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!

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.

Even though it's on the expensive side , the mouse fruit cakes were absolutely outstanding!…read more Had the hazelnut, mango , raspberry mouse fruit cake and the pistachio tiramisu cup. By far the raspberry mouse was the best one! Maradi coffee is a bit in the expensive side but the service is outstanding and the food delicious. The place was packed so we couldn't eat there but it looked very cozy. A must in the neighborhood.

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!

Excellent coffee, sourced and roasted beans themselves. Baked treats, yummy "trail mix" scones…read more Friendly, helpful staff. Nice big cafe with plenty of space to work or meet a friend. Highly recommend!

Good coffee. Clean bathroom…read more Limited food but good quality. Uncomfortable chairs. Baristas are hit or miss. I'd go there regularly if I lived close by. Certainly better than Starbucks.

My wife and I stopped by Groundswell Coffee Roasters during a morning coffee run on a recent trip…read moreto Chicago. We both got iced 16oz oat lattes for $6.56 each. I really enjoyed the oat milk that they use here and the espresso was strong. The person who took our order was very friendly as well. As it wasn't particularly busy on the Wednesday morning we stopped by around 8:00 a.m., our drinks were ready in only a few minutes. It's a shame I had just gotten breakfast elsewhere because the donuts in the pastry case looked really tasty, especially the apple fritters. Definitely would stop by again if I'm looking for a quick cup of coffee to go. If you're looking to get work done, there's plenty of seating inside as well. Unlike some cafes that have loud music blasting over the speakers, the background music here is not distracting at all.

Thank you to the lovely Lady at the front , she ended up changing my coffee , Highly recommend this…read moreplace !

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

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.

Cute little coffee shop with delicious coffees and lattes. Wish they had some sugar free syrup…read moreoptions but other than that no complaints. Snag a couch up front or one of the 2 tables in the back to enjoy your drinks.

Roasted: found this place in Logan. Super cute coffee shop with ample indoor seating including an…read moreupstairs area. They did ask for vax card to dine in which is good. Incredible friendly barista - probably the nicest barista I've interacted with in Chicago. They don't offer sugar free flavors but have a decent variety to choose from including local bakery items. We asked for here and still got paper cups even though they had ceramic ones available. No latte art and the latte was a bit foamy for my taste. I wasn't a fan of the latte as the espresso sat way too long before being used so it got the burnt espresso taste. I'd come back for the vibe and friendliness and id try the coffee again even though it is not my favorite. **We actually disagree on the rating. I'd give it a 2 not a 3 solely for the burnt espresso.** Unroasted: this place has been on my radar for awhile now. I Love doing local coffee shops near home. Its located on Fullerton Ave where the parking does can be tough but if your in the heart of Logan it's walkable. The barista greeted as we walked even though she was busy attending others. This place is open to patrons if you have your vax card on you. Love the view of the roaster on the back of the shop. Two tables in the back and a second space upstairs. The barista was awesome and friendly and made you feel welcome. No sugar free options available which is a bummer. Pastries are from a local bakery and all look delicious. Get the croissant it awesome! My latte was pretty good after adding two stevias. Much better than the last few reviews. If you're in the hood stop in and give it a try. I recommend!