"Back In Five Minutes" according to the sign on the door, eh Knee Deep? Ok, I'll be back in Americano minutes and see you then! Cold and snowy outside, warm and cozy inside. Once my glasses unfogged, I looked up and saw my medium Americano listed on the menu board for a mere $2.30, same as stupid Starbucks but hopefully a whole lot tastier. Not the most flavorful thing ever, but the buzz I caught made it worth my while. Fueled for shopping and the trip back from Pilsen, this feeding of the monkey brought to you by Jumping Bean. Success. read more

The Cafe Jumping Bean is a small cafe-concept shop on 18th between Laflin and Blue Island. It is a small cafe, providing the corner shop cafe presence that it literally is. The coffee and other products are all mediocre, price is good, service is very good, ambiance is average. The cafe has a small raised area with a few tables on the window side facing 18th Street. On the other side of the cafe entrance, there are another few tables along the wall (perpendicular to 18th Street). Both seating areas, in this "L" shape, with the entrance in the nook of the "L", wrap around the barista station / register in the heart of the store. Coffee and other products of the Jumping Bean are all mediocre quality. The service is very good. Good service makes the Jumping Bean an inviting place to enter and return to. Pricing is appropriate. The cafe is a bit too small to have ambiance be a dominant factor. The Jumping Bean feels like a cafe for about the 1/2 hour that it takes you to order and drink your coffee. Then it's time to go elsewhere. It is too small a space to hang out. It's hard not to feel self-conscious about reading a book or working on a laptop after your coffee is gone. The cafe is just too small. Speaking of laptops, the cafe is so small that you would feel guilty using the WiFi for more than 1/2 hour anyway. The cafe is not a bad place to meet a friend or go with a friend, so long as there is enough table space for you the two of you to sit when you are there. Also, it is definitely not a coffee and pastry cafe. It would never cross our minds to go to Jumping Bean after eating dinner at Nuevo Leon. There might be poetry readings and music performances at the cafe, but I can't visualize where the audience would sit. As for location, the Jumping Bean is the neighborhood place. Forget about parking --- the Jumping Bean's customers don't drive there because they live in Pilsen. (And, it is not worth driving to the cafe as a destination of its own.) The cafe is right in the heart of Pilsen. It is well placed for a short break from the library. Anybody walking to the Pink Line station in the morning can pick up a drink here on the way. In summary, the Cafe Jumping Bean is a neighborhood coffee shop that is a bit too small to qualify as a cafe. Its products are about average in quality, pricing is decent, and service is very good. The cafe would be nicer if it were a bit bigger. read more

I love this place. I've been here in the evenings to study during the semester and it's usually semicrowded with some college students, TAs, few academic professionals, artsy Pilsen people, etc. They've got free WiFi! Servers are nice and the atmosphere is cozy/quiet/artsy. My favorite is the White Satin Mocha and my friend always gets the Mocha Almond Delight. I've never had trouble finding parking. It's all meters anyways. I've heard some complaints about this neighborhood (crime rates) but I haven't had any issues. I don't mess with anyone and they don't mess with me. I'm just happy that Pilsen's got some great coffee places! read more

My bf and I were walking through the neighborhood looking for something to snack on. This place was packed but got a table. Great atmosphere to just sit down and chat. They have sandwiches, salads and pastries. As well as plenty of espresso drinks. We ordered some sandwiches, carrot cake and a Satin Mocha. Our food came quick and it was good. I don't know what to say about a sandwich. Lol. It wasnt bad. The carrot cake was yummy!!! Pretty big slice. My drink was a little weak. Meh. Really nice chill out place. I'll definitely be back. read more

The good: super friendly staff and inexpensive- coffee and bagel with butter $3.45. Cozy place though it's small and can get crowded. Not too loud. A few people hanging out on laptops, but most come, eat and go. Bagel was tasty. Also, they offer a variety of sandwiches and other treats. The bad: house coffee is just ok. I'm sure latte or cappuccino would be better. FYI: No wifi on weekends, only weekdays. That's it. Overall a good little neighborhood coffee shop. Very busy means people like it and keep coming back. Ten tables and five seats at the counter. Check it out. read more

Bike parking right out front, perfect! The place was packed when my fiancée and I walked in, I don't think there was a table open even if we wanted to stay. Even through the place was busy it still had a rather low key vibe. The people working were very friendly and greeted us with a smile. I ordered an iced coffee and my lovely lady who had enough coffee already that day went with an iced chai. They didn't have a sign up or anything but I think they use Intelligentsia Coffee. A good coffee joint in Pilsen and it's perfect if you live in the area but not something to go out of the way for. read more

Their Mexican Hot Chocolate is amazing. It's served in a huge glass, and is right around $3. I also recommend their Almond Mocha Latte. This place is tiny, but cosy. They have board games to play, and a pretty extensive menu. Definitely a nice place to spend a few hours at! read more

Been coming here since I was in high school. Got hooked on coffee thanks to the amazing "white satin mocha" with caramel and soy milk (drool!) Had caffeine withdrawal headaches after attempting to ween myself off this incredibly drink. So I moved on to various other drinks, but always come back to the Jumping Bean for the WSM. The "chocolate mexicano" with soy makes you warm all over. I also like their black bean burger. Very delicious. I'm not a fan of the pasta, it lacks flavor. So, I always go for the bbq chips (Jay's brand :) They also sell Alternative Baking Co. vegan cookies!!! I was surprised that the owner actually took my suggestion and order the "Mac the Chip" flavor, much appreciated. The clientele and atmosphere has changed drastically (THANK YOU gentrification). I miss going in and seeing a lot of brown faces laughing, talking, having a great time. Now it's mostly hipsters behind laptop screens about to eat you with their eyes if you dare to speak louder than a whisper. Hey! It's a cafe not a library. The public library is down the street! Geez! The one thing that has remained relatively the same are the people behind the counter. I have my favorites and it's always nice to speak Spanish with a few of them. Pilsen isn't Pilsen without the Jumping Bean. read more

I've only been here once, this morning. I like that the muffin had the paper thingy off of it already. My Americano was good and the little girl behind the counter was very patient with my pre-coffee spaciness. Cute atmosphere. read more

Turned into a hipsters paradise. I have been a Pilsen native and I loved Jumping Bean. I go inside now and it is not the same cozy feeling, I genuinely feel uncomfortable going in. It does not have the same family feeling it used to back in the day. Everyone is on their laptops or talking about their selfish POVs on things that do not matter. It used to be people went to read books from the library or Giron and would discuss communal issues and art. Blah. Sorry Jumping Bean, one star shop now. Food and coffee are at a 3/5 but the atmosphere brings it down to a 1/5. read more

This very cute, coffe shop is about 1 block from the busy intersection of 18th and Blue Island. Although small, it is a great place to enjoy some delicious coffee and snack or sandwich. With the neighborhood becoming so diverse all of a sudden, a view from the tables at Juping Bean can be very stimulating. Fun place to sit and people watch. Jumping Bean is very supportive of the local arts. They have been lending their walls to the display of some very creative pieces of art and have had mini art shows featuring the local artists responsible. The best place to sit is at the table next to the big window. It is family owned and operated. I wish the place was bigger though. It has become such a comforting place for many, that sometimes, there's nowhere to sit. read more

My husband and i ate here for breakfast, and i really liked the atmosphere/decor, very cool. I had the cafe mocha and my husband a regular coffee, both were very good, nothing over the top but good. Also, my husband had the cuban sandwich which was delicious. The only negative was their almond croissant, it wasn't fresh and it makes a huge difference in the quality. But will most likely stop in again. read more

Came across this place shortly after moving to Pilsen and now this is the only place I go for coffee. The coffee is excellent and so is the food. All of the people working there are very kind and helpful. It can get crowded at times and there isn't a lot of seating and access to electrical outlets but if you are looking for quality coffee and food then this is your spot. read more

I love the place. Great atmosphere, good, basic food, excellent cheesecake, good service, interesting art. Wish I got here more often. Could use more vegetarian options, but that's a small ding. I'm not really vegetarian myself. It seems to attract a little more of a white crowd just lately... fewer educated latinos talking about la revolucion or whatever, more whitebread laptop jockeys like myself. But so goes the neighborhood. read more

The Jumping Bean is the best cafe in the city, hands down. But that's not what I'm here to talk about. I'm here to talk about their iced coffee. Its summer-ish-esque-kinda again....and that means.... Oh Jumping Bean Iced Coffee, how I love thee, let me count the ways.... It could be the fact it comes in a giant ice-laden cup, It could be the fact it tastes like a coffee milkshake of goodness, It could be the fact that I've ordered it so many times it is anticipated by the staff. But mainly its all the above and more bundled up in a giant glass of caffeine laden goodness that will jump start your day, make an afternoon perfect, or just get one in the correct frame of mind to go bartend to the drunken hordes of a saturday night. Go. Try one (get the really big one in the to-go cup). Hear me now, and thank me later. read more

Cafe Jumping Bean is a great neighborhood spot in the middle of a row of shops on 18th St. I frequently stop in on the way to or from the nearby Lozano Branch of the public library, or while out browsing the many vintage shops dotting the street. It's pretty small inside, but the staff is quick and friendly, and prices are very affordable. They serve standard cafe fare - soup, sandwiches, and snacks. They are also now making a delicious fresh lemonade, my current summer obsession, which rivals my favorite-ever lemonade from the pop-up carts at Bonnaroo. Jumping Bean is the perfect spot to relax for a bit with a book & a coffee & people watch, if you're by a window, which almost everything except the counter is, due to its size. Forgot reading material? No worries! As an added bonus, there is now a free community book exchange station right on the corner outside of Jumping Bean, so feel free to bring one or two books you're ready to let go of and search the dispenser for your next read! With a relaxed vibe and local feel, I definitely recommend Cafe Jumping Bean for a low-key chill spot on your next trip to the area read more

Cafe jumping bean is my go to spot for caffeination in pilsen. I like my coffee black so quality tasting coffee is a must! I've had a few of the baked goods and the cubano sandwhich. The cuban has the usual ingredients and comes with either pasta salad or potato chips at an affordable price of $5.50. I'd get it again! In the winter months, the mexican hot chocolate is a must try if you are looking for something cozy. The service is always fast even though they are usually quite busy. As far as studying or being productive at jumping bean, there is free WIFI but it is usually pretty crowded so I imagine it would not be a great spot for this. I'd say this is the one thing jumping bean is lacking as a coffee shop. Overall, this is a great spot to get a quality and quick lunch&coffee. read more

I spent four hours occupying choice real estate at CJB one Saturday and had a chance to take in the hipster population of Pilsen one tattoo at a time. It wasn't nearly as horrific as I would have guessed. Yes, there was a salt-and-pepper smattering of skinny guys in skinny jeans with razor-cut hair, but there were also college kids with scrabble boards, older neighborhood folk noshing on soups and bagels, and self-conscious and underemployed young women exchanging tales of their latest tryst. But it didn't have the feel that Lula Cafe in Logan Square can have on a mid-morning weekend day in the summer, all attitude, slickness, and too-kool-for-skool, with a hefty aroma of "fuck you". It was pleasant and welcoming. Service was very friendly and helpful and not at all pushy. They didn't care that over the four hours we were there we ordered only a couple drinks and a bagel plate (but tipped well! I swear). My coffee was good, not great, but I didn't have high expectations and was not disappointed. They did, however, properly prepare my cappuccino, which was a pleasant surprise. Oh yeah. And there's Wi-Fi. read more

I miss Cafe Jumping Bean! When I lived in Pilsen (3 months ago) this was usually where I got my semi-lazy day meals. They have a great turkey focaccia sandwich, and I love the noodle salad that comes with their sandwiches. They also have good shakes and great coffee. It's pretty reasonably priced, and there's also free wifi. I love the atmosphere of this coffee shop and the servers/baristas offer some quality service. As others have mentioned, it's pretty small. However, I wonder if they could still offer such great service if the location were bigger. The whole time I lived in Pilsen, there were two guys I mainly noticed working the floor and the coffee bar every day. They were super friendly, and seemed like they'd been there forever, but who knows. I personally like the size, and have for some reason never had a problem finding somewhere to sit. Maybe luck? Cafe Jumping Bean, I miss you and I'll be back soon! read more

Cozy place for a drink or two. Tables are funny since they resemble the country side of Mexico (funny how what's consider "Naco" in México is trendy/cool here in Chicago). Chocolate is sweet. Cool art gallery. Just please fix the main door since it doesn't close and the cold air draft gets in or install a second door ;D read more

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Stopped in here for breakfast, ordered a large latte and a chocolate pastry, paid ~$9. Staff was friendly, coffee was good, pastry was delicious. Prices for food were very reasonable, wish I had time to try more. The place was very busy, clearly a local favorite. read more

This place has great food, good atmosphere, and great coffee. So what's missing? Well like all Chicago coffee houses, its not open late enough! There needs to be a solid coffee house in a neighborhood like Pilsen with a lot of bohemian types where you can drink caffeine all night long, and the place is a bit too cramped. Don't get me wrong, this is a nice place, but why aren't there any sofa's, or places to really relax, everything is way to cramped. Also for some reason they have hot sauce but no Mexican food, which wasn't bad per say, but kind of setup false expectations for me. All in all a solid coffee house, but still not the ultimate one. My search continues to find a New York City quality Coffee house in Chicago... read more

I'm from Cali but even out here in Chicago I wanna support small business. The cheese danish and cafe latte were in my opinion better than what you'd get at Starbucks. The to-go coffee cups come with mentos to get rid of the coffee breath. Overall enjoyable experience staff was extremely friendly. read more

Cafe Jumping Bean - Cheese danish - Cafes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Another place my book club has met, we were lucky to be able to push a few tables together. The place is not entirely comfortable or cozy - its small and always seems to be the wrong temperature. They make a mean Mexican hot chocolate, reasonably priced. Its a nice place to stop in for a little while, but I wouldn't stay long. read more

I'm hooked on Focaccia bread thanks to the Jumping Bean. Cozy little cafe with a half a dozen tables and some bar-style seating. Have been three times and always had a place to sit. Surprising because this place is so delicious. One of the best tomato bisque soups I have ever had. Just wish the served it everyday. The waitstaff is friendly and your food arrives quickly. They were out of bagels the first time I dined but the discovery of their delicious focaccia sandwiches and pizzas quickly soothed my disappointment. I am always suprised how small my bill is. Truly wholesome food at what seems to be family-pricing. Definitely worth the trip up from Bridgeport. read more

This is the greatest cafe in Chicago! The most delicious sandwiches on focaccia, and easy pre-made food to grab on the go. Great coffee too. Support local businesses! read more

I love Jumping Bean, I've been coming here for years. I'm so happy they opened L Cafecito which is closer to my house. Great quality coffee, and great customer service by staff. I also enjoy having meetings with people here, just a great atmosphere that is very welcoming. Support local businesses! read more

Coffee lovers paradise. The place was just closed by about 15 minutes and they opened the door to tell me so... I told them that I drove a ways to get there and they comped me a free coffee. Best coffee I had in a long time. Will definitely frequent this establishment. read more

Solid neighborhood coffee joint in Pilsen. Good food, good drinks, reasonable prices, accepts credit cards, nice atmosphere. They could, however, use a little more space. I love a coffee shop with an intimate vibe, but the layout here is not the most inviting. Somehow I found an open seat, crammed in between two people working on their laptops at the counter. While I had hoped to stay and get some reading done, I couldn't get comfortable in such close quarters, so I didn't stay as long as I would have liked. So if you're thinking of stopping by during a busy time, you might consider taking your drinks to go. read more

Great local coffee shop, love their chicken pesto sandwich. Beautiful artworks, love the atmosphere.

LOVE this place. there's just something about how it makes me feel... it's perfect if you need a cup of coffee and a bagel on the go, if you're meeting friends for a full blown out lunch, or if you have a huge stack of work that needs to be done. usually i just sit myself here for hours, and nobody seems to mind. :- ( : takes cash only. :- ) : free wi-fi, pretty windows, friendly and trusting service, lots of light and colors and local artwork, the screen door open there during the summer, and the fact that the owner will gladly allow you to go to the atm machine around the corner to GET cash (see? told you they were trusting). read more

Where have all the close knit communities gone? Oh yea, they all migrated to Jumping Bean! The waiters and baristas are super friendly and it's one of those few cafes where you can actually just go to and chill for a while. They also have a choice of unlimited coffee, which is a must. read more

This is what a cafe is all about. (I work for a coffee chain so I know) The service was great, interesting decor, and delicious food. I had lunch along with a cup of coffee and paid about $6, some of which was a tip for the tip jar. Their coffee is NOT watered down which is usually the case at other restaurants including chains. It was served in a huge mug, with a mini pitcher of cream on the side. The prices were definately reasonable and they have many different things to choose from. I was impressed. Wifi is available but only at certain times so call ahead, especially if you're going in to study. I did, and even with all the foot traffic I could still concentrate. The place is small, and cozy so I guess its not huge group friendly but definately a good for a date or with a friend. I can't wait to go back. read more

1. Good coffee under $2 16oz, 2. Sandwiches for $4.45 3. Coffe +almond croissant $3.85, 4. Nice smiling girl serving you, 5. Good location, 6. Pleasant ambiance. Worth to try. I like it. :) read more

Cute cute cute place. Local artist's photography on the walls, huge menu, quality coffee, and soo sooo sooo affordable. They let you sit and enjoy your coffee and meal, and then you pay after. such a nice treat. Creative color, design, and use of space in every corner. Had the frozen mocha which was so dessert like, and perfect on a hot summer night. Highly recommend this cute place. Note: no wifi use on the weekends, so dont bring your laptop and expect to work. read more

When I interned in Pilsen, I stopped in here all the time for lunch. While most people come here for the coffee (makes sense, it is a coffee house), I was more of a fan of their focaccia sandwiches (especially pepperoni). The coffee is good, but the food there is even better. Their side dish of pasta was a nice complement for the sandwiches, too. My only complaint here is that it can get very packed during peak hours. I never had a problem finding a seat, but that was because I would take a late lunch every day. Even when it was busy, the service remained great. The staff is friendly and will get to know you if you are a regular customer. Highly recommended for lunch or an early-morning coffee. read more

I'm moving away from Pilsen after living here for two months. This is the place I will miss the most and may go out of my way to come back here. The food is incredibly cheap and very good. It had the best black bean burger I've ever had. Also, I highly recommend the Almond Mocha Latte. It blew me away the first time I tried it. read more

Used to love this place, most because of the staff! But since COVID, it seems like they aren't welcoming guest anymore. It's "take your food and drink, and get out." after it takes forever for your stuff to be made.... My roommate feels the same way. Taking my daily business elsewhere. read more

Pilsen's morning coffee crowd was subdued last Sunday, around 9:00am. The low key tone and the view out on the heart of the 18th Street corridor, watching the neighborhood wake up, made for comfortable caffeination and reading time. The crowd was a mix of families released from church, students cramming, and dates breaking the ice. They don't have wifi on the weekends, but they do have a bunch of board games. The staff was quick to serve the steady stream of customers, but they could have been a little friendlier (either tired or hungover, perhaps). On the bright side, the coconut donut was delicious and a great deal at $1. read more

Pilsen classic. 22 years strong, super tiny, hit or miss with service but averagely solid. (Not to be confused with "solidly average.") The coffee is reliable; chai is perfectly sweet and spicy; food is unpretentious and nutritious. The servers are never in a hurry and the tables will all be taken, but if you give it a chance, it's worth the stop here. read more

Cafe Jumping Bean - Cute & colorful cafe - Cafes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois