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Heritage Outpost

4.2 (75 reviews)
InexpensiveCoffee & Tea
Open • 7:00 am - 2:00 pm
Updated over 3 months ago

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Heritage Outpost Photos

HERITAGE OUTPOST ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Dogs allowed
Outdoor seating
Good for working

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Recommended Reviews - Heritage Outpost

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Arielle S.

I've been here more times than I can count. Heritage Outpost was one of the first coffee shops I checked out when I moved to the city and remains one of my favorites. The baristas are super friendly and the coffee is great. Not much seating inside the coffee shop itself, but there's a ton in the lobby of the apartment where it's located.

Menu!
Salena C.

I think my expectations were a little skewed after seeing all of the beautiful pictures of the lobby, but needless to say we still really liked it. I'll start by saying the beautiful ceiling and comfy cushions are not *actually* part of Heritage Outpost, but you are allowed to sit there. It was lacking natural light, so we opted to sit on their 4-seat "bar" area instead. All that aside, the lavender latte is amazing! At just under $5, I found it priced right and the perfect flavor! We also shared a Do Rite donut, which was such a treat. We sat here for over two hours and enjoyed chatting with no cares in the world! Because I paid with Square, I got $5 off my next visit, so needless to say, I WILL be back! :)

Plain old fashioned donut
Karla M.

Decided to try this place out on Sunday and came out a bit disappointed. I ordered a honey cinnamon latte, but the flavor wasn't really there and tasted more like a regular latte. The real issue was that I asked for a chocolate old fashioned donut with my coffee but didn't pay attention when the barista pulled from the display case. I didn't realize until I got home that he gave me a plain old fashioned instead. The donut was ok, but I was really craving the chocolate so was disappointed that neither of my purchases were particularly worth the trip.

Coffee shop
Julia R.

It's a super cute spot. The atmosphere is quiet, and if you're looking for a place to read or study, I would recommend it. I wish I had brought my book. I got a lavender latte and cinnamon roll, which I have no complaints about. They were really good. The barista was the perfect amount of friendly. They were welcoming and chatting up customers. It is 1 person who does it all, so if you're in a rush, maybe not the spot for you.

Marcus P.

This spot is a gem because of the coffee and the location. It's a very small shop that doesn't look like much from the street, it doesn't fit more than 10 customers but is connected to the lobby of a residence, this is what makes of amazing. It has an eclectic lobby with tables, chairs and sofas to help you enjoy your coffee or work remotely or on homework. It's very quiet and relaxing, if you are in the area and want to focus this is a great place to do so.

Barista counter
Angelica T.

I ordered a soft, fluffy almond croissant along with an iced earl grey tea (normally served hot but the barista did a great job seeping it just enough where it was plenty flavorful and yet didn't melt all the ice). My companion enjoyed a hot mint tea which looks like it was made with handmade tea bags which I've never seen before (posted a pic of this). The environment is open and relaxing with plenty of comfortable seating options like a large blue sofa, upholstered chairs or hard chairs with a table top. Parking could be an issue around here. I'll visit this cafe again and try their coffee next.

Orest S.

I loved their previous location in this area and never realized it is a chain. They have a coffee shop in the residential building (Lawrence House) and you can use lobby sits, which is really great! I love their coffee with with sourness. Always great baristas. This is probably my favorite coffee shop in Chicago.

Thomas L.

Heritage Outpost is a chic coffee shop that is connected to the lobby of apartments within the same building. The lobby space has plenty of different formats with couches.

Latte
Quin B.

I met some friends here in the lobby for a social gathering. I am not a coffee drinker, but I decided to try a hot beverage. The barista was very helpful in helping me make a selection. I settled on a latte in the end. A heart was made out of the foam floating on the top of the latte after it was made. I still don't care for coffee after finishing the drink, but it was still a pleasant experience.

Outside
Marie K.

I just love here as much as the other heritage outpost places! Plus, you don't have to worry about getting into musical chair fights :p There are tons of seats at the lobby of The Lawrence House! I like an idea of having coffee shop on the first floor of the apartment. I'm so jealous of the people who live here with good coffee to start and/ or finish a day. Coffee quality is excellent! Latte is perfect with intensity of espresso, flavor, and pouring techniques although I always love to add extra shots. It's probably good without extra shots too. Service is good too :) Beautiful ceiling, wall decors, and furnitures. Even bathroom is huge! And not to mention, very clean of course! Women's bathroom is an eye killer though. Haha! You'll see it. I don't think I'm comfortable with the color, but I don't mind of the edgy bathroom. Lots of seat options; large table with plug, sofa, small chairs, etc. They offer free wifi and make a perfect spot for getting some work done! Parking is a bit challenging sometimes, but you can definitely find a spot on N Sheridan Rd within one block if there are no avail abilities on W Lawrence Ave.

Lavender latte + coffee
Mimi L.

I am always, always happy with whatever I order at any Heritage coffee location. It should be noted that this Heritage Outpost is attached to the Lawrence Flats. The decor at Heritage Outpost is lovely, modern and simple. I have always had consistently well made lattes and that is truly all you can ever ask for from coffee shops. In addition to their lovely coffee, they have quiches, pastries, and sandwiches. The coffee shop itself is small but there is a public space considered to be the lobby of the Lawrence Flats where you can enjoy your coffee, bring your laptop or read a book in a beautifully modern, open space with plenty of natural lighting. This is one of my secret, somewhat hidden gem coffee shop places where I'm a little torn sharing my thoughts about this place (because I don't want people to start flocking here!) but you know what, this coffee shop has such a special place in my heart, I figured I would give a shoutout to one of my favorite coffee shops in Chicago.

$8 breakfast sandwiches which they heat in a toaster oven. Pricey? I think so but you decide. No posted prices? Slightly shady.
Chris R.

Summary: trendy hotel-lobby atmosphere but no posted food prices and awkwardly overpriced breakfast sandwich ($8.50 for a small pre-wrapped thing reheated in a toaster oven) makes me drop this to a 2-star. -- This new (July 2016) Uptown shop is the second expansion location of "Heritage General Store"--the hipster bicycle-meets-coffee shop in Lakeview. This other "Heritage Outpost" (the other is also Uptown on Wilson) follows the same scheme of posting up a coffee counter in the lobby of a historic apartment building. This one, the Lawrence Flats, is newly renovated, and you can spot apartment sales folks giving tours on regular intervals. Heritage's strength is it's love of detailed atmosphere, and this partnership with Lawrence flats is perfect, wrapping you in an 1920s wunderspace. Low velvet couches brush just above a diamond-green floor, while an arched glass ceiling hoists pyramid-gold chandeliers in gaudy art deco flair. This vibe is more night club than coffee shop, but a new bar inside the same space promises multi-use. The space has some power outlets and workspace for day campers, although couches dominate over desk-like table space. As a coffee shop Heritage has quality independent coffee, although true to form, some prices are noticeably too high, and this stands out in Uptown even more than Lincoln Ave. Today I ordered a pre-wrapped egg-bacon breakfast sandwich which they reheat in a toaster oven. It was $8.50. That's sorta ridiculous--2x what you might pay most places for the size. Worse, Heritage refuses to post clear prices on their menu, forcing me into the awkward decision of whether I reject the double-priced breakfast sandwich after he had already prepared it (and then charged me). I doubt many folks would order it they saw the actual price in the bakery case or on the board. Knowing both their other locations, I've realized they often omit pricing at their other stores too. This makes me see this as an intentional management move and drops a Heritage's rating from a 4-5 star to 2. Be customer friendly. I'll hope they seek to improve this, and I'm happy to update if I check back.

I agree. ..you really are.
Christopher V.

Small coffee shop attached to The Lawrence Flats. Very clean and bright decor. Friendly barista. Decent coffee and pastries. Not my favorite coffee shop, but I do enjoy pretending like I know how to play chess with the baristas. They have a board so feel free to make a couple moves. The game is on going as customers take turns playing against the staff.

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Love it. Sweet and simple. Baristas are really friendly! Just a little confused about the menu situation...where is it?

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Awesome coffee shop. Greta cappuccino and friendly staff. Nice lobby area with comfortable seating and tables available.

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Super friendly staff, who was quick and efficient. Got a delicious, strong cup of coffee!

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Ask the Community - Heritage Outpost

Is their sitting area open? After Chicago's 1/3/2022 vaccine mandate many cafes have closed and only allow to-go orders.

Yes, our seating is open at all shops in accordance with Chicago's restrictions

Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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