Great neighborhood coffee shop. Told the employee it was my first time and she was very helpful with her suggestions. Had their seasonal salted rosemary caramel latte and their chorizo egg and cheese sandwich, both were good. Really like the layout with plenty of seating. Good place to stop by and get some wok done or just relax and hang out. Also next door to the public library. Really has a neighborly feel, love supporting businesses like this. Will definitely be coming back. read more

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I stopped by Perkolator Coffee in Portage Park for a scheduled work meeting at 9am. Surprisingly, it was already very crowded for a Wednesday morning, which made it a little difficult to find a comfortable place to sit. The space itself is pretty small and the tables are also on the smaller side, so it's not the easiest spot if you're trying to have a meeting or spread out to work. I ordered a latte, which was really good nice and strong, exactly how I like it. I also tried a breakfast sandwich. It was decent but pretty average, and I did feel like it was a bit pricier compared to similar coffee spots. The staff was friendly, which always helps the overall experience. Parking can be a challenge though since you have to rely on street parking in the area. Overall, it's a solid neighborhood coffee shop and I would come back, but it's probably not my favorite spot if I'm planning to meet someone or need a little more space. read more

Perkolator - Bagel, interior - Cafes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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It's time for the Perkolator. I heard there was an old school vintage coffee shop called The Perkolator. The Perkolator was a song back in the day me and my friends would dance to at the clubs. The atmosphere has an old homey vintage look on the outside and inside. Nothing fancy about this place. It took me back to my childhood. When I walked inside I could feel this is the place where the local neighbors come to engage together to enjoy breakfast and freshly brewed coffee. The menu has a list of breakfast selections, soups, sandwiches, pastries, variety flavors of coffee and lattes. Tee-shirt, hats, mugs and other merchandise items for you to order. Small but a decent size seating area for the customers to seat down and enjoy themselves. Vegetarian, Vegan & Gluten Options and Free Wi-Fi. Front window seating upfront by the window. My one star review breakdown. There were 2 young ladies in front of me placing their orders. I could tell they were regular customers. No problem. As I was waited more than 10 minutes, the conversation between the women became more personal. The lady behind the counter was engaging in a full blown conversation with the 2 women. It wasn't about placing an order. I guess the look on my face said to wrap up the conversation so I could place my order and leave. I ordered a small hot latte $6.09 was my total. Cool paid and stood to the side to wait for my latte. The same 2 women were standing there chatting with the baristas, while she was making the drinks. I was happy that I didn't have to wait long for my latte. I took a sip and instantly was pissed. My latte was not hot and filled with a bunch of foam and not a hint of lavender. I stood there until I got the attention of the baristas. When she noticed that I was looking at her, she instantly gave me a weird look. Excuse me but my latte is not hot and I taste no lavender flavor only a milky foam taste. The attitude was real but she remade it and again I was disappointed. It's Sunday and I really didn't have the time for my energy to be off. Good vibes only in 2026. I won't recommend anyone's time to come here and be disappointed. Very rude and unprofessional workers to have towards new customers or any customers. This place has put a had taste in my mouth literally. Latte $6.00 more foam Poor customer service rude read more

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Saw the coffee shop while passing by and got curious. The place looks cool and it is a good place to hangout with friends. If im not full I would like to try their bagel sandwiches and their pastries looks so good. I settled for a black regular coffee since I want to taste the freshness of coffee without masking it with any creamer. The coffee taste good but not that great. I only gave 3 stars for service. I guess like one of the reviews that employees are chatty and just ignore customers. So I waited for my coffee on where they pick them up since there is a customer behind me. And they serve the coffee to the guy behind me and employee started cleaning up without asking what i am waiting on. The young guy who got my order was about to leave and started a conversation with another woman employee and even ordered his own. So i asked the other guy for my order and thats when he just got my coffee on that countertop coffee server. The young guy shoukd have given it to me right away in the first place. Well,better start looking around you if there is a customer waiting. read more

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Cute cafe in the neighborhood. Very warm and home-y inside. They have an extensive menu offering different types of beverages and food items. Ended up getting a large caramel perkiato which is their version of a caramel macchiato. Twas delicious and not super sweet. I could see myself coming back for sure. read more

Perkolator - Cafes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Loooooooove this neighborhood gem! I don't go as much as I would like but whenever I stop in it's like a hug. Everyone's friendly, the food and drinks are consistent, and it's so cozy inside! Love the speciality drink, I think it's a Carmel Cold Brew or Carmel Iced Coffee with Pecan foam? Idk it's good. Go get it! Their GF brownies are amazing so get that too! read more

Perkolator - Carmel Coffee with Pecan Cold Foam - Cafes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Delicious coffee and food! Service is good and it works as a quick pick-me up before errands!

The ambience is cool chill but then when you go to order seems like they're a little bit racist and and judgmental based off how the workers were talking to each other. The negative part was that I ordered a burrito which I thought was a little bit pricey because it doesn't come with anything on the side and I noticed that I had a little plastic thing inside that holds the bread see pic . Makes me feel like they were rushing and not paying attention. Do better. read more

Perkolator - Almost are this plastic bread holder called and they acted if nothing - Cafes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Gave this place a 3rd chance after months of not going here. Use to be my favorite coffee shop but the service is slow. If your idea of going to a coffee shop is waiting in line for 30 minutes for expensive coffee then this might be your kind of place. read more

This place is awesome. Service, food, atmosphere all fantastic! I had the avocado toast and it was extremely delicious. My husband also enjoyed his ham, egg & cheese on a croissant. The Americano coffee was perfect and superb taste. I highly recommend the Perkolator, you will definitely be satisfied and happy to visit. read more

Perkolator was a great place to catch up with everyone and grab a coffee. Descent spot with descent food! read more

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I've visited the Perk many times over the years. When I came in today the place looked shabby; don't recall it looking like that. While eating lunch I realized it was because of all the ugly grey-painted tables with paint peeling. Looks terrible. Buy some nice new tables. The food is good and the service is pleasant. read more

Great service, coffee, pastries & a furry friendly outdoor patio. Not only 5 stars, 5 .

This coffee shop is adorable with friendly service. The coffee is delicious, I ordered a light drip coffee and my husband had a hot americano. There are gluten free treats available as well as gluten free options for bread. We had the breakfast burrito and the peppers and egg sandwich with the gluten free roll - both were awesome. 10/10 recommend. read more

Perkolator - Light roast coffee, refills are $1! - Cafes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We love coming to this great neighborhood spot. The coffee is always perfect and the sandwiches are on point. Service is usually pretty quick for how busy this place can get. read more

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Solid coffee, solid food, solid dudes in a hip space. All good. Add to your list. They have espresso coffees, despite the name.

The best kind of neighborhood cafe! I've seen this place pop up on the feed and always wanted to try it, finally got the chance! It's a small little place but it has everything you need... Cold brew, coffee, tea, smoothies, sandwiches, bagels, avocado toast, pastries and even a breakfast burrito! The service is so attentive and friendly you can definitely feel their heart is in making the place great. I got the chorizo, egg and cheese on a croissant and added the jalapeño cream cheese my wife got on the side. Wow, it hit the spot! Also a very delicious mango colada fresh fruit smoothie. Great spot, take a walk or a quick drive and invest in the neighborhood! read more

I had a crazy bad experience I could have cried. They gave my order to someone else, tried not to remake it but did so. In my frustration at the wait (more than 30 minutes) I asked the barista, who originally made the mistake but was never made aware of it, to remake my lattes. He gave me a hard time even though they had been sitting there for 30 minutes getting cold. He kept insisting that they were busy, as if I'm being finicky. So already that didn't feel great. When I got my sandwiches, a full 40 minutes later, and the barista said, I made your coffees extra hot so they won't cool off. Even now, it upsets me, the passive aggressive tone, making me feel bad for wanting quality items that I spent $30 for!! Not cheap!! We exchanged some heated words, then he cut me off, in my upset complaining, and said Bye Have a Good Day - well, I'll never be going back. read more

Service was great and food came out fast. That sandwich I had was filling and absolutely delicious

My favorite local coffee shop Their House Special - The Perkiato (iced) is the best version of a Carmel macchiato I've ever tried. The cafe is super cute and bright, and they have a whole outdoor bench area with trees and flowers that is perfect for a weekend morning. Their whole bean coffee blends are great as well. Would recommend going early to snag some pastries! read more

Perkolator - Iced Cold Brew and Iced Perkalator - Cafes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Great random find while looking for a coffee shop not too far from the airport to host an online meeting. Really great coffee, I had the Carmel Vanilla latte- which has a cute name I can't recall, and a turkey bacon avocado sandwich on sourdough. It was great, filling, good price. The atmosphere was perfect- good music, right volume, nice decor. Really friendly staff. read more

Cute cozy/homey feeling coffee shop on Irving Park that I'd seen people always stop at on my way to work, so thought I'd drop in one day. I ordered the Veggie Bagel and a cortado. The bagel was pretty good, nice and fresh, but I would have liked more of the spread. Unfortunately the coffee was very disappointing....it tasted very very earthy and maybe burnt. I almost didn't finish it. Also, there was no foam on the top of my cortado, like at all, and there should be a little, even if just the cream from the coffee extraction. read more

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I had been meaning to go here and try the coffee after seeing a post by local shop Harebrained (which designed logo imagery for Perkolater). I'm glad I found this place. Coffee is excellent; I grabbed a bag of Portage Park blend beans for home, and I enjoyed a smooth cold brew. I tried the egg and cheese sandwich on brioche. It was a tasty sandwich. The breakfast burrito is highly rated and recommended. The space is nice with a decent amount of indoor and outdoor seating. The service was friendly. Looking forward to future visits. read more

the food, cold brew and service were all excellent! staff was very friendly and it was very cute inside.

Visited with a large group and they took care of us all nicely. They said good would take 30+ minutes and I received mine in about 15. The iced chai tea was awesome!! Loved the vibe inside and the outside seating was cute. read more

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Unpretentious cafe experience with eager to pour baristas. IG, selfie worthy seating for those looking to read awhile or work/study. 'What brings me back' are the made-to-order breakfast sandwiches. They also offer a donuts/ desserts gallery with selections that come from some of Chicago's favorites. Quantities are limited so you'll have to hit them up sooner than later. I was fearful that the pandemic could get them. Glad to see them still pourin'. read more

Had the cortado and the turkey wrap and both were delicious. Took both to go but I wish I would've stayed, the vibes and decor were . Would definitely recommend read more

The matcha latte here is definitely a lower grade powder, it had a brownish tint to it. I didn't enjoy it. I also ordered an egg and cheese sandwich on a croissant. The flavor was fine but the egg itself was spongy, which you can see the texture in the pic. My friend had a cuppucino and a chorizo sandwich, she said her items were good. Customer service was pleasant and the place is otherwise I would rate go a half star less. read more

Perkolator - Egg & Cheese on croissant Matcha Latte with oat milk - Cafes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

My family lives around the corner and this is my go-to place when I'm in town. Food choices are great for any appetite and the service is always attentive and friendly. I like the vibe of this local family owned shop. I've been to a few others in the area along Irving, but this place is tops on my list. Plus they're celebrating their 10 year anniversary which tells you they have what it takes to stay in business. read more

Pretty cute shop, stopped by for breakfast sandwiches but it was 20$ for two sandwiches and no sides or drink. The "brioche bun" was literally like a hamburger bun with some grill marks and the egg had a greenish blue color I still ate it because it was 20$ for two sandwiches but the color was hard to get past. read more

Perkolator - Cafes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This is a great coffee shop on in the Portage/Old Irving area. I stopped in here one day when I was heading to the movies in Norridge (pre-pandemic) and needed to kill a bit of time before the movie began. It's cute with its retro vibe, and the seating, though sparse, is comfortable. The guy who took our order was super friendly and my chai was delicious, as was my friend's coffee. They use the storefront next door--which they're connected to--as shop selling books, records, and such. There are a few seats in that space too, though I think you're not supposed to take drinks in there (it would be very dangerous if you did!). A solid coffee shop worth a repeat visit. read more

I really wish there was more places like Perkolator around. Sure, it's got the trappings of a third-wave coffee, hipster type place; c'mon they've got a record store in their adjacent space. But still has the accessible neighborhood vibe that can be sometimes missing in places like that. Despite it being my first time I sat there for hours, first after trying their Arnold Palmer-I like that they have coffee alternatives listed for non-coffee people like myself. I also tried their jalapeno popper bagel sandwich and it made me think 'why has no one else thought of this?' It's so easy but the combination of egg, bacon, cheese and just a few slices of fresh jalapeno on a toasted bagel? Genius. Since I was there to watch them switch from breakfast to lunch and my Arnold Palmer was so enjoyable I ended up getting the Cubanski for lunch. Again, a Cubano but with smoked Polish ham, I can see why it can be an acquired taste but I liked it. I will say that I wish seating options were a little more varied, there are just a few small tables and one long communal one and even when it was quiet it can be hard to find a more private table-the one in the record store side is really popular and maybe add one or two more two tops? read more

So glad they opened this cozy but classy cafe. The vibe is incredibly warm and welcoming and coffee and tea offerings are top notch! Food menu is worth mentioning with great options for breakfast sandwiches as well as lunch offerings. (Cubaski and Chicken salad being specially noteworthy.) The owner operator makes sure that, even if you're just grabbing a cup and running, you are treated like family. This place rocks and its a much welcomed addition to the ever growing list of awesome things going on in our new and improved Portage Park neighborhood. So thankful they are here, bringing a Wicker Park vibe to Portage Park, and see all of you here! Alex read more

The place was so cute. The staff was friendly and the sandwiches were amazing. There is quirky art around the place and some amazing chalkboard art moments done by the staff. I will definitely stop by again if I'm in the area. read more

This place is one of my favorites in Portage Park! The coffee is delicious and the breakfast sandwiches are very tasty! Everyone is very friendly! read more

We came here because our daughter's art work was featured on the walls. What a cute quaint coffee stop. I ordered the golden milk latte... yum! Service was attentive and speedy. Nothing to complain about here! read more

Perkolator - Great coffee stop with food. - Cafes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Delicious brownies ! Great coffee The place is cozy a little neighborhood hidden gem. Staff was friendly and service was fast

Leadership here continues to shine and it's evident through the staff that works here. Happy ,kind and hard-working team that recognizes you and knows how to do their job quickly and efficiently. There is a reason this business thrives and that my friends is "quality"...all across the board. Cheers to the Perk team! read more

I've known for a long time that I can get a great cup of coffee in a pleasant and upbeat shop at Perkolator, but today I learned that they're also a woman-owned business on their Instagram page, so I wanted to hop on here and say, thanks for the great coffee and service, Perkolator. And also thank you for highlighting being woman owned. You rock and I'm celebrating your success today and always. read more

SUPER CUTE cafe on the northwest side of the city. A friend and I met up here for an after work coffee date, and we were both so pleasantly surprised. Their tea selection is on point, with their caffeine free options in blue, and their caffeinated options in white. The vanilla rooibos was superb and under $3. Their custom coffee creations were also appealing, so I might be making a before work stop here very, very soon! My favorite part of Perkolator was their staff though. SO KIND. Just so kind. Even when we sat there a teensy bit past closing, they were friendly and warm, and happily let us finish our convo. Such a fan. I'll be back! read more

Perkolator - Cafes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois