I was recently reminded why I love Crema so much. My mom and I came here after dropping my son off…read moreat school and it's always the best experience. It's so cute and neighborhoody, and the staff is just wonderful. I got one of the specials (I can't remember the name, but I think it had coconut and hazelnut maybe?) the staff recommended half sweet so that's what I did and it was perfect. They always have a great selection of specialty drinks and everything is just solid. Can't wait to come back soon to try their new fall menu!

Crema was such a nice little coffee shop. It's small, but the place has a lot of life to it. There…read morewas a steady flow of people coming in and out, everyone seemed comfortable, and it had that welcoming feel. The smell of coffee and everything being made behind the counter filled the whole place, which definitely made me hungry for something. The service was really friendly too. Everyone was nice. I ordered a hot chocolate, and honestly, it was exactly what I needed that morning. It came out nice and hot, with a smooth and creamy texture that made every sip easy to enjoy. The chocolate had a good sweetness to it, but there was also a slight bitterness underneath that gave it more depth. It had that rich cocoa flavor that stayed on your tongue for a little bit after each sip, while still being light enough to finish the whole cup. Nothing complicated. Just warm, creamy, chocolatey, and really good. Exactly what I needed to start my morning.

+ kind staff/barista + high top and plush seating for…read moreworking + self serve water dispenser + my half sweet latte was perfect + syrups appear to be made in house + they don't charge extra for plant based milk + Oatly barista brand milk used (good stuff) Notes: 2 sizes of drinks: 8 oz and 16oz 8 oz =2 espresso shots 16 oz=4 espresso shots Most shops I've visited do small, medium, and large with 2, 3, and 3 shots respectively

Such a great local coffee chain in the Chicago area! There are a ton of options for both coffee and…read morenon-coffee lovers. I personally got the Brown Sugar Latte since I've never seen a flavor like that before, and I'm in love with it! Additionally, I'm a fan of the interior of the shop. Great vibes, plenty of indoor seating, and very friendly baristas! I would definitely come back here for my morning pick-up.

The storefront looks unassuming as it is right next to the Belmont station, but Pedestrian cafe is…read moreone of the best places for working remotely with plenty of seats and outlets. The menu items are priced higher than average, but the Charlatte and sourdough cinnamon roll are amazing. The workers are all super friendly and attentive. Highly rec!

Classic as per usual. Got a lemonade. Housed a lemonade. Thanks for being one of the only Belmont…read moreestablishments to have a bathroom. Only $6 plus tax for a lemonade and a bathroom trip.. (I love her but one star off for the prices someone had to say it)

Sandwich was by far one of the best breakfast sandwiches I've had. So yummy. Oatmeal cookie latte…read morewas so delicious. Staff was super nice!

My first time at a Backlot coffee since they're all in north Chicago. Its a pretty cozy space with…read morefree wifi, fair seating, and street parking nearby (metered outside but free at the neighboring park) They offer pastries and sandwiches as well so youll be able to power through a day studying there. I got the honey lavender and cardamom rose lattes, which were good but I feel like they were a bit too similar. The lavender and rose elements were more subtle than I would prefer, but I did like that they weren't too sweet which let the espresso stand out PSA they also offers pup cups so overall pretty happy with my visit. Id certainly return if im in the area again and would love to try the other menu items, in addition to more seasonal drinks

I would give Matari 4.5 out of 5 stars, so I'm rounding to 5 based on service and ambiance! I heard…read moreabout their fruit mousse cakes online, so we knew we had to stop by to check it out. The cafe is immaculate and service was very friendly. The person who took our order was patient as he explained the different pastries in the case. I wish they had signs explaining what each pastry was so I could have decided while waiting in line. We ended up sharing an iced pistachio latte (delicious and 10/10!), the pistachio cheesecake (10/10!), and the strawberry mousse cake (7/10 - a subtle sweetness, great texture, but needed more cake or crust inside as it was mostly whipped cream and the shell). The mousse cake was $12.00, which felt steep considering it was mostly whipped cream, even though it was obviously beautiful. We would definitely come back for the coffee and to try more menu items! Check this place out!

I wanted to like it. I did. But after a few visits, it's just not for me…read more The first trip, I tried the Matari Tea: Green tea, Himalayan pink salt, milk, and spices, topped with roasted pistachios. Sounds good, right? Alas, it could not have been blander. I couldn't taste any "spices" or even the hint of salt. The profile was that of very watered-down tea mixed with milk, and a ton of pistachios floating on top. Like, barely crushed pistachios. Huge pieces, covering the top of the drink, bobbed around like tiny icebergs, and even they somehow had a toned-down flavor. The drink was definitely a swing and a miss. Fast forward two weeks, and I tried Matari again. This time with a simple cortado. I sat at the table right by the door, and the espresso was pretty good. Solid body, not too bitter. It was on the pricy side ($7+), but I was ok with that. But then, I'm hanging out, sipping my coffee, and I catch a burst of perfume-like scent. I'm shocked, but whatever, I figured someone in heavy perfume walked by, no big deal. A few minutes later, wham, I'm hit in the nose with another burst of perfume. Then, I see it. A slight haze around me. So, not a heavily perfumed woman after all, but an automated air-freshener. After further inspection, I see the unit plugged in on the ground right behind my chair, which sprays up and out on a timer. That's right, an air freshener right next to a table where people consume food and beverages, shooting a mist into the air that slowly rains down onto my head and table, and into my coffee. I ended up tossing the last few sips of my cortado, as I could taste the scented whatever-it-was in my cup. I'd have gone to the counter and asked for a new one, but I was so over my visit by then, I just opted to get out. The staff aren't very friendly. Not rude, but they don't give off a welcoming aura, and I didn't feel like trying to explain the issue. Lastly, can we talk about their little "your order is up" beepers? We've all seen them. The little electronic things that blink and make a noise when your order is ready, so you can go snag it from the counter. When I think of a coffee shop, I think quiet and peaceful, or perhaps a bit louder, with bustling people and well-paired music. At Matari, it's an insane BEEP BEEP BEEP that goes off every few minutes when an order is up. I get it, you don't want to bring the food out to your customers. But does it really need to feel like an airport Chili's? It's a bummer, because Matari is beautiful inside. It's clean, it's chic, and its location is at a notable crossroads in Skokie with plenty of parking, leaving it extremely convenient. They've even got an easy-to-use website, which so many coffee shops simply do not have. There aren't a lot of coffee shops in this particular part of town, which is why I so, so very much wanted to love Matari. But subpar drinks? Air freshener spray intrusions? Frequent and obnoxious beeping? I tried. I'm sorry. I just can't.

This place is HUGE for a coffee and tea shop. They sell everything from beans and loose-leaf tea to…read morespices and syrups, and the latte counter is all the way in the back. I don't think I've ever seen this many syrup flavors in one place. There's no seating inside since it's mainly a retail shop, but there's a bench outside. I also loved seeing how inclusive the space is with Pride flags throughout the shop. The Cross Cross Apple Sauce Latte (9/10) was nutty, not too bitter, and had the perfect amount of sweetness. I was expecting more apple, but it actually tasted more like vanilla with a subtle apple flavor. Still super good and honestly impressive for a latte this huge.

Best joint in the city of Chicago, Period. when I was in the scale business I used to sell them…read morescales. I knew the owners back then and I've gotten my coffee there ever since. I even have them send me the beans to my Vacation place in California. Vibe is great and all inclusive for sure. Marty L. Old Town.

We had a lovely evening listening to great music in a clean, safe environment. Staff was so…read morefriendly and helpful. Loving the coffee I brought hime.

Incredible coffee! The flavor and taste is smooth yet savory and is unique in its originality…read more Can't wait for this to open! Come on city of AH.

The service is really great here. Parking was very easy to find. I came during a busier time so…read morethere wasn't much seating available at that moment. I had a lavender latte which was pretty good.

What a cool spot that's so close to my place! Well branded (interior, packaging, signage, swag for…read moresale...) The bonus here is there is a mini roaster and DJ area with two turntables and speakers. Can't wait to go back for some good vibing. My wife loved the ham and cheese danish. I couldn't get enough of that banana bread muffin with my hot mocha. The barista was pleasant and professional and seemed calm when the line started to grow. Luckily, her "sidekick" showed up soon after and helped to move things along, A dynamic duo. Pics to come soon.

Amazing coffee, very pleasant people working there!…read more Don't expect a cafe lounge, as it's a walk up order and go. If you are looking for a great cup of Joe this is a must go to!

friendly service and affordable, no frills coffee at this walk-up order window. menu is simple with…read morejust 2 coffee offerings (drip and cold brew) and the price listed is the price you pay-- no added tax or tip. they brew their beans in house-- the guatemalan medium body drip tastes great!

Nice local coffee shop in Edgewater, so much better than any commercial chain with lots of unique…read moreflavors and options. Had to wait a little longer with only one person working but it was fine. The space is big and great for hanging out/studying. Thought it was funny that there was a tip jar despite being cashless...got one of the special lattes and it didn't have too much listed for nutrition/sugar levels, only had a little over half since i felt like i was consuming too much empty sugar (or maybe I wasn't--but it was awfully sweet), but that's on me for not asking. I wish I had a place like this near me.

I came here to get some work done and there are plenty of tables with outlets. The coffee and food…read moreitself is pretty expensive for the quality. I ordered the Iced Tuxedo Mocha (which was over $7.00) and there was no real coffee flavor while the chocolate tasted cheap. For food I tried the Raspberry Danish and it tasted store bought, which would have been okay if it wasn't $4.25. They also served it on a paper plate which was interesting for a cafe. They did bring it to my table and the staff was friendly when ordering. It was also nice that while she was walking by she took the empty plate later. Overall the food/drink was just okay and it was pricey for a "just okay" experience. The WiFi password is also super long: MoreThanJustCoffee1070!!!