Stopped after the library closed for a coffee and a bite. Got the cortado and a turkey sandwich…read more The cortado was really smooth and had non-dairy options. The salad and dressing were great and the turkey sandwich was hearty but honestly a little plain. Overall good stop with a cute vibe and great space.

Now, why didn't anyone tell me about Plein Air? I was in the Hyde Park area with a friend for a…read morewalk when we were browsing the neighborhood for a place to have breakfast and we found Plein Air nestled on the University of Chicago campus. To my surprise this is now my new favorite breakfast spot! Plein Air does not take reservations it's a first come first served restaurant where you order your food at the counter and seat yourself. They value community and have plenty of seating inside for folks as well as a larger patio area if you prefer to eat our doors. Their space was open, airy and welcoming. The line can get pretty long but just a little patience because it's worth it and they try their hardest to get you serviced. The food was awesome! So awesome I offered several things from the menu because I couldn't pick just one thing! I ordered their egg breakfast which was served with eggs your way, protein choice, breakfast potatoes and toast, their yogurt and granola bowl, coffee and I absolutely could not forgive myself if I left without getting their raspberry beignet. Everything was delicious, fresh, light, and quality. I can see why it gets so busy! I cannot wait to get back because thay yogurt bowl has been calling my name since I last had it

Harper library is right next door, so Harper Cafe is automatically awesome by its proximity alone…read more I must echo the previous comment in that this cafe gives off the epitome of a hipster vibe; being a hipster seems like a requirement to work here. I won't hold it against them though (it is a college library cafe after all, and it really just creates a sense of whimsicalness). The tea is pretty great, made from tea leaves, not tea bags. There are big comfy chairs (though they're always occupied in the daytime). They have a good option of prepared foods in their fridge (from Rajun Cajun, Siam Thai, The Nile, etc.) and a wide selection of baked goods. All reasonably priced. Basically a very well-stocked library cafe, making it really easy to literally hibernate 24/7 at Harper library when you're studying. Harper Cafe makes leaving the building unnecessary .

Harper Café is arguably the best coffee shop in Hyde Park. They play some of the best music I've…read moreever heard and conversing with their baristas makes me feel very sophisticated. I'm a big fan of their London Fog--who knew that I'd find a little slice of London, UK in Chicago, US :-) !! If you're feeling hungry, check out their vegan food options. So delightful!!

Robust Coffee is a great spot if you're looking for a casual place to grab a solid cup of coffee…read more The space itself is pretty large with plenty of seating, and everything felt clean and well kept. The staff was friendly and welcoming, which always makes a difference. The coffee was really good just how I like it nice and strong, exactly what you want when you're trying to wake up. I also had a bagel which was good, though at the end of the day it's still just a bagel. The only real downside is parking. There isn't a lot of convenient parking nearby, which can make stopping in a little tricky depending on the time of day. It's also not the quietest environment, so it might not be the best place if you're looking to get a lot of work done. Overall though, it's a great neighborhood coffee spot with good drinks, friendly staff, and a comfortable atmosphere. I'd definitely come back.

This place sucks! And it's sad bc it's the only coffee place in the area so we don't have many…read moreoptions The service is rude and racist and they service mostly black and brown ppl. It's slow they never get orders right and even when you order ahead it takes FOR EVER! There is alway only one person making coffee at the busiest time, mornings. When you ask questions or for iodates it's always met with an attitude. Ppl dont say anything bc it's the only place in miles to get coffee. It's a coffee shop. You need more ppl making coffee please. And fix the attitude. Also they knew a new exhaust system. Anytime you go in there you smell like food. It's disgusting

Oh yea, I can totally see why this spot is popular amongst Hyde Park folks! Friendly and helpful…read moreowners when I asked for recs. There's even a community board towards the bathroom, which gives this spot a community-based vibe. It's a quick, casual spot with several tables open for grabs when people leave. I got a traditional everything bagel w cream cheese to start the day, which had the RIGHT amt of cream cheese. Sometimes places give wayy too much, ruining the exp. I also ordered their popular Sumac Chicken sandwich on their Dutch Crunch bread, which was really good!! The bread had a slight sweetness to it that was satisfying and the flavors altogether were soo yummy. I waited ~12 min for my order, since they were rightfully packed. No outside food/drinks allowed if you're grabbing a table to eat. There's WiFi and a restroom in the back. Lots of neighborhood regulars. Bonus points that their food is halal for those w dietary restrictions. Great neighborhood spot!!

Had my eye on this cafe for a while but never stepped in. Finally did and it was worth it. It's…read morepretty small inside but they make it work with enough seating in the front and back. Downside to sitting in is the music is loud so if you need a quiet space this probably isn't it. The service is good. Very swift and to the point. I ordered an iced coffee that I wouldn't get again but not a harsh judge on that. Don't think drinks are their strong-suit. Naturally, best part is the sandwiches. I had a corned beef breakfast sandwich on croissant and it was fantastic. Will definitely be back!

I went on Saturday, May 16, at 10:45am and the two young ladies serving at the time were really…read moregreat. Both greeted me and were friendly. I chose the honey vanilla latte. I enjoyed it and tasted both flavors so make sure you like honey if this is what you choose. I think I would stick with my regular French vanilla next time. I also tried the cheese danish, warmed up and I enjoyed it. The seating options were varied and there were plenty of them. I liked the bar style seating along the window so you have privacy and a view. They also had tables which were good for couples or groups. I'd definitely return if I were in the area.

This review is just based on the tasty iced French vanilla latte with oat milk I got. I needed an…read moreafternoon pick-me-up Sunday and this was the perfect choice. When I went there was no line. There is a lot of seating and while I didn't go when it was too busy, there were quite a few people there. The barista who helped me was very kind. We found a table to sit at while we waited for my drink. It's very casual and unassuming. There is something almost retro about the space. We ended up doing our Duolingo at the cafe before I took my coffee to go on a walk at Promontory Point. The coffee was super yummy.

CASH only! MENU:…read moreGreat coffee--I believe the least expensive on campus--and some yummy premade meals. Coffee - 8oz = $1 I like the LSD blend. CAFE: The place is pretty small but usually packed with people. It's located in the basement of Swift, so it is also rather dark. Honestly, the vibe makes me feel like I'm in a wood laden tavern in Europe... which I love. However, the darkness is not conducive for my studying; so, I usually grab a coffee and bounce. LOCATION: When you walk into Swift, you walk in a diagonal to the left. You will see an opening to a stairwell. You descend the stairs and then turn to the left and descend a few more. It's straight ahead. There is also an elevator to the basement; when you enter Swift it's on the right. SERVICE: I've found the staff is usually in good spirits and friendly. However, every now and again, you get someone who doesn't seem to be having a good day. It happens to all of us.

Comfy ambiance. Cash only…read more Located in the depths of uchicago's divinity school, this coffee shop offers a warm, cozy, perhaps divine atmosphere to enjoy a caffeinated or non caffeinated drink. The walls are adorned with a variety of non secular material, creating a unique study experience. Small pastries are offered alongside a few canned or bottled drinks. Note: this shop is cash only. I had an iced Sweet Natured Sage which consists of espresso, milk, sweet condensed milk, honey, and sage. The drink was wonderfully smooth and enjoyable.

Super cute cafe in "downtown" Hyde Park with excellent coffee and friendly service…read more I'm not a coffee aficionado, but my dad is, and he was very happy with the quality of the coffee. The cafe doesn't have coffee with "regular" names (eg. Americano). Instead, each item on the menu has a Philz-only name and twist. This makes for a more unique experience that other cafes in Hyde Park. I enjoyed their Iced Coffee Rose, and my father enjoyed both the Silken Splendor and Jacob's Wonderbar. The decor is warm and inviting, and the cashiers and baristas are always friendly and helpful. The cashier in fact walked me through their selection quite extensively and patiently. I haven't tried any of their food so far, but definitely intend to do so. The establishment is open only till 3pm on weekdays, which is unfortunate because otherwise this would have become my default study spot. I still plan to visit, perhaps with a book or two. Overall, I recommend Philz if you are in the neighborhood in the morning or early afternoon.

My first time at a Philz!! They don't have this franchise in nyc and I've been hearing all about it…read morefrom the west coast influencers, so I had to stop by on my CHI visit. TBH, Philz is just like any standard coffee shop, offering different kinds of roasts, teas, and light bites. I asked the cashier for a rec and they pointed to the popular flavors. I'm not a dark roast lover, but also wanted a good cup of coffee, so I got the Philtered Soul, which is their medium roast. I initially ordered it hot, but it was pretty warm (~50+ degrees, warm in chi standards lol) that day, so the barista gladly pivoted and made my drink cold. They asked iced or cold brew and I said dealer's choice - I got the cold brew and it was a GREAT gamble!! Loved that there was a cup of free keychains at the register, so I had to take one back w me as a souvenir. Bright spot with ample seating and locals working on laptops. Shoutout to the Philz staff for an overall delightful visit and enjoyable bev!

Stopped by here because we were waiting for a show to begin. It adjacent to the Medici Deli so I…read morewent through the wrong door initially. This place has a lot of personality: old wood finishes, "graffiti" on every reachable wall and sill. I wanted to follow the other reviews and get the calamari and the chili. The calamari was very good, but has a short shelf life. The chili was nice, but a little toothless. Also had the cubano which was rich in pickles which is always a plus. I guess, since it's claiming a deli in-residence, I'd try the deli sandwich specialities. I don't know when I can get out here next, but it looks like the pizza is supposed to be the next thing we try.

After many irritating visits to Medici with the most basic or lack for customer service care, and…read morethe most ridiculous wait times for basic bevy and dessert orders, this is the cherry on top! $3.25 to "make it a chocolate Sunday" on a $5 bowl of vanilla ice cream, only to get bowl of vanilla ice cream with pecans instead of peanuts and the lightest drizzle of chocolate I've ever seen. Why is this most basic ask so difficult to deliver on?