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    Alchemy Coffee House

    4.3 (113 reviews)
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    Jim R.

    A friend of mine told me about Alchemy so I biked up from Evanston (no shortage of coffee shops) to check it out. Inside and out it's unpretentious, quirky and charming. Their medium roast coffee was very smooth but what knocked me out was their cranberry walnut scone. I don't profess to be a "scone guy" but on the first bite I noticed the crust was crunchy on the outside, soft and buttery on the inside. On my way back in to get one to go for my wife I noticed they had a display cooler with scone dough proofing inside. If you are a scone lover Alchemy is a must stop! (Note: The shop is only open Friday, Saturday and Sunday: 7:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.)

    Outside
    Trevor B.

    Solid place for a quick coffee. Looks like it is frequented by locals often as many people were sitting outside conversing. The service was fast. They don't allow people into the coffee house itself, I assume because of Covid. Coffee was delicious.

    Small, but inviting :)
    Scott S.

    Alchemy is my stop every time I walk to the beach. This little café that has made it for 15 years in the east Wilmette small Linden street retail area near the L station. Linden and 4th streets. Very small 8-10 seat café but they roast their own beans and everything I've had has been excellent. Espresso today, rich and not too bitter. Wonderful. Raspberry iced tea for Tresa. Scones available too. Staff is always friendly, good music playing and tables outside also. About 4 blocks away from the Baha'i temple.

    Buzz queen (2 shots of espresso) and apricot scone
    Rosa J.

    My experience with "Alchemy Coffee House" was worth 4.5 stars. ACH is located steps away from the CTA Linden Purple Line Station, the northbound terminal stop. I knew this place only accepts cash. I was lucky like a Irish man in March since I had a $10 bill in my wallet. Otherwise, there's an PNC ATM inside the Linden Purple Line Station. The young lady on duty was really down-to-earth. I informed the content of "buzz queen" and was told that it was basically coffee with two (2) espresso shots. Cool, whether it would cause me any buzz or not, I could use some to wake me up since this daylight savings thing has thrown me off a little bit. They also bake the pastries onsite. I also asked for an apricot scone just in case the buzz became apparent. Sweetness could probably offset this effect. So what was the verdict of the "buzz queen?" There wasn't much buzz that I felt. However, it was a great-tasting coffee overall. They roast their coffee beans and sell them in a bag. It's a solid local business in Wilmette and has been going for ten (10) years since 2005. I liked the decors. The entire coffee shop was pretty tiny, but all the lights coming through the windows seemingly amplified the space. The choice of furniture emphasized the "rustic nature," which looked homey and helped me relax a bit before I had to run the rest of errands for the day. Perhaps the buzz queen could upgrade itself to the "buzz king," or should she be more of a feminist. Perhaps couple more shots of espresso would have done the trick.

    Angela N.

    Alchemy is a really cool family owned coffee house, perfectly located near the metra. It feels good taking a break from the Dunkin donuts and Starbucks of the world to enjoy something more unique. Prices I'd say are still comparable to Starbucks however. I do need my coffee in the afternoon. When I went it was quiet, me being the only one. I believe they roast their own beans here and it smelled great when I entered. From walking in you get this really funky 70s vibe. My dad is a carpenter and used to make furniture that looked similar to the tables and chairs in Alchemy, so I thought it looked really neat and original; all made from plywood. I liked the eclectic decor and old time music that played. They have a vintage tape reel and one of the biggest dictionaries I've ever seen! When I asked the girl behind the counter what she recommended she asked me if I prefer sweet or not. I say a little, bc I like all things a little sweet. She gave me the hazelnut latte which I Loved! Sooo good and not overly sweet. Just perfect. And I grabbed a scone to go with. It was delicious! They also serve some cakes that sound amazing and worth a try! Banana cake with chocolate ganache, espresso cake with salted caramel and a chai spiced cake. There are bottled juices and flavored water too. Perfect place to grab a coffee to go, or perhaps meet someone. Perhaps not in the busy mornings, bc they are very small. I saw a sign for fruit smoothies so I will have to go back with my kids for one.

    chai tea latte
    Nina G.

    Hands down THE BEST chai tea latte I've ever had- and that's saying a LOT! I was very impressed with the flavor in the latte and I could tell that it wasn't just from a cheap, concentrated mix like most other shops. This place is so tiny and cozy! Keep doing what you're doing!

    Iced Chai Latte
    Karina V.

    Decided to finally try this place since my sister was getting a massage in a nearby shop in this center. I looked at the reviews and decided to get the iced chai latte since the pictures of the chai looked good and the reviewer said it was the best chai they've ever tasted. I received my chai and was surprised by the color since chai lattes are usually a bit darker since chai is black tea so usually the color of the latte will change a little darker. I then try it and it was okay- I've had better from other places. If you like a heavy distinct chai taste this isn't your latte, but if you like a subtle chai latte taste then this is for you. It just didn't do it for me.

    Outside Alchemy
    Angela S.

    Independent and small, this coffee shop is primarily a coffee roaster, but they also have a select menu of coffee offerings and scones. Of course, in retrospect I could kick myself for not buying a scone, because I later found out they are supposed to be absolutely incredible. But, next time for sure! First of all the smell in this place when I walked in was incredible! Kind of like that amazing aroma you experience from when you open a coffee can or bag of beans for the very first time. The interior is funky. All the furnishings are made from plywood--a very unique concept. But what immediately caught my attention was the giant coffee roaster in the back and the cute bean grinder up front attached to the wall (reminded me of an old school pencil sharpener). This place is tiny, so there is only a bar at the window and a couple of seats. I was planning to get my vanilla latte to go, so that really wasn't an issue. If you want a place to hang with a friend this wouldn't be my first choice. But, as a great place to grab a guaranteed great cup to go, you won't be disappointed. My vanilla latte was memorable, and I have a thing for lattes. I've also heard their cappuccino is really tasty, so next time I will report back! Great coffee, great place, and great service. Can't go wrong with this place!

    The best coffee.
    Richard B.

    Alchemy Coffee House are very serious about their coffee - or at least they appear to be ... because it takes a full 5 minutes of labor, pipes; steam; thermometers; widgets; stirring and sweat before my extra-shot 'for here' latte to be completed. I almost felt I should hold it high above my head and shout some Kenyan / Zulu Lion King thing before sipping the fine brew in awe and wonder! The place is not impressive to look at ... in fact ... pretty darn dumpy ... but that is its charm. It has a cheap wooden counter, an old second hand refrigerated (I think) display case for some dodgy (but expensive) pastries / scones and then the two pieces of magic that clearly help to explain the joint's name :: Alchemy Coffee House ... In the back room is a wooden pallet containing a few random bags of raw coffee beans some half torn open and then ... the sexiest green coffee roasting monster machine you've ever set your fortunate green eyes on!! WowZa. But the potions we pay for are via the coffee brewing machine (I lack the correct knowledge to attribute its correct name) which is a wonder of stainless steel pipes, knobs and funnels; fussy, high maintenance and perhaps a bugger to clean ... this machine is majestic! I'd buy it diamond from Tiffany if I owned it! (Alas!) The kid behind the counter (literally a kid!) -- Merlin's Apprentice (?) -- knows what he's doing and 5 minutes of wand waving // a flurry of hands turning and twisting and shrugging (?) et voila ... The result is divine coffee! And sitting outside on a Sunday morning drinking and enjoying what the Catholic Church once called "The Devil's Drink" is hilarious because my poor wife and kids are suffering Sunday Mass at SFX just up the road. Ha. The Irony!

    Seating area

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    3 years ago

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    1 year ago

    Excellent service and beautiful & tasty scones. I will return to what is obviously a neighborhood favorite.

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    2 years ago

    They have the best coffee in Wilmette and outstanding scones -- roasting beans on-site

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    2 years ago

    Tiny space with outdoor seating. Good coffee and and the best scones around. Stop in and support local businesses

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    Alchemy Coffee House - coffee - Updated May 2026

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