Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    First Sip Cafe

    4.4 (214 reviews)
    Closed • 7:00 am - 7:30 pm

    First Sip Cafe Photos

    Business Info

    FIRST SIP CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Dogs allowed
    Good for groups

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - First Sip Cafe

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Claudine L.

    Pretty average 3 star experience. It was surprisingly busy which made the whole visit feel a bit hectic. We were looking for a nice, sit-down cafe and there are a decent number of tables but almost all of them were occupied so seating was limited and it was hard to really settle in comfortably. The drinks were fine (although a bit pricey) and they did take a while to come out (it was crowded but most of the people already had their drinks). There was also a slight mix up where one of the drinks was missed which was eventually resolved, but again, added to the overall wait and slightly disorganized feel of the visit. Nothing was really bad, but nothing stood out either. It just felt a bit overwhelmed by the volume of people compared to the space and speed of service. Decent drinks and nice decor but long wait times and limited seating made the experience less enjoyable than it could've been.

    Pandan matcha and a coffee
    Michelle G.

    My boyfriend and I went here because he's chasing the high of delicious coffees he had while he was in Los Angeles. He got some kind of coffee special which tasted like coffee to me. I am firmly not a coffee connoisseur or coffee lover. He liked First Sip - it's not the stuff he had in LA but he wants to go back to try their ube matcha and ube latte. He liked it better than another cafe I won't name and found mid (I agree). I got the pandan matcha and the pandan actually had a pandan flavor. I enjoyed it but don't need to come back immediately anytime soon / have had matchas and lil drinks I loved more. Still a solid stop if you're in the area and the place is cute.

    Menu of iced drinks
    Lina W.

    This might be one of my favorite spots in the city. The drinks are delicious and reasonably priced. The staff (especially Violet) are warm and charming. We had a special request on a drink and the barista was very kind to accommodate. The space whimsically fun and fantastic -- it's got that Alice in Wonderland vibes. The tea quality is top notch and coffee & matcha drinks are also great. I hope to return and try the pastries.

    Coconut jasmine viet coffee and a classic viet coffee
    Amanda W.

    Delicious coffee and i tried a coconut and jasmine viet coffee and it taste very floral and yum. Depth flavor and not overly sweet and the Jasmine syrup pairs well with the bitter coffee of strong vietnamese caffeine. Dark interior but friendly individual artist works for sale and cute earrings.

    Minerva H.

    The pandan latte is really nice! As usual, this is a really cozy and safe third place. I highly recommend visiting to study, do work, chat, etc. They also have a free library for folks to check out and take books.

    Jonathan P.

    A coffee shop that feels like you've stepped into a fun house, in the best way possible. The barista was extremely nice and even offered me a punch card to come back! super sweet. I ordered a brown butter pandam iced latte and a cashmere vanilla latte. Both of them were great, and would definitely order again. I was not able to try their pastries but definitely will next time i visit.

    karina k.

    I give it 5 stars for the friendly and sweet staff and the ability to sit and work on things and charge your laptop and cell phones. It's so easy to get frustrated working from home or feeling trapped indoors at home sometimes so it's nice to be able to go to a cafe to read or surf or do work without fear of losing battery power. The sesame pandan latte was good too as well as the matcha strawberry coconut milk drink. Interesting flavors for drinks. Parking on the street and pay through Park Chicago app. Plus cute toys and plants and other fun items for sale.

    Exterior
    Mike L.

    Inviting Vietnamese cafe located along Argyle. Small interior with a cool vibe. Staff was super helpful and the espresso was nice and strong! Pro Tip: free street parking a block away in the neighborhood if you're not walking!

    Eric W.

    Surprised it took me this long to get to this gem of a cafe in Uptown. First Sip cafe is a cute and cozy cafe in the Asia on Argyle corridor. Delicious drinks and good space to work. Only downside is not a lot of food options if you want a full meal in the cafe. Drinks are on point though. Pretty good size tables too if you need to meet as a group #cafe #ube #coffee

    Vegetarian quiche and sesame latte
    Claire T.

    Very cute spot in a fun area! I could not decide what to order from First Sip because there were so many tasty options. I ended up going with the Sesame latte but I think any of them would have been great. The latte was extremely flavorful. I also got a vegetarian quiche which for $5 was a lot smaller than I expected it to be but nonetheless tasty. There was so much seating with cute lamps at each table and was the first cafe I've been to in a while that had outlets. The one thing is that there was only one woman working there so it took about 10 minutes for my drink and food, but I didn't mind. Just don't go if you're in a rush. Overall cute place and I will be back to try all the flavors!

    Amanda G.

    I have been dying to get in here -- their Instagram is so inviting! They're always hosting inspired events, things you'd really want to go to. It's a little bit of a trek for me to Uptown, but it's very worth it. They just hosted a scholastic style book fair, that, and equally excited friends, got me there. Just like their events, they have an inspired drink menu. I am obsessed with pistachio... and mint... so I got the pistachio mint latte. Super charming. Keep an eye on their social media for a great date night or friends night idea. Make it a first stop, it's a great meet up point, then check out one of the amazing restaurants near by. Cheers!

    Mistey W.

    I went in for a special event; Call and Response Book Fair. But I love the quirky ambiance of this place from the sewing machine table to the coffee cups hanging from the ceiling; super charming. I had a brown butter pistachio latte (something like that) and it was a really good. The area is full of Asian restaurants and there were so many to choose from that I just couldn't but I plan on being back in the area soon and cannot wait to sit in one of the window seats of the cafe and enjoy a drink, read a book, and people watch. I just love it's vibe!

    (Moon Bear Bakery) Chicken, Pork Pate & Leek Pie
    Anthony D.

    A great Vietnamese cafe with unique drinks and merch. The cafe has plenty of seats and free WiFi for those who want to stay for a while. The WiFi name is actually called "Plz no outside food + drinks" The drinks are unique and flavorful. I've been working through their menu and it amazes me how they get the flavor into the coffee. I think the Mooncake Latte blew my mind because it tasted like I took a bite out of a mooncake. Today I tried the Brown Butter Pandan Vietnamese Coffee iced and definitely recommend it! If you're wondering what pandan tastes like, you can probably think of it like a vanilla/hazelnut flavor. It's a plant used in a lot of southeast Asian cuisine and kind of looks like long blades of grass in a bush. It's not overpowering so you wont even know it's in the drink. I also had the Chicken, Port Pate, and Leeks Pie. It was pretty good but probably won't get it again. It didn't really fill me up and was surprised it was $5 for how small of a portion it was. Also shoutout to their merchandise and stickers, very cool artwork.

    Inside

    See all

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Susan L.
    1
    342
    1129

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Eda X.
    351
    767
    7512

    7 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Nini K.
    235
    140
    1934

    8 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Sarah Y.
    64
    35
    61

    8 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Lydia K.
    45
    48
    19

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Tessie L.
    99
    27
    23

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Taylor J.
    303
    48
    10

    6 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mytam V.
    19
    46
    57

    6 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    My favorite coffee spot in Uptown. Love the unique beverage flavours and the ham + cheese croissant is delicious.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Debbie B.
    316
    11
    16

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jovanna M.
    143
    30
    26

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 4 of 6

    First Sip Cafe Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - First Sip Cafe

    Is there free parking?

    It is meter parking. There are free parking on the side streets if you are lucky.

    View All 2 Questions

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Coffee & Tea 2,210 times last month within 5 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Happy Monday Coffee Roasters - Coffee Roasting in action

    Happy Monday Coffee Roasters

    4.8(9 reviews)
    0.9 mi•Edgewater

    Absolutely love this coffee shop! Happy Monday in Edgewater is such a small and hidden coffee shop…read morewith the best service! It always seems to be a hit and busy on the weekends. And that is because it is only open on Saturdays and Sundays! It is dog friendly, trendy, and such a hit. Highly recommend this local joint.

    UPDATE: Wow, what a speedy response, thank you. I usually…read morechat with the guy who runs this location who says he is a co-owner. I figured the limited hours had something to do with the menu. Now that you all have gotten rid of the DJ table and added more chairs, it does feel more like a standard cafe! I'm looking forward to the menu changes. Thanks for your consideration! Previous review: I really enjoy their beverages and I keep coming back. That being said, there is almost no price transparency. The only prices they have on their menu are for the THC additions. I've mentioned this to the owner twice (he's a cool guy) but he has always sort of shrugged it off. It bothers me every time I'm in. Sometimes my latte with oat milk comes out different prices. Price transparency is so important for consistency . Not including the prices is a bit elitist, especially when the average drink is $6-$8. You should want folks to come in and comfortably order what they can afford. I hope this suggestion is taken into consideration. The drinks are good and like I said, I keep coming back but this has been a sticking point for me for a year plus.

    Photos
    Happy Monday Coffee Roasters - Freshly roasted coffee

    Freshly roasted coffee

    Happy Monday Coffee Roasters - Cotton Candy Summer Limited Edition

    Cotton Candy Summer Limited Edition

    Happy Monday Coffee Roasters - Dreamcicle Summer Limited Edition

    See all

    Dreamcicle Summer Limited Edition

    Eli Tea Bar - Bathroom is a vibe

    Eli Tea Bar

    4.3(59 reviews)
    0.8 mi•Andersonville, Edgewater
    •$$

    I wanted to try the white rose but they ran out so I got the blue lavender mint bubble and it…read moretasted so delicious! The service here was great as well. Hopefully when I stop in again they'll have the white rose iced tea. I love how this place offers unique flavors that other tea shops don't have. I really enjoyed what I got today. They are also informative and let you know what drinks have zero caffeine, high caffeine or low caffeine, I think that's so important and it was great to see that. I read the bad reviews and I highly disagree. I've been to a lot of tea spots and milk tea spots all over illinois, I wanted something other than the same old boring brown sugar boba or matcha and this place delivered everything I wanted because they incorporate unique flavors and the result is magical. If you appreciate unique flavors like I do, come here!

    As soon as you walk in, you'll see a wall of what reminded me of black paint cans for sale. I…read morebelieve it was a backdrop to show the unique ingredients that go into making ETB concoctions. That black packaging overflowed to a sizable merch section against a wall further in where the main seating area is located. It's a great place to check out. I almost forgot about ordering my drink and fancy almond + strawberry cookie! The tea barista was friendly and mellow. And I loved seeing the multiple flyers/posters displayed with important messages to absorb and think about...over tea.

    Photos
    Eli Tea Bar - So many tables to gather with your friends with multiple access to outlets and wifi

    So many tables to gather with your friends with multiple access to outlets and wifi

    Eli Tea Bar - Great working areas

    Great working areas

    Eli Tea Bar - Ube Jasmine Latte, large

    See all

    Ube Jasmine Latte, large

    Dulce de Leche Cafe - Torta - Carnitas

    Dulce de Leche Cafe

    4.8(16 reviews)
    0.7 mi•Edgewater

    NEIGHBORHOOD GEM!!…read more Popped in for a Horchata latte and a breakfast sandwich. Both were stand out stellar! The coffee: Chicago's own DARK MATTER coffee is served here. Which -my opinion - is GREAT coffee. I love it, and this will bring me back again and again for coffee here. The Horchata latte was delicious and smooth. It was a bit sweet, but I expected that, 'cos Horchata. Very tasty! Breakfast sandwich. SO GOOD. Sausage, cheese, egg and tomato! With some breakfast potatoes on the side - everything was very tasty. If you get hooked on the Dark Matter coffee, as I am, and want to buy bags of it, he can order it for you. My only complaint is they don't open until 8:30 on some weekedays. I'm out the door at 7 AM, they might catch more of the morning commuter crowd if they open a little earlier. I'll be happy though, to visit them on weekends at any rate. I was going to Sip & Savor, and still love them, their coffee is great. Their food options, however, are not as good as DdL - the fresh made breakfast sammiches at Dulce, are DELICIOUS.

    I had lunch with a friend at Dulce de Leche next to the Bryn Mawr "L" Station and for the most part…read moreI liked it. The manager was very helpful with the menu items. We both ordered "My Favorite Chicken Sandwich" which included Cabbage salad, radish, scallions, spicy mayo, and spinach. I liked it but when I lifted up half of the Croissant roll the chicken was puny. I asked the manager don't you think that there isn't that much chicken on the sandwich? He said no because it's a Chicken Thigh? It didn't say Chicken Thigh on the menu. So, if you're used to a Nashville type chicken sandwich this may not be your kind of place. Everything on the sandwich was really good including the croissant roll and all of the ingredients. I'd go back and order something different I liked their Iced Tea. It was very good.

    Photos
    Dulce de Leche Cafe
    Dulce de Leche Cafe - Chicken thigh

    Chicken thigh

    Dulce de Leche Cafe - Iced Cafe de Olla

    See all

    Iced Cafe de Olla

    First Sip Cafe - coffee - Updated October 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...