I'm not sure if I've seen a lovelier coffee shop in Chicago, or if one exists. Pullman, while being an incredibly interesting neighborhood and one of Chicago's most historic (and home to the only National Park site in the city) is a dearth of business besides the Historic Pullman Museum. To call it a food desert is an understatement, and zoning laws keep business activity to a minimum. The exception is the Pullman Club Coffee Shop.
In days of yore, the Pullman Club was an exclusive space for high-ranking Pullman Company employees, and is located directly across the street from the erstwhile factory. The coffee shop is located in what was once the kitchen of the club, and seating areas are in the dining and library areas that have been restored. They have standard coffee shop fare of drinks and some pastries. They even lift up another nearby business, as they had some donuts from Old Fashioned Donuts in their pastry case. I got a bottle of water for the little one to have a bit and also a San Pelligrino for myself. And they had some complementary tea on the porch, which I tasted and guess what--I learned that I actually like iced tea! (Sweet tea, specifically.) I'm really glad that this little cafe has opened because when I visit for the house tours, garden walk, or train days there's a place to grab a cool drink. It would be nice if they were able to expand their menu a little bit--at least on special event days, with maybe a sandwich or two--but because the neighborhood is small I understand why the menu is not very extensive. Worth a stop nonetheless to support the neighborhood and enjoy a few minutes relaxation in the first floor or on the deck outside. read more