The Knight and The Bible…read more On a drive up to Chicago to catch a vacation flight, we stopped at The Cup and The Scone to get us caffeinated for the rest of the drive. We got there about 30 minutes before close and the barista was super nice as we ordered our drinks. Emily got a caramel latte and I got the.. you guessed it... an iced americano. We also grabbed a blueberry-lemon, cranberry-orange, and birthday cake scone. While we stood there as the barista was making our drinks, we chatted her up a bit and we were able to get a few free stickers from her. She said they don't use them all too much and was happy to give us two each. Once we got our drinks, we took off to the upper part of the coffeehouse and promised we wouldn't be too long since they were closing soon. Before we headed upstairs, I took some photos with the suit of armor that is by the counter. When we got upstairs, I was surprised to see another suit of armor, so I took a photo with that one, too. The Cup and The Scone specializes in a lot of gluten-free products and a small bit of religion. I don't know if their entire menu is gluten-free but as someone who's mom is gluten sensitive (and I will probably be at some point), the care about GI issues is great. As for the religious stuff, if you don't see the occasion bible strewn about the place, you'd honestly never know. But, their website seems to support helping people and I think that also is super great as this world is getting rough and scary. Any who, Emily and I really enjoyed our drinks. The americano hit all the right notes and Emily was delighted with her latte. We were split on the scones. I really liked the birthday cake while she really liked the cranberry-orange while we both thought the blueberry-lemon was just alright. We held true to our promise and dipped out before 2pm and hit the road. If I find myself in Pontiac for some reason in the future, The Cup and The Scone will definitely be my spot to get some americanos.

I was initially drawn to this spot by the big knight in shining armor that I saw on Yelp (I'm a big…read morechess fan) and then pleasantly surprised at how cool this place is. The decor really makes this spot, with lots of fun themed signs throughout the restaurant. This definitely gives it a different and more fun vibe than the average coffee house and the upstairs loft is cozy to hangout in as well. The coffee flavors and preparation are quite good here -- flavorful, and made with high quality ingredients. I also enjoyed the mini scones, with a nice texture that was soft but a little more firm than a muffin. Overall, definitely worth a visit if you're in Pontiac. Great vibe and delicious food.

My husband and I love to explore little towns in Illinois. El Paso was adorable. This coffee shop…read moreoutshines any I have ever been to. The ambience was A+++, the avocado toast was so yummy and my vanilla ice coffee was perfection. The service is warm, friendly, and fast. I will come back.

Java Café is such a cozy little spot in a quaint town. I had the veggie avocado toast and it was…read morefresh and flavorful. The veggies are served raw per the kitchen and it worked well, though I do wish there had been a little more avocado. Still, it was delicious and satisfying. I paired it with the rooibos hibiscus tea which was light and refreshing. They also have self serve water and a clean up yourself setup which keeps the vibe laid back. Food is served during breakfast hours only, but they do keep a grab and go refrigerated case stocked with premade items if you stop by later. Staff were friendly and kind, and the atmosphere is extremely inviting with plenty of nooks to settle into. One of the highlights is a painted chess table that adds to the artsy charm and is perfect for a photo. They also have a shaded outdoor patio if you want to sit outside. Definitely worth stopping in if you are in the area and looking for good food, tea, and a comfortable place to relax.

Big windows and an obvious coffee pick here, had a good mocha and selected a tonic in a can too,…read morethey were so busy! Parking and Wi-Fi were easy. It's a special space to be for a small town. The park nextdoor, cobbled streets, and ambient relaxed vibes are good stuff here.

Review Visit: February 10th, 2020…read more Eli's has opened a coffee shop in Metamora on some historic grounds. A long, long time ago in a city far away, there was a coffeehouse named Historic Grounds. Upon those grounds, one was able to find delicious coffees and baked goods. As time passed, people grew older and wanted to retire to a simple life. With that, Historic Grounds became just that. A page in the history books of Metamora. But, all was not lost for the building that was permanently etched with the aromatic scents of coffee beans and cookies. Eli's Coffee House, founded out of Morton, IL, caught wind of the vacancy and decided to expand it's business enterprise there. Finally the day came for me to visit one of my old coffeehouses and see if the new place does the old justice. Having had Eli's before and it being a good experience, I went in with some slightly higher than normal expectations for a new place. The second I entered, I could tell that Eli's made the place their own without covering up the antique-feel of the aged building. In place of the old normal counter was a big jetting one that offered barista access from multiple sides. Affixed to the wall was a giant and well-designed menu offering coffees in your usual varieties along with some yummy-sounding food options. Running on 3 hours of sleep, I chatted with the ladies working behind the counter, telling them of my much-needed need for some coffee if I was going to be in any state of awake to talk with my friend. Their patience was immeasurable as I looked over the menu longer than I should've and settled on just a black coffee. Too tired to try and order anything more complex, they offered me the pipping hot coffee in an Eli's-branded mug. I found my friend on the other side of the wall that cuts the coffeehouse in almost two. I quickly took a seat and blew on my coffee to cool it down while I woke up enough to have a conversation with my friend. Sensing one cup wouldn't do, I revisited the counter after I drained my first cup and expected to pay for a refill. The lovely barista took my cup and refilled it with the black liquid I so desired. I asked if I owed her anything and she said it was free. Free refills on great black coffee. I was truly in heaven. Eli's has taken a former great coffeehouse and kept the spirit alive. While they've definitely added their identity to the interior, they are tasteful upgrades and changes. Metamora is the kind of town that revels in it's history and small town vibe; them keeping a lot of the original feel and artwork on the walls was a wise decision. They even kept the Historic Grounds logo that is painted on the side wall. While I was standing in line for my refill, I was browsing over the food options and was drawn to The Southern Comfort melt. I loved every single ingredient on the list. Chicken with melted white cheddar, apples and brown sugar BBQ... give me 2 of those. One for lunch and one for dinner later. So, I will definitely be back to try out their food and baked goods. When I do, I will update this post with probably a perfect 5/5 and details on how the food tasted. Until then, stay caffeinated.

Seasonal blueberry pie latte is amazing. Creamy blueberry flavor. Not overly sweet. Perfect…read morecompliment to the muffin.

I've coming here for a long time, but every year that goes by the service and coffee gets worse…read more The cashiers are surly at best, no smiles, no greeting, I actually want to leave. This last time I ordered a signature drink, I dont know if it was made wrong, but it tasted horrible, I could taste the grounds. So, I asked for a new drink. No apology for making a terrible drink, just charged me for a new one and literally told me it was my fault for ordering something bad. Customer service has become terrible, not worth the stop anymore when I'm back in town. There are better options. Seriously, how hard would that have been to fix the situation and offer a refund or not charge me for a new drink.

Stopped in on a Sunday afternoon to find a very busy afternoon going on. The place had almost all…read morethe tables and chairs filled with customers enjoying their drinks. The girl behind the counter was friendly and polite and took my order. I ordered a hot mocha latte with macadamia milk. I gave her my name and she said they'd call me when it was ready. I found one of the few open seats, a low sitting leather chair that was quite comfortable tyvm, and did a little people watching until they called my name. There was now a small line to the order line and I was pretty convinced I had made a good choice in coming here. In a matter of minutes later my name was called and my drink was ready. My latte was very good and the mocha made it even better. If you're in the area be sure to drop in and check them out.

Coffee shop in an industrial building. Bright and with good espresso drinks, which were served with…read morea side of sparkling water. Good spot with WiFi. Seats can get tight and there could be a line (moving fast though) at busy time. Tried some pastry too. Was underwhelmed: bagel and scones were both very mid

We loved this placed!…read more It was very off season so we were waiting all week until Thursday when they were open to try it. Our large group of 3 families enjoyed breakfast here and the lovely staff were very accommodating to our chaos. 3 grandparents, 4 parents and 4 toddlers to order, eat and we all enjoyed ourselves. We all loved the treats, the food, and best coffee we could find in the starved rock area! I got for the 4 I was in charge of: 2 hot vanilla latte, a kids French toast with bacon, a biscuit and gravy, cream horn, cinnamon roll, and more treats I can't recall now. Highly recommend this cute little stop and if we are in the area again we'd definitely stop by!

Cute shop on the outskirts of town. Staff was super welcoming and friendly. The baking goods were…read morenot only delicious, but incredibly affordable ($3!)

Review Visit: April 1st, 2015…read more Good ol' Uncle Bob. He is the Uncle you never hear of. But when you do, you love him. Well, that's how I feel about Uncle Bob's Homemade Ice Cream. I discovered this place while grabbing coffee in Eureka, IL. Oh boy, was it a good discovery. I sampled a few ice creams and loved each one. Conveniently when I was there, they also had dollar hot dogs! So between amazing ice cream and cheap hot dogs, I was in heaven. If you love ice cream and haven't visited Uncle Bob's, do yourself a service and go try some! The do sell Uncle Bob's ice cream at some local eateries, so keep your eyes peeled if you can't make it to the Eureka location.

Delicious ice cream. Service is always nice and polite. I don't come here as much as I used to, but…read moreI often have dreams of myself eating the ice cream.

Their food is delicious and the service is always great! The employees greet you with a smile and…read moreunless you ask for paper cups you're served w ceramic! It's a warm, cozy feeling and a bookstore connected to it! Very relaxing! Highly recommend! Great menu! We'll definitely be back!

Coco's was just across the street where I was staying while visiting family in Kewanee. I made an…read moreearly morning trip to see what I could find. The place is very inviting and the service excellent. I placed an order to go of "the hammy" (ham, egg, cheese on croissant), sausage & gravy, and just in case I wanted more... the fully loaded avocado toast. Delicious! I will be back tomorrow morning to try more of the menu, or sneak back tonight for some more coffee and gelato. I think you will like this place! PS: my order was for take out so pictures won't be as good but the flavor was all there.

Great coffee, drinks, baked goods. Superior service. Always a good selection. Worth the tripread more

Very good , great service . Great coffee , fast turn around, highly recommended Mr k Thank youread more

Food was the best. Service was fast and acurate . The ambiance was rustic . My coffe was just how I…read morelike it.

I ordered the chai, half expecting something thin and overly sweet. What arrived instead was a…read morewarm, fragrant testament to restraint--balanced spices, just enough milk, and a whisper of quiet joy. I sat back with K.W. in one of the window-side chairs, letting the mug steam gently into the late-morning light, and took in the interior. It's the kind of place that rewards attention: reclaimed wood, soft colors, seating that invites rather than insists. This was not an Instagram café--it was a Christian coffee shop. And I mean that as praise. I don't just mean it had a verse on the wall or worship music humming faintly behind the grinder. I mean the place carried a spirit of care. You could feel it in the details, the warmth of the baristas, and--most of all--in the baby shower happening quietly in the side room. From what I could tell, it was all women--close family friends of the expectant mother--gathered in soft tones, with gifts, cake, and affection flowing. There were balloons. Laughter. Maybe a tear or two, but the joyful kind. I thought about the holiness of childhood, the ridiculous courage of parenting, and the spiritual stubbornness it takes to keep loving in public. There are many ways to do Christianity poorly. But when it holds space for reflection, for the protection of the vulnerable--children, the poor, the disabled--it becomes something rare and tender. Guest House feels like one of those places where such values are quietly lived out, without announcement or ego. I'll be back. For the chai. For the ambience. But mostly to support a place that, in its own gentle way, remembers what a gift life is.