Hit up Fairgrounds after a class in the Chicago Athletic Association. Had a delicious coffee, and baristas were very nice. It's a very small space - perfect for pick up and go. There are a few seats, but it's pretty tight. They were a little slow BUT my drink did end up coming out well. I've enjoyed their other locations where there's a bunch more space to sit and chill. read more

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Not sure why it's so highly rated and raging reviews. Both our drinks were just ok. My husband had the shaken espressos banana dates flavor and I had the match. Nothing fancy or out of the world. Except the total bill of course lol. Overpriced. We only had a coffee here coz it is so hot today in Chicago that hubby wanted to have something cold. It is a cute place, I'll give that. Service is quick. read more

Fairgrounds Coffee and Tea - Matcha Latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I love the proximity of Fairgrounds to my office; is very convenient to grab lunch or a quick coffee from there. The ambiance is fun - a little industrial with a good soundtrack. Today, I ordered the Vietnamese cold brew & a grilled cheese and tomato soup. If you're looking for a rich, punchy Vietnamese coffee, this isn't it. While I do appreciate the mint and cinnamon in the drink, it bears very little resemblance to Vietnamese coffee. The grilled cheese & tomato soup are on point, however. At $11, it's easily one of their menu's tastiest combos. read more

Fairgrounds Coffee and Tea - Vietnamese cold brew and the Grilled Cheese & tomato soup combo - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Connected to the hotel, also next to the elevators that lead up to Cindy's. Conveniently located across from Cloud Gate. Ordered: Vietnamese cold brew 2.5/5 - was expecting more of a Vietnamese coffee taste with condensed milk. It's just a cold brew with no elements or resemblance of Vietnamese coffee. Iced Honey lavender latte 5/5 - on par, delicious. Pickup 2/5 Order came out separately. 1st they called my name and gave me 1 drink. I had to ask them which drink it was, the barista had to look it up on the system although he just handed it to me 5 seconds ago. Confirmed it was the honey lavender latte. I took the drink and left the counter to give my wife her drink. As I was giving it to her I heard the other barista call out "Vietnamese cold brew" and not a name, then another patron went up to take the drink. I then went back to the counter and waited for my Vietnamese cold brew. 30 secs later barista calls out "I have another Vietnamese cold brew" and she hands it to me, I ask is this for Nathan ( my name) and she says I don't know. I looked at it and it's a small. I ordered a large. So they called the other patron back and ask if he ordered a large, he didn't and ordered a small. He brings the drink back to the counter and gives it to me while the small goes to him. I just think they should keep the orders together and call them out by name to avoid the confusion. read more

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This is a solid coffee spot to stop in and stroll before wandering over to Millennium park across the street. This location is in the Chicago Athletic Club Hotel and has its own entrance from Michigan Ave. It has a limited amount of seating available but it is worth walking around to check out the marble staircases and mosaic-tiled interiors. The coffee is solid and they have a rotating selection of beans! I would even grab some beans to roast myself at home. read more

Fairgrounds Coffee and Tea - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Please be cautious if you attend this location of Fairgrounds. I love Fairgrounds and have patronized several of their locations. This was my first time attending this location. The door slams violently, which I was unaware of. I was unable to get my hand out of the door fast enough and it smashed my right middle finger. The staff said, "I'm sorry" and eventually got me a grocery bag with some ice in it. I didn't even get a coffee and nothing further was done to make the situation better. Please if you go to this location be extremely cautious of the slamming door. Below is a picture of my finger after the fact. read more

Fairgrounds Coffee and Tea - My finger after getting smashed by their door - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Their coffee actually tastes really good. That's the disappointing part. The guy who made our coffees got all three drinks wrong. My latte I ordered hot and came out room temperature. I feel bad asking them to remake drinks, so I didn't. I know it's hard to be profitable as a coffee shop, and didn't want to be an additional expense if you get a new barista, your ratings will go up for sure. read more

While other Fairgrounds locations render full service on all beverages, food, and pantry items, this particular one is an "express" version of the chain. Any food shown in the fridge is done in a grab n' go style, which is convenient for the hotel patrons. Nevertheless, their mobile app. has never updated or specified that food is not going to be warmed. In addition, there is no way for the barista to communicate with the patrons in advance and to explains the situation. I once attempted to order a smoothie and redeem a free coldbrew from the mobile app. The barista refunded the smoothie and apologized that their location wasn't capable of making such beverage. I found it odd, but oh well... Then one day I was quite hungry and ordered the coffee and an egg and bacon sandwich in the app. after my overnight shift. I headed over for pickup and only left the venue disappointed for not being able to have my food made-to-order. The barista asked if I wanted to use the microwave onsite, yet that wouldn't be the same. I guess I would order my coffee from Fairgrounds and a sandwich from S*ar*uc*s if that had to be the case. Baristas were always nice and friendly so getting the necessary refund never generated any issues. However, someone please modify their mobile app. and removes the menu items that do not apply in this Loop location! I guess I will only come back when there is a promotion or reward available to redeem. I am really trying to find excuses for giving them more money though... read more

Fairgrounds coffee and tea is an excellent coffeeshop and does innovative flavors while also showcasing new and different flavors. My only note is that each location is different. The location on 12 S Michigan Ave is by far its busiest location. A tip for folks using the app to order. I went there to pick up and was waiting for my drink. It turns out the barista was "holding" my drink at the top of the espresso machine so no one would accidentally take it. This kept it warm and ready to drink for when people are there to pick it up. A heads up for folks, If you have a bad experience let the staff know! They'll fix it up. Also, give their other locations a try. This space is smaller than the rest and you don't get the full experience. This location gets 4/5. The small space and attention to drinks can sometimes miss the mark with the sheer volume being asked of staff. read more

Do you ever want to jump over the counter and make the d*mn drink yourself? If so, skip the drinks here. I ordered a sparkling yuzu matcha and the barista proceeded to pour boiling water onto a bowl and then distractedly whisk it for 5 seconds max before pouring it onto my drink. I don't expect much when I go out for matcha, but at least put some care into your work. The resulting drink was clumpy and flavorless, but still came our to $8+ wtf. I understand there's a dearth of quality coffee in the loop, but the rest of their drinks are also so overpriced that I'll just be getting my caffeine fix from Dunkin' from now on. read more

This was a very quick run for us to grab a scone, which was really good but maybe a bit too doughy. It's a very nice looking and attractive cafe within a beautiful building. read more

An interesting coffee concept where they have rotating offerings from various coffee roasters. This location is in the Chicago Athletic Club Hotel and has its own entrance from Michigan Ave. It is fairly small with a counter and a small seating area against one of the walls. The coffee is usually pretty good, but given it's a rotating selection you may lose your favorite roast. The staff was friendly too, so no complaints. read more

Located within Chicago Athletic Club, so it serves both hotel guests and guests in general. On the morning it can get really really packed. Got iced lattes here several times and tasted solid. For the signature, our favorite was definitely the Cafe Miel, which is espresso, milk, honey, and cinnamon. For quick service, cold brew is the way to go since it's on draft. Tried the matcha and... I'd say skip it here, just go for the espresso drinks or cold brews. No seating inside, but there's an outdoor space where you can sit. read more

Super disappointed in this place. After looking at the menu and reading the reviews i concluded this was a legit coffee shop that actually focuses on the quality of the coffee they serve. Wrong. To begin with, the cashier who took my order was unfriendly and completely clueless about the coffee they were selling. I walked up, smiled and said good morning. No response. Just a blank stare and flat affectation, almost as if it was an annoyance to have to take my order. I asked for a pour over and then asked her about what beans I could choose from. I received another vacant stare. No clue about what beans they were serving. Eventually, with the help of one of the baristas, I (supposedly) ordered the lightest roast they had. They then asked me if I wanted a small or large. Remember, I ordered a pour over. I should have known right then that's not what I would be getting. Thy did not ask my name for the order. About a minute later, that same Barista called out "large coffee," and looked at me. I walked up and said I ordered a pour over. He smiled and said yes, that's a pour over. I said in a very skeptical voice that it was the fastest pour over ever. He either didn't get the point or (more likely) didn't care. So, I paid for a pour over but was given a drip. What a joke. Save your money and go somewhere else. Final note - if you still decide to go here, know that this is one of the places that asks you for a tip when you pay - before the service. I got burned in this by tipping in advance. My advice is you hold off on tipping until you actually receive your order, and then you can decide on the tip. read more

While staying in downtown Chicago at the Chicago Athletic Club Hotel, we were fortunate enough to have Fairgrounds Coffee located at the base of the building. In town for a long holiday weekend and a wedding, Fairgrounds Coffee provided us with some delicious caffeine drinks to keep us going. I loved the variety of coffee they had on tap as well as the plethora of espresso beverages. All of their lattes were delicious, but I particularly enjoyed the shaken oat milk espresso. If you find yourself in the area, I would definitely stop by and grab a drink. read more

Wandered into Fairgrounds craving a light iced tea or coffee on this hot summer Sunday. Loved the vibes and stayed to do some work. The drink came out so quick and tasted great! The floral matcha balanced well with the strawberry. Happy I came in! read more

Fairgrounds Coffee and Tea - Iced strawberry matcha w soy milk - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I was tired ans thirsty after walking around downtown area, their iced green tea was just the right beverage I needed. The shop also has outside seating so I had a little wind down time watching birds on the sidewalk. Also noticed they have to-go quick lunches at the entrance area, could be a convenient option for busy city people. read more

Terrible. The place looks cool and fancy, but my drink was underwhelming. Iced Chocolate Truffle Mocha - Horrible. It was so bland, and the mocha was just powder that wasn't even mixed into my drink. Once I mixed it, still no flavor. With the name "Chocolate Truffle Mocha", I expect to taste chocolate or even a hint of any flavor. Nothing. Absolute disappointment. I was so thirsty from all the walking I did, that even a half decent drink would have satisfied me. For around $7.50 ish after tax for a 16oz drink, I might as well have gone to Starbucks. At least Starbucks has flavor. read more

Fairgrounds Coffee and Tea - Iced Chocolate Truffle Mocha - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

What a beautiful weekend to visit Fairgrounds Coffee in the loop! You can sit out in their patio and enjoy the city while sipping on your drinks! The loop location is a little smaller than the other locations but the outside is really nice and the service is also kind and quick! read more

Fairgrounds Coffee and Tea - Juice - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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First time grabbing coffee at this location before heading out towards the river on st Patrick's day. It was a cute and cozy coffee spot with quick service even on a busy day. Not pictured but we also got a scone and bagel which the cream cheese seems to be made in house fresh and was delicious as I loved whipped cream cheese. The coffee was good but disappointed that they didn't have brown sugar to make a brown sugar latte!! read more

Fairgrounds Coffee and Tea - Caramel Latte & Vanilla Latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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The pictures of the interior fooled us! Felt like I was back in my college dorm room with the limited number of square footage/space of this almost coffee stand-like spot nestled in the forgotten corner of what feels like the lobby of a janky hotel building. The baristas had some recommendations for coffee, but I felt like I was a burden for asking about the menu. In the end, I rushed with the Vietnamese cold brew, which was your average cold brew with some grainy cinnamon sprinkled in. I ended up consuming my iced drink in the Chicago winter cramped and huddled next to the other patrons who also frankly probably hated their life choice of coming here. read more

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A great place to get coffee or tea - the baristas definitely know what they're doing! The seating area in the coffee shop itself is limited as well as their hours, but I guess that's to be expected in the loop. I got a peach blossom iced tea which was nice and refreshing read more

Fairgrounds Coffee and Tea - Peach blossom tea - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Great spot and really accessible. Good coffee menu and some pastries. If in the area then it is worth the stop. Coiffe cold and hot Tea and matcha Also some tasty treat. read more

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Best coffee I've had in Chicago. Omari, barista extrodinaire, served up the most perfect coffee and tea for our group. He's a delightful conversationalist, a master of his craft and has a great smile. Get down there, you'll leave happy! Recommend the pour over cafe au lait, also the ginger turmeric latte (tea based) is fire! read more

Fairgrounds Coffee and Tea - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Small little coffee bar located inside the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel. They have variety of drip coffee, espresso drinks, and matcha. No sitting inside but good spot to grab some great coffee drinks across from the cloud gate. read more

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Fairgrounds Coffee and Tea has multiple locations in Chicago, I recently visited the one on Michigan Ave. It's a very cozy and cute cafe with minimal seating. This location does not serve food although their other locations offer wide range of food options and I'll surely go back to try them. They have a wide range of coffees, and offer a lot of flavors/ syrups ( I'm not too sure if they're home made though!) I recently got a Latte with almond milk and a pump of wild-berry syrup. It was definitely a refreshing taste. My friend ordered a Cappuccino with whole milk and he said he has had better Cappuccino's. Overall, cute ambiance, wide range of options, good coffee. It is a good package! read more

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Tried the iced cortado with the seasonal pumpkin syrup and it was really enjoyable. The pumpkin syrup was nicely spiced and was not overwhelmingly sweet. Service was great and we walked up the stairs right behind the counter to get upstairs into the hotel lobby and enjoyed out drinks there. Great location and reasonable prices! read more

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Would not recommend. Ordered 2 different coffees and they got it wrong. When we tried to tell them, they said this is what you ordered and that was it. No offer to make it right. Coffees were pretty bland, no real flavor. Pour over coffees took a bit of time as well because most of the equipment was broken. Place is cute and has a few seats to sit and drink the coffee. Had the staff not been so rude, I'd be back to see if it was just a fluke, but alas more coffee shops in the area I'll try. read more

Decorations super cute! The chocolate exlir was really good and the service was really good

Frequented here when staying at Chicago Athletic Association. Great coffee and quick service. Not much sitting room, but there is some.

Excellent coffee. Not much seating so grab and go. Conveniently located. Note it's a grab and go spot - there are like 3 seats max. read more

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Cozy vibes and coffee They offer a great selection of coffee, teas, and pastries. Personally, I like decaf and I love how they have both decaf and hot chocolate options. The Frothy monkey is a great choice for decaf and the hot chocolate satisfies the sweet tooth. Connected to the beautiful Chicago Athletic Association, it's perfect for grab and go or people watching. read more

Fairgrounds Coffee and Tea - Hot chocolate - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We stopped here while we were out walking around. My fiancé got a latte and they drew a cute heart on it and included a truffle! I got a hot tea and a canned kombucha. I loved the vibe. The pastries looked amazing as well but we were full from breakfast! read more

Fairgrounds Coffee and Tea - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Staff was friendly and quick. Had a pour over that was good. Nice outdoor seating area. read more

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Visited Fairgrounds in Chicago near Millennium Park. I ordered the Whirlwind from the Brew Bar (really cool set up, I must say). Notes of some chocolate... a little nutty? Definitely wasn't acidic so right for my palate. This location isn't one to sit down; more of a grab and go spot but good coffee regardless! read more

Fairgrounds Coffee and Tea - Whirlwind Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

1. Charged me $4 for a really weak and not even tasty Americano 2. I got a cinnamon scone - another $4 and I had to break it down like it was some kind of brick. Ugh read more

Fairgrounds Coffee and Tea - Americano, cinnamon scone - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Hip coffee spot across the street from Millennium Park. I went with one of their specialty drinks and it was good... but I wish I would have gone for one of their on tap brews since that's what their known for. Service wasn't the most friendly but it was quick. read more

First time in Chicago and first meal here. Opted for local coffee shop instead of Starbucks for a change. Lavender latte tastes really great! I got a ham and cheese croissant which was supposed to be warmed but it was super cold in the middle. I asked if it could be warmed one more time and was denied because I had already ate some of it... well how would I know it was cold in the middle without getting to the middle lol Anyway not cool. I won't have access to a microwave until after 4pm so waste of money. read more

Came here one morning while in Chicago looking for a quick bite and coffee. Got a breakfast burrito which the staff happily heated up for me and a caramel oatmilk iced latte with an extra shot of espresso. Everything was pretty good, but nothing remarkable. Liked the interior/ambience of the place. read more

Fairgrounds Coffee and Tea - Caramel oatmilk iced latte with an extra shot of espresso and a breakfast burrito - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Decent coffee spot downtown that focuses on espresso and matcha. Seems like they're part of a building. Good traffic from tourists downtown. The coffee I tried was tasty! read more