only a few times, picked coffee and left. It looks great with nice clientele. You will always meet some of the best Chicagoans in Rogers Park.

Linz and Vail (On Central) This is the go to coffee shop with the family on the weekends. The coffee is fabulous (Intelligentsia), and the place is very friendly. Make sure you pick up a scone or a pastry from down the street at great harvest.