Wow... what a neighborhood gem! Perkolator checks off all my boxes for qualities I look for in a good coffee shop: tasty and fun flavor options, a great breakfast menu, pastries, smoothies, and so much more. There really is something to satisfy everyone's craving! I try to order something new every time I go (which has been weekly at this point lol) and I haven't found one item I wasn't satisfied with. They offer convenient online ordering which makes it a breeze to pick up your items at their pick up window. Thanks for all your amazing work Perkolator team! read more

This place is my jam... I've been coming since before their awesome record/book store opened (attached to the coffee shop) and it just keeps getting better. Their breakfast burrito is my favorite, but honestly we like all of the food options. And the drinks are always on point. I like to come here to work or even bring my kids and just sit and read or devour donuts. Seriously, I love everything about this place - it makes me feel good to be there! I love their added outdoor seating and you can always pick up a unique gift that reps the neighborhood or local makers! Parking is always easy to find on the street - seating is a little limited if it's super busy but otherwise, it's the best. Go. Now. read more

Awesome staff, great place to grab food and get work done. Espresso is on point! Thanks guys!

Perkolator is still open for carry-out! (And they have the best gluten free bread). Our carry-out lunch today was delicious and fresh. An avocado sandwich straight up and a veggie bagel (gf with bread). Support our local businesses and grab a Genmaicha at Perkolator. It won't be the same as hanging at the café, but it helps to not lose our sense of community during these times. Plus they can even walk your order to your car for low-contact carry-out. read more

Perkolator is out of the way from me, but I don't mind driving a bit farther every now and then. I've only been here a handful of times, but every time, the baristas have been welcoming and the vibe has been relaxed and friendly. I have 2 tuxedo cats, so I had to try the tuxedo iced mocha (dark and white chocolate), which was as delightful as my kitties. I've also had the regular iced mocha and brewed coffee (all decaf...I'm too anxious to begin with). Food-wise, I've had the egg and pepper sandwich and the veggie bagel (choice of bagel, I had cheddar), both delicious. The egg sandwich was huge, but I managed to conquer it (and I didn't eat again till almost 6 hours later!). The veggie bagel was filled with yumminess: tomato, basil, red onion, avocado, cucumber and cream cheese. Someone recommended the Mediterranean wrap to me, saying Perkolator's hummus was his favorite, so that'll be the next thing I try. The interior of Perkolator is cute, I love the retro wallpaper and mismatched tables and chairs- it's got an eclectic, homey feel, and there's an adjoining record shop next door (which I haven't checked out yet). Across the street is a shop called Thrift and Thrive, and if you show your Perkolator receipt, you get 10% off, and vice versa, so drive a little bit out of the way and check out both shops! read more

Love this place! Very cute cafe and staff is super accommodating. The Veggie Bagel sandwich is THE BEST SANDWICH I've had in MONTHS. Bravo!

(More of 3.5 rating) Perkolator has the unique name that goes well with their decor inside. With the vintage theme, I really felt like I was in a thrift shop. I liked how there is a little book shop and records. The cashier I had was very friendly and sweet. She didn't rush me on my order when I decided to get something to eat. I ordered caramel perkiato and carpese panini. Another girl finished my order when I decided to get a panini. It comes with fruir, chips, or pastry. When I asked about where are the pastry, she said in the jars which were unlabeled so I didn't know what was what. In a way. I felt rushed. I just took the chocolate chip cookie which looked most familiar. I sat down and enjoyed my coffee. My panini was very delicous especially how simple it was. Cheese was very oozy and the bread was crunchy. I really enjoyed the food. This place would be nice to catch up with a friend over coffee but it can be little noisy in there during the busy rush hour. If you want to study, I would suggest times before elementary school students are dismissed. read more

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Our new favorite local coffee shop! Owner is very personable and we've met him working at a few of the summer farmer's market throughout the NW side. This place reminds me of the coffee shops you find at wicker park. There's a used bookstore/records store attached to it and a bunch of local artist work for sale. I love that they're somewhat green with their plastic use. They don't give a straw or lid automatically. We usually get the cold brew and iced vanilla latte. Both very good! read more

Had a delicious cafe miel in this cute cafe. I was tempted by the apple turnover and they had good lunch choices too. Will go back to try the eats for sure. Some gluten-free options. A nice mix of tables and comfy chairs. Big bright windows and easy street parking. read more

Came in last weekend for an assortment of breakfast items (burrito, sausage sandwich, bacon sandwich and donuts) and a coffee. The shop is so cozy and adorable and the everyone was a joy to interact with. I'm taking one star off because the food was a bit funky for me - sausage wasn't breakfast sausage, but like a smoked sausage and bacon sandwich had crumbled bacon instead of bacon strips (which ended up all over my shirt and the floor instead of my mouth). Donuts & coffee were great - I really like their cold brew, it doesn't have that typical super bitter cold brew taste. Definitely will be back to try the Cuban sandwich! read more

Perkolator - Bacon & egg sandwich - Cafes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I placed my order ahead of time at 10:48am and when I arrived at 11:00am they said they were busy and my ticket was the last, so it would be "a long time" before my order would be ready. It took another 30 minutes for them to give me my order. Not only that but when I asked them about my order again they had let it sit there without telling me it was ready. I ended up with a watered down iced coffee and a very soggy veggie bagel. read more

3.5/5 almond milk latte w pacific milk. 2/5 on Barista skills and friendliness. Frankly the coffee seems fine but the barista didn't know how to steam properly. Ambiance is great and they have small bites. Great place to come and read or work. read more

Perkolator - 3.5/5 almond milk latte w pacific milk. 2/5 on Barista skills and friendliness. Coffee seems fine but the barista didn't know how to steam. - Cafes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Best coffee shop in portage park! And their flourless chocolate brownies are to die for!!

This place is so good! Incredible service. Very personable staff and fantastic prices. I had a turkey wrap and watermelon flavored iced tea. It was so delicious! The turkey wrap came with the best cole slaw I've ever had. Seriously you gotta try this place! read more

Perkolator - Turkey wrap with garlic mayo and a side of bleu cheese cole slaw. So amazing! - Cafes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Have been here a few times. Always friendly service, and we love their jalapeno bomb breakfast sandwich. Interior has changing artworks for sale. Never been disappointed. read more

Perkolator - Jalapeno bomb breakfast sandwich, yum - Cafes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Super friendly staff with delicious made to order breakfast sandwiches. Played amazing music and told us about other cool places in the neighbourhood. On the walls they had art from local artists. I had a smoothie, breakfast sandwich (sausage) and caramel apple scone - delicious. Next door the library and record shop had an eclectic selection. Definitely at the heart of the neighbourhood community. read more

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The inside of this place is super cool, they have pretty decent food and drinks. I love going there to get work done read more

A very colorful, cozy, cheap, no attitude spot for coffee, tea, etc. The baristas were very polite. There are wonderful loose leaf teas to choose from including some delicious herbal concoctions. I had a roasted almond tea with a splash of macadamia nut milk - yes - macadamia nut milk. It's the only coffee place I have ever been to that serves not just soy and almond milk but also macadamia and hemp milk. My husband had a cortado which he said was delicious though a bit larger than normal - more like a very good, extremely strong latté. There's also breakfast and lunch with homemade soups. I'd definitely return when I'm in the vicinity. read more

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I had a 2% milk latte (medium comes with two shots of espresso) and it was very drinkable (I add no sugar or flavoring). While it's not a latte to rave about, the atmosphere was truly enjoyable. Great place to sit and enjoy a conversation with a good friend. So my four stars represents that I would definitely return here regularly, but I wouldn't tell anyone it's the best latte I've ever had. I also had the red pepper, provolone, and egg sandwich. It's served on a buttered, toasted, brioche bun. It was served very hot--I actually let it sit for a bit before I could eat it. Multiple Tabasco varieties are available--I love that Chipotle flavor. My sandwich was simple and tasty. Loved the melted cheese. The red peppers were roasted and probably from a can or jar, which is ok. It's still better than fast food. My friend got the egg, sausage and cheese and upgraded to a croissant (instead of bun) for $1 and I would say it's worth it. The croissant is huge, flaky, and fits the sandwich innards more comfortably than my bun. He also enjoyed his drip coffee. Cute/convenient bonus: lending library shelf with adult and children's books. A cute kids' table mixed in with comfy chairs (for adults). The bathroom also has a solid wood changing table with a cloth mat. All in all, a very kid-friendly place, especially for a coffee shop. read more

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Amazing variety of sandwiches, solid coffee brew, friendly service, and yummy sweet/healthy treats! Worth the drive if you aren't local to the neighborhood. If you live in the neighborhood, an absolute must! read more

Stopped in because I've heard good things about this place. It's about 7 min from my house so why not? The inside ambience is very cute, gives it the small town feel and trendy/hip. As for the drink I got, I ordered a double espresso latte. It didnt taste like the extra shot was put in. Also if you have a refined espresso pallet like me, this tasted like drip coffee with steamed milk. I didn't taste the thickness of the espresso and for being a double shot this watery taste made it even worse. Maybe they're grounds were already oxidized or pre ground I don't know but it didn't give me what I was looking for. I could make the same exact latte at home with regular coffee and some steamed and foamed milk. I specifically go to coffee shops to pay my $5 and get nice thick dense espresso in a latte. If your not at picky as me though, this is a fine place to come and study and work and drink some decent coffee. read more

Perkolator - Cafes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Love this place, coffee is good, staff is nice, they have a small breakfast menu too if you are hungry when you get your coffee I love the decor of the shop! read more

Nice little mom and pop joint with a cozy atmosphere. Great food, excellent service! First time here and it won't be the last. read more

This is by far my favorite coffee shop in Chicago. Everyone is always so friendly and their service is great. I was worried they would close during Covid but they persevered. Great local business doing great things in our community. Love the breakfast sandwiches as much as I love the coffee win win!! read more

You ever go to a place so often that you're embarrassed because they know your order? Yeah, that's Perkolator. I call in and say, "two breakfast burritos," and they say, "Chris?" The sausage, egg and cheese sandwich or the Mediterranean veggie wrap are both fantastic as well. But I keep returning to my first love: that succulent breakfast burrito. When I pop in to pick up my order, I usually also grab a coffee. And a doughnut despite trying to watch my slender figure. They put the doughnuts in a glass case right next to the register. I try to look away, but I can feel their presence. I tell myself, "Not today, Chris." But right before I swipe my credit card, I cave: "And a doughnut please ... Yeah ... the one with the white frosting and peanuts." I think Perk still gets their doughnuts from Somethin' Sweet. Wherever they're from, they're good. I'd say on par with Jewel (and I don't mean that in a negative way because Jewel has some bomb doughnuts), a level below Stan's, and way above Dunkin (Dunkin is trash). Perkolator has become a treasured neighborhood staple. Sure, all the moms who come in with their little kids are annoying because I don't like being around children, but it's a cross I willingly bear for the burrito and friendly service. Joe and his crew are the best! read more

I loved visiting this coffee shop! I moved away from Chicago years ago, but I'm back pretty regularly to visit family and friends. Every time I'm back, I like to visit a new coffee shop in the city. This place has so much charm and the baristas were lovely. The atmosphere had a nice vintage charm to it. I didn't try the food but my latte was superb! I'll definitely be coming back on my future trips to Chicago. read more

We just move in this neighborhood and we needed some nice breakfast this morning:). And what in the world could be better than vinyl and perfect bacon, egg and cheese on brioche bun and coffee shared with my husband . He had breakfast burrito and it was made from scratch and very tasty. Nice place to live by. Glad we have it near. read more

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I REALLY LIKED THIS PLACE. i mean, like seriously. I have to admit that my coffee snob isn't ways came out while visiting this place. Let me tell you they over excelled at my expectations. From everything to their customer service, to their explanations of each of the drinks to educating the customer on the difference in shots for drinks. As a barista from a small coffee shop, during all of my teenaged years, i know my way around an espresso machine. I also know a good shot when I see one. THEY had what it takes. The drinks were superb. If this place wasn't so far from my house, i wild visit them on the regular. GET this, they were attached to an old school record shop. I mean, how cool is that? They also had toys set aside for kids. And even welcomed you, to sit and stay a bit. I absolutely loved it. I also love my banana bread or was it carrot cake. Either way, it was GOOD! Pretty impressive. I just didn't like my sandwich. It was too hot. It was also unevenly cooked. I think that's because they were using a sandwich press. I wish i wish i wish i could give this place a 5 star. Maybe next time. Either way, if your in the area , passing threw, or just want to go explore, PLEASE STOP BY AND HAVE AN AMAZING drink. read more

Perkolator - Love love Love this place. We were just passing by. I'll be back - Cafes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Today, I made my 3rd visit and I'm glad I stopped in again. Unfortunately, they were out of their spring mix to make a turkey warp. However, the employee was extremely helpful and able to make a tomato, basil and mozzarella on a spinach wrap! It taste fabulous. I also had a sugar-free Cafe Con Leche, with skim milk, which was also delicious. It's great knowing this is in my neighborhood and I can enjoy a delicious healthy meal. Along a great cup of Joe read more

Almost didn't come because I wanted breakfast. Good coffee and good food. Not a full menu but the staff and atmosphere (and food!) more than made up for it. Owner knew half the folks that walked in. Type of place I wish I had around the corner from my home. read more

Like this place especially the orange and rice. Also the mango smoothies are good. Only thing is over priced but other than that great place

Walked in at 7:15am in the morning waited in line and watched the one person make someone else order. First time here and first off I'm not impressed. If I was in an hurry why would I come here. One person working in a coffee place in the morning making coffee and breakfast. I was going to order. But what turned me away was the lady didn't wash her hands when she was finish making someone else's food just came to take our order. I could see if i didn't see her do this but I did. read more

This is a great coffee shop with a lot of seating room! Definitely try the cafe con leche, it's amazing! read more

Perkolator - Delicious egg burrito! - Cafes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Fun vibe. They played upbeat 70s/80s music when we were there. They had their windows painted for the holidays, very pretty. We tried the Holiday Spice Latte and Chai Latte; both were very good. The drinks come very hot! We also tried the ham, egg & cheese sandwich and the breakfast burrito. Both were very good, and the eggs were so fluffy. The breakfast burrito has some fresh veggies (tomato, bell pepper, etc.), which I really enjoyed. read more

Great place to grab a quick bite in the morning. Great selection of sandwiches to choose from and they Café con Leche is fantastic. Great service and wonderful atmosphere when you walk in. They even have a record store attached where you can look through old vinyl records while you wait for your order. read more

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I don't know who this guy is working the counter but he has a very dry and annoyed attitude. I work this entire city and I pick small cafes to grab breakfast or lunch. The first time I came in it was a very personal individual so I immediately did a review because the food is nothing to rave about but in conjunction with service makes people return. There is no hello, Good morning or thank you come again. I wouldn't be returning. Especially when I simply asked you could cut the sandwich and I got a equivalent to an eye roll look and as I'm standing there and he sets my bag on the counter instead of handing it to me shows his lack of respect. read more

Lovely coffee shop adjoining a used record/bookstore. Amazing baked goods and inventive drink specials. Kid friendly, adult friendly. Beautiful outdoor space. read more

Perkolator - Outdoor space at McVicker & Irving Park Road. - Cafes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Great coffee selections and pastries to match! I found this place while jogging today. Glad this place is still open!

I thought this place was especially charming and the food was SO fresh and delicious! Cool vintage vibe with a used record/CD/bookstore attached- I bought a couple of art books after my meal. I don't drink coffee so I can't speak to that but there are definitely enough other things to eat and drink so even if you hate coffee you can still enjoy a healthy, fresh and yummy meal. There were a few vegetarian options and a case full of beautiful baked goods. The blueberry scone was perfect. The pepper & egg sandwich was so fluffy and came on the most delicious crispy bun. They carry my favorite mineral water. The sandwiches didn't come with any sides. I wonder if they offer fruit or something on the side as I could have eaten more so next time I'll check on that. It wasn't crowded but was busy enough. Staff was very pleasant. I'll definitely come back. read more

Finally visited Perkolator a while ago (and have been back ever since) but I was very glad I tried it! Their coffee and tea selection is great as well as sandwiches and food to order. The place itself if nice and cozy with a few tables to sit and work from as well as some couches to hang out. If you are in the area and want a good coffee/tea drink look no further and stop by Perkolator! read more