I love Cafe Jumping Bean! Great lattes and desserts. Staff is very friendly. This is a really great local business. Very fun and unique cafe! read more

Jumping Bean is a great place to stop by when you're dying for a jolt to your day or if you want to laze around pretending to get work done. I've never gotten anything other than coffee, so I can't attest to the food, but the low prices and colorful atmosphere are a breath of fresh air in a city drowning in Starbucks. I know some people aren't in love with the coffee, but I've never had a problem with it, and today's iced Americano really hit the spot. Definitely not as weak as some others I've tried. My only gripe is that it's cash only but that's kind of par for the course with me. read more

The Girlfriend treats this place like a second home. When she's not answering her phone I can usually find her at a table here, halfway through a cappuccino served in a unique mug with her papers spread everywhere and her laptop open and her phone connected to the usb, charging and playing music that connects to her bluetooth headphones. The seating here is laid out in a very European fashion, meaning the tables sit close together for a more intimate and lively setting, though I can understand if people who are unaccustomed to this arrangement or have never been to a cafe in Paris (like me) find the spaces cramped and uncomfortable. Their milk based coffees are always the perfect ratio of foam and cream, creating a full bodied experience without much bite from the lightly roasted coffee beans. That being said, I usually get their Mexican hot chocolate. You can tell it's house made here, given that the cinnamon and vanilla accents compliment the melted semi-sweet chocolate that serves as the foundation of this sugary dream. It's so good that once it's ready and I sit with The Girlfriend neither of us talk, her nose deep into her work and me blowing on the hot chocolate, my breath creating temporary craters on the drink's surface, it's that thick. She's comparing U of C and Northwestern before transferring for her doctorate and researching the presidential candidates and deciding which health care plan is right for her. The atmosphere has such a neighborhood quality to it that hours go by before you're ready to go. We compare cell phone providers and the benefits packages in her open enrollment. She's fretting over what option to go with now that they've split the HMO. She asks me what's my level of deductible and I panic for a second because I don't even know. I ask can't she change plans if she doesn't like it, and she nearly spits out her cappuccino ("Not after open enrollment!"). She sounds so shocked by my question that I wonder what am I actually covered by. When did I make these choices? I assume if I did, I researched every option thoroughly to make sure I didn't pick the wrong one. But this still doesn't comfort me (Read: more hot chocolate). The crowd ranges from hipsters to blue collar to families. The interior is decorated in vibrant colors. This must be what it's like to live in a Crayola box, I'm thinking while staring out the window at gridlock and the pacing teens dancing under the bus stop canopy, swinging their braids while music plays off someone's phone as the others record all this and share online. There's gang graffiti on the stop sign that no one seems to notice. I can tell by her eyes this is not The Girlfriend's first cappuccino. I myself am swimming in a chocolate wonderland. Seriously, get the hot chocolate. I'm practically a pool of satisfaction when I realize The Girlfriend's talking and saying how you have to have coffee flowing through your veins, get through days on 4 hours sleep, just to maintain. Just to keep the plates from spinning on the poles. Forget improving. Forget changing. I tell her not to worry so much. ("All high cognitive mammals display the capacity to worry," she says. "Worrying is a sign of intelligence."). It sounds like we're not going anywhere for a while so I order the mollete. It's served on sliced pieces of fresh bread, though bolio would be much preferred, with a thick layer of oaxacan cheese that they toast to a perfect gold tinge, leaving the outer rim of the melted cheese white and creamy. The black bean spread is seasoned with a house blend that gives the sandwich a meaty flavor even without the ham. I don't think I can finish it and before I know it it's gone. I look at my phone and three hours have passed by. How? The girlfriend is nowhere near ready to go, already ordering another cappuccino. Three hot chocolates? Don't judge. read more

This place is awesome. It is very small as other reviewers have pointed out. I think in theory it was meant to be a neighborhood joint where people would come, have some coffee, and move on. It does not have a giant back room or a basement to put the sit-all-day coffee crew. Ok, on to the cafe. This place is of the neighborhood of PIlsen. So you can expect a Mexican/ Chicano vibe, yet you can also expect to get all the typical coffee shop food and beverages here prepared quickly. I had a double espresso and found it to be quite good. We had a large party with kids and the servers were very friendly and accommodating. Great espressos, cream sodas (yeah, there is cream in there), and hot cocoa to die for! I am glad my sister got me a T-shirt. Very cool Mexican style print like a Posada. Friendly note: Why are hipsters always whining like babies? Who knows? But, as others have pointed out, if you are looking for a place to chill for 8 hours riding a bottomless cup of coffee this is not the place, and they have curtailed the wifi so that the place can actually stay in business. Of course, the UIC library and the Lozano branch of the Chicago public library have wifi. If the public library was good enough for Marx then it is good enough for hipsters! Hey, if you are actually writing a novel and not just saying that you are, you will be more productive at the library don't you think? If they had the second floor perhaps they could let those tables go to the wifi cruisers for hours, but they don't. Seems like a rational business decision to me. A cafe like this has to make money to survive. Help out by not hogging a table all day in a tiny cafe. Be cool, always be cool like Fonzie. read more

I was in Chicago for a convention and my Airbnb was in Pilsen. While exploring, stumbled on this place and it is absolutely wonderful. Vanilla latte and a chocolate croissant were my breakfast of choice, but honestly, everything on the menu looked and sounded wonderful. Will DEFINITELY visit again when I am in Chicago or Pilsen. read more

Cafe Jumping Bean - Cafes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I haven't been to CJB since high school which was errr a while ago. The iced velvet was every bit as delicious as I remembered. Delicious chocolately nutty drink with whipped cream. This couple next to me ordered a pizza and it smelled delicious. Really really hipster-y. I remembered when it was just punk high school kids with blue hair and piercings who lived in Pilsen who went there. Another sign that Pilsen is being infiltrated by los gringos. read more

I'm in love with this place! It's cute, cozy, and the food and drinks are both delicious and affordable. Whether I'm stopping in for coffee on my way to work or planning to hang out and read for awhile, the service has always been great. As the neighborhood changes, I'm hoping that Cafe Jumping Bean doesn't lose it's charm. read more

I came here the other day with my friend. She had recommended we go. I cant say i fell in love with this place but its pretty nice. They have nice art on the wall. I'm vegan so the sandwiches were OK. Orange juice was deli sh! good atmosphere to chill do homework or something. read more

Yippie! Just celebrated my birthday here and I couldn't be more happy :) My belly, mood, and comfort level all blissfully satisfied. Best vibes to welcome my 26th year! read more

If anyone comes to visit me, there's a good chance they'll be going to Jumping Bean Cafe. I'm always looking for excuses to enjoy a warm, melty, gooey turkey focaccia sandwich with red onions and green peppers. It's amazing how fresh and delicious everything is here. The iced coffee is great with brown sugar from the individual dispensers at each table. Don't even think about ordering a tall, mocha-locha, choco, no foam, lowfat, something or other here--the coffee is basic and delicious. When I'm here, I feel better about humanity. Maybe it's the blend of cultures or knowing that I'm supporting a local businessperson instead of a corporation. Maybe it's the creative art that changes every 6 weeks or the unhurried feel of students and artists. Whatever the reason, I'll keep coming here for my lazy Sunday mornings. You're always welcome to join me! read more

I cannot believe I haven't written a review for Cafe Jumping Bean. I adore this place. We recently moved back to Pilsen after years of being in Bucktown. For me Ipsento was my go to place. They have a great vibe, baristas and coffee. However, Jumping Bean offers me a very similar experience. Sure they don't have a Dirty Chai here, but they do have an Iced Thai Coffee which is amazing. This place has been here for years even before coffee shops were "trendy". They have Mexican hot chocolate too. When I am too lazy to make my own Mexican Chocolate, I hop over to Jumping Bean and then stop at Happy Cafe to pick up some Mexican Bread. Love it here!!! read more

i find that there is a direct correlation between the amount of time it takes for me to finally write a review about a place, and the amount i love the place. this marks the largest time gap between the two: 5 years. it's like in high school when you're signing someone's yearbook; you take 5 seconds to sign Weirdo McDweeb's yearbook (have a great summer! see you next year!) but you have to hold onto Studly McHandsome's for a couple days, or even a week, making sure to dot all your i's with a heart. jumping bean, if this review supported it, i would totally put a heart above your i. love, english breakfast tea with morning bagel - no cream cheese, extra lousianna hot sauce - and if i'm really hungry, black bean burger - no mayo, no cheese - with chips on the side. XOXO read more

I really enjoy this place--good Chai, coffee and nice to kids...excellent food. When I am in PIlsen, I have to go here since this is one of the better hang out places in any community. Staff are very helpful. Keep jumpin Bean! read more

I live in Pilsen and this is my favorite place to go for a cup of coffee/bagel in the morning. I usually bring my computer along, but, be warned, the internet goes down at 11:30am on the weekdays and there is absolutely no connection on the weekends. The cafe is small and personable and the employees are friendly, but the limited space can make finding a spot to sit difficult (especially at lunch time). Some of my favorites are: iced coffee, hummus sandwich, and sesame bagel. The menu is a good size and any of the coffee drinks can be made with soy milk. As for the food, it's mostly appropriate for lunch, and there are plenty of vegan/vegetarian options. Good for a solo and duo dining experiences. read more

Its a nice place to get a cup of coffee, but it gets a tad too crowded and you cant really find a place to sit.

Growing up near Pilsen in nearby Bridgeport, I am starved for the kind of cafe that isn't Dunkin Donuts. I started going here when they first opened in the 90's and you can still find the owners behind the bar. This cafe is a unifying factor in the neighborhood. The espresso is not quality but I can forgive this because I like the environment. This place is not a restaurant and therefore they offer the usual soup, sandwich,bagel type of fare. If you are ever in Pilsen, I highly recommend you stop by and allow yourself to immerse in this unique southside cafe. read more

Great food. Amazing prices. Good coffee. Perfect place to get the weekend going. So happy it's a part of the neighborhood.

What a wonderful lil cafe in Pilsen. I stumbled upon this place by chance. And boy howdy, how lucky I was to find this great lil cafe. The frozen mocha is just... so so to be honest... too watery and not enough "slushiness" to call it frozen (it was more just a really cold watery coffee). HOWEVER, the Mocha Almond Delight was fantastic! Very tasty, great flavor, and a moderate price. The people at the cafe are very chill, the servers are friendly, and the location is unique. Oh and they have affordable sandwiches too which looked drop-dead gorgeous! If I lived in Pilsen, I'd surely be a regular at Cafe Jumping Bean. read more

Just to let you know. This place does not have WIFI on the weekends. Unfortunately, I don't know the reason but they don't.

This place is awesome. I went there for the first time by myself just because I was visiting the neighborhood one day, and the staff was really friendly. The owner personally came over to my table and welcomed me, and knew a lot of his customers by name. It's small, so definitely not good for groups of more than 3 or 4, but the food is great and the staff is very welcoming. Reasonably priced, too! read more

This cafe has such good food and coffee, and the staff is great and super friendly. One of my favorite spots in the neighborhood!

Aright, I have only been to Cafe Jumping Bean twice, but I already love it. The interior is adorable and its a five minute walk from my apartment... what's not to love? The first time I was there I had some kind of iced vanilla drink with whipped cream and it was good, a little strong at first, but very good. When I returned I had the Mexican hot chocolate and it was delicious! I agree that the place isn't very big, but so far I haven't had a hard time getting a seat. This may not be the best place to sit and study, but it's perfect for sitting and chatting with a friend. read more

Best Cafe in Pilsen I will say! My favorite is the Hot Foccacia Sandwich with a daily soup and coffee of course! It can be the perfect breakfast lunch and brunch! Small place always busy, but they always manage to take care of you quickly. I really enjoy coming here often, they never disappoint. And did I mention it's located in the heart of Pilsen?! read more

The people who work here are very friendly and succeed in doing whatever it is that needs to be done for their customers. The sandwiches are excellent, especially the beef brisket. The only drawback is that some of the people in the place are snooty hipsters, and a particular guy who's always there who thinks he's the Mayor of Pilsen. read more

For the love, get the molletes (pronouncec mo-yet-tays). French bread, black bean puree, melted cheese, and pico de gallo...everything is really satisfying, and Friday is chilli day!!! read more

This has always been my favorite coffee shop since I was a kid. I'm always satisfied with their drinks and dishes. Friendly, family atmosphere. Never disappointed. Glad it's still in the neighborhood and still booming. I'll always be coming here for my coffee and pastry cravings. read more

The choco espresso was excellent. The black bean burger was the best black bean patty I tried in Chicago. The service was prompt and and extremely warm (please tip them well) and it was a cute space and very affordable. One of the best cafes I've tried in the city. Give them a shot ! read more

I come here for coffee in the morning and I customized this Almond Joy Mocha that is absolutely to die for. There muffins are amazing and fresh... The blueberry and the red velvet are my fave. But what gives it 5 stars is the service. Over the top and the feel of home, I'm a regular and they always remember my order as well as a greeting everytime. So kudos to a great Pilsen version of Starbucks... I love it! read more

Super dope spot, best place to get your fix they got that liquid crack. I get my jitters on everyday in this spot!!! Don't snooze!!!

The best coffee shop in the city and my favorite place in the world. I used to ditch my morning classes in the morning to eat breakfast here (my high school is around the corner). I have so many beautiful memories here. The staff, coffee, and food are all spectacular. A must see for any Chicago native or tourist. read more

Amazing atmosphere. Staff is always friendly and welcoming, and this place just has a total five-star vibe. There are several places to get coffee in the area, and this place is the best. Never had a disappointing food experience here, either, always exceptional (again, 5-star worthy.) The lox bagel sandwich is fantastic in the morning and they always have some wonderful-looking cake on display. I'm happy to report that the cake tastes as good as it looks! Drink wise, try a Golden Bean (a butterscotch + espresso drink). Equally amazing. The only negative I can think of is that it can be a little crowded in here and tough to navigate around/to the counter. read more

I am a big fan of independent coffee shops and thought I'd give this one a try. I liked the simple, but adequate and inexpensive menu of sandwiches, veggie or blackbean burgers, salads, and pizzas they offer. The service was friendly and quick, as they had many people working. I don't really see how this is "Latin American" like it's listed as. They were out of the seafood salad, so I had a chicken salad sandwich, which was good. The entire place is pretty small and, I could overhear the gentlemen next to me, who both really enjoyed their food; one had a black bean burger and the other had a panini. That being said, it may not be the best place if you need a quiet place to do work. However, I didn't stay as long as I planned because they "don't have wifi on the weekends." I'd definitely recommend this place to anyone wanting a bite to eat in a relaxed environment. read more

This place had a cool hipsterish vibe. The Mexican hot chocolate was delicious and I had a bagel to go along with it. I wish I had an extra day in Chicago to go back and try their other stuff. In due time. read more

Just had the worst experience at the Jumping Bean. I am NEVER giving them my business again. The girl taking our order at the register just walked away from us, mid sentence without saying a word to us. She then proceeded to pick up her cell phone and not return. My husband had only ordered my daughter's and my drink and we wanted some pastries too. She never came back to apologize or even finish the order. We were ignored like we were being a nuisance, but in reality we were so happy to be there, not after today. I have been going to this place going on 20 years. I am appalled by their service. read more

I was actually referred to the jumping bean by my aunt, so i decided to go the same day she told me. I Ordered a breakfast sandwich and a coffee which were nice, hot, fresh, and tasty. Great food. Good price. Fast service. Comfortable vibe. I love it. Go visit and try something. I guarantee it will be great. read more

So you're looking to hide out and escape the polar vortex that has taken over Chicago? This is the place to be in Pilsen. Warm. Welcoming. So many drink options. Delicious food. I had the turkey focaccia and it's what dreams are made of (I say this a lot, but I mean it when I say it). Very friendly staff and has a great vibe. read more

Love this place the staff are cool friendly and helpful and the food is great at at a really great price some of my favorites are the black bean burger and pasta!! read more

I just moved to the neighborhood a few weeks ago and went here per the recommendation of a friend. She had raved that the place was a great neighborhood hangout and had great vibes. I don't disagree with this, but the poor quality of their drinks and horrendously slow & unfriendly service has deterred me from coming back. I ordered a café con leche & a lox bagel. On top of my drink being one of the poorest quality drinks I've ever had, my lox bagel took over 15 minutes. After asking for a regular coffee instead (which I did not get...they poured out some milk and added more coffee into my drink-this is NOT a café con leche!), reminding them of my food, and still witnessing people who arrived after me receive their drinks and leave, I eventually left without my sandwich and cut my losses. read more

the best place for a cup of coffee in pilsen! its a nice spot to pop in, use the internet and get something to eat. may not be so good for bigger groups because seating is limited and it is a small space. good veggie options..... my favs: morning bagel or the veggie melt and for desert: any of their cookies. they also have amazing smoothies and fresh juice. read more

Upon my arrival to my new neighborhood (pilsen) I was quickly informed of the jumping bean. Today is my first time visiting and I think I am in love.From the very friendly and attentive service to the moderately priced "bottomless cup" of coffee, the jumping bean is the perfect place to escape the craziness of the city and just relax. There is free wifi and the art and colors that surround you are a beauty of their own. read more