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    Ex Libris

    4.4 (12 reviews)
    InexpensiveCoffee & Tea
    Closed 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

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    4 years ago

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    10 years ago

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    9 years ago

    Great coffee shop. Friendly employees, nice place to sit. Not much more one can expect from a student-run establishment.

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    12 years ago

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    Ask the Community - Ex Libris

    Is this library open to the non u of Chicago students and is there free wifi?

    It's in the library and you need to be associated with the university, a guest of someone associated with the university, or a visiting student to get in there.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Ex Libris

    A hotbed of suffering and the hub of UChicago social life - open till late to comfort those who are in for an all-nighter.

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

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    Cafe 53 - Spicy tuna avocado on wheat

    Cafe 53

    (375 reviews)

    $$

    Hyde Park

    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!!

    Stopped on a whim looking for a good local sandwich shop. The highlight was that bread was very…read moretasty and fresh. The Caesar salad was also flavorful. It had homemade croutons and sides of bread. Got a slice of the carrot cake and it was very moist. Not too sweet with cream cheese frosting. Raisins included, if that matters to you. We got the garlic chicken on French baguette. It was a creamy base and not something I would buy again. Glad we added cheese because there wasn't much to it. the other sandwich we bought was avocado turkey on Dutch crunch. It unfortunately had enough mayo to drown the restaurant. The amount of meat left much to be desired. We asked for chips which they had but only for online orders that came in. ??? Doesn't make sense to me. For 2 Sammie's, a salad and cake it was $45, just for a gauge of prices. The cashier was on the phone the entire time and couldn't hear what we said because of that. Kinda acted inconvenienced we were talking while he was on the phone. The restaurant is pretty chill and seemed like a workspace for people with art on the walls for sale. The art also had a thick layer of dust, and overall the dining room could use a good deep clean. The bathroom cleanliness was decent. This probably won't be another place I would seek out in the future.

    Philz Coffee

    Philz Coffee

    (93 reviews)

    $

    Hyde Park

    Really quick counter service despite being a little crowded. The server was extremely pleasant. I…read moreordered the caramel coconut coffee. I added creamer and it was perfect. I wish I had time to go once more before heading back home tomorrow. It's located in what I found to be a beautiful neighborhood - Hyde Park. Very walkable. A lot of other shops within walking distance. It also looks as if it serves as a working space, as I saw many patrons with their laptops. They also offer small bites, but I just stuck to my coffee.

    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!

    Plein Air Cafe & Eatery - Chicken Poblano Sandwich

    Plein Air Cafe & Eatery

    (295 reviews)

    $$

    Hyde Park

    Great patio vibes for an autumn afternoon. The line is long but moves fast. I had a matcha latte…read moreand a hazelnut beignet. The matcha latte was good! I was underwhelmed by the beignet; it was closer to a paczki and would have been better warmed. They also do not have wifi, so keep that in mind. That said, lots of seating and a unique indoor outdoor situation with nice greenery and the sun streaming in.

    Usually super crowded, which is why I have begun to avoid it. It's nice to sit outside during the…read morewarmer months, but of course that's a very small sliver of the year. There are ample vegan and vegetarian options, and I highly recommend the vegan tartine (possible to customize as a salad) and vegetarian quesadilla. The croissants and desserts are above average. Coffee/chai/hot chocolate are solid options, and there is a refrigerated section with bottled juices. Service is always exceptional, and the servers are almost always cheerful and polite. The cafe is connected to the seminary bookstore, which is fun for a quick browse. If you are not connected with the University of Chicago, Plein Air is like a window into the university and its architecture, situated right next to Frank Lloyd Wright's well-known Robie House. Most patrons are students, staff and faculty at the university. Overall, I recommend this spot if you are touring the university and need an atmospheric place to hang out. Importantly, however, menu options are limited in the summer months or during university breaks - check before you go!

    Fairgrounds Coffee And Tea - Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Tomato Soup

    Fairgrounds Coffee And Tea

    (12 reviews)

    Hyde Park

    Cozy atmosphere, below average service, and expensive but good quality food and drinks. The cafe is…read moresituated next to a university dorm, and therefore has no shortage of patrons. This however means that the servers and staff put little to no effort in creating a welcoming environment for patrons: they are often curt and unhelpful. They are also unapologetic when they get orders wrong or mixed up, which happens more than one might think. The food itself has not been disappointing, though I would recommend their savoury selections over the sweets. The drinks have generally been good, and I quite liked the Vietnamese iced coffee. The ambiance is super pretty, with cozy couches and comfortable chairs. The location is also fantastic, with a lovely porch that's nice to hang out in during the warmer months. The cafe would make an excellent study spot, but the poor quality of service coupled with the pricey food and drink options make me exceedingly reluctant to return. Visit at your own risk!

    My go to place to hang out between doctors appointments at UC. If I have an early pm appointment I…read moreget work done before getting my kid from school instead of going home. Sometimes i bring the kid if he has an appointment after school. Sorry not sorry for infiltrating a student spot. I may be old but I look young so I think I pass as a student? It's pretty popular so I don't always get to use an outlet when I attempt to use Fairground as a temporary office. Oh well. If I can get the comfy couch I'm happy enough. :) Coffee is good. My son loves the brownies. I love the ambience. Staff are so nice. I'm glad I have a place to go on heavy appointment days!

    Ex Libris - coffee - Updated May 2026

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