Robust Coffee is a great spot if you're looking for a casual place to grab a solid cup of coffee. The space itself is pretty large with plenty of seating, and everything felt clean and well kept. The staff was friendly and welcoming, which always makes a difference. The coffee was really good just how I like it nice and strong, exactly what you want when you're trying to wake up. I also had a bagel which was good, though at the end of the day it's still just a bagel. The only real downside is parking. There isn't a lot of convenient parking nearby, which can make stopping in a little tricky depending on the time of day. It's also not the quietest environment, so it might not be the best place if you're looking to get a lot of work done. Overall though, it's a great neighborhood coffee spot with good drinks, friendly staff, and a comfortable atmosphere. I'd definitely come back. read more

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Came here during my lunch break. I've been here in a few occasions but this is the first time I've come for lunch. I didn't even realize they had lunch, salads and sandwiches. I was pleasantly surprised. I think they can do a little better showcasing this on their in store menu. Also, I originally was going to order for pickup or delivery on a food app, but because I didn't see my chai latte on the food delivery service website I decided to come in so I can get exactly what I wanted. I ordered my favorite , a chai latte. Also I had their Santorini salad which is a Greek salad with chicken. I ordered my food to be eaten at the cafe and was able to snag a cozy seat by the window while I waited for my order to be ready. I didn't wait long for my latte, barely got situated at the table. The salad was ready not too long after. My latte was delicious per usual. The salad was ok & filling. It could have used some croutons & also the chicken seemed like it came out of can. It was still delicious but for the price they could have done better. The staff were nice and pleasant. read more

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This neighborhood coffee shop was great friendly and welcoming. The breakfast menu looked and smells just as inviting. The key lime matcha smoothie and the Hawaiian was very good The ice coffee was just as good for the price. read more

Robust Coffee Lounge - Iced coffee and key lime matcha smoothie - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I rarely complain--in 20 years of living, I've never had an experience like this. I ordered a smoothie at Robust Café in Chicago via Uber Eats. No one acknowledged me. When I got there, I was completely ignored. I kindly asked to remake my smoothie because it was overpoweringly peanut butter. Instead of being helped, I was dismissed, asked rudely about sizes and "just ordering another smoothie" , and then VERBALLY told no returns or exchanges--even though the sign the employee pointed to said exchanges only. As a paying customer, this felt like discrimination, and it was heartbreaking to realize I wasn't welcomed in my own neighborhood spot. I will never return, and I don't want other Black customers to have this same awful experience. read more

I like robust for their presence on the south side of Chicago. They have a great menu and I've indulged in the two times I have visited. I didn't think the Breakfast bowl was good and the price was alright. Needed a lot of salt and pepper. The brisket was much better. My only recommendation is more sauce on the side. The smoothie is thick - I got a berry flavor one. Beware, if you're interested in adding protein powder it's $3/ scoop. Highway robbery if you ask me but I didn't make the rule or add it to my smoothie. I'd return for early morning stifling but that's about it. read more

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Love their breakfast sandwiches! Their offerings are unique. I like the variety. Service is typical 'step up, order, move to the side.' Been a couple times, no angry faces, but no smiles either. Pretty cool environment. Seems welcoming, all the things you'd love about a coffee spot. Wi-fi, kitschy signs, back room, washrooms. Cool enough. read more

Robust is a great neighborhood cafe. It has a variety of hot and cold drinks and breakfast and lunch sandwiches. I really like getting their egg and cheese croissant for breakfast with a French vanilla latte - so good! This day I stopped in for lunch and tried the chicken salad sandwich on raisin toast. I prefer my chicken salad to have sweetness so this wasn't my fave sandwich but it was still pretty good. This is a great place to stop for breakfast or lunch if you're in the area. You can work from there also using their WiFi. P.S., I hadn't been here in a while and didn't know the WiFi information. I asked the man working on 7/2 around 1:30pm for the password. He just rudely pointed to the sign. This wasn't Richard who I've known from here for years. It was another person with dark hair and mustache. That wasn't very nice. read more

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I ordered takeout more than an hour ago. I teach across the street, so I have to be time conscious. Once I arrived I was told they were having difficulty with their printer for GrubHubb. They did not have my order and stated they were not aware of it. There was no apology or any level of concern regarding my order. Efficiency and customer service is nonexistent!! I heat that they treat our students horribly. The level of service felt like a sense of entitlement. As I finally received my order, (thinking that there would be an apology, to my chagrin-no) I expressed my disappointment. I was told by the staff (who sipped on coffee during intervals of making coffee for guests) that she "hope I have a good day." Incredulous, I have to be having a bad day because I ordered over an hour ago 1 coffee and a simple breakfast sandwich to be disappointed with poor service. I will never return!! The receipt says the order was read at 8:02am. I was told something different and it took more than an hour to receive coffee and a simple breakfast sandwich read more

Robust Coffee Lounge - Order placed at 7:37, receipt states read at 8:02am, I arrived at 8:37 and was told the receipt didn't print, so my order was not ready - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

FAV EVERYDAY SPOT - Robust is amazing breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They serves breakfast and lunch eats, and beverages. Teas, coffee, smoothies, sandwiches, bowls, pastries, and more. Right on the corner, surrounded by ample parking, and rays of natural sun light - Robust Coffee Lounge is situated in the perfect location. The service is amazing small but mighty team of knowledgeable Baristas. Always greeting you with pleasant energy no matter how long the line. It's a pretty popular spot, so the line tends to be long. So if you hate waiting, be sure to order ahead of time online. Love their Chair Tea, Elvis with Blueberries, Build Your Own Sandwich, and the Grits Bowl. I haven't tried the whole menus yet, but looking forward to it. They also have their own house blend that is absolutely divine, and you can add flavor shots of your choice. It's really nice how you can customize their items as needed. There is also ample seating space, and almost has the feel of Barnes and Noble or bookstores when they still had chairs in them. And on a good day, you maybe able to get a lesson or a game of chess in while you enjoy a cup of tea. Great location for a party of one or a party of ten. The food, vibes, and location - you will love it. read more

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I love coming to Robust it's such a homey atmosphere and the people who work there are so friendly. The food is so good! It's a great space to get some work done also. It definitely has its peak times also so if you come at the wrong time, you could be waiting for about 20-30 minutes. Other than that, I would highly recommend this place to everyone. read more

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I am writing this review as my second time going here and I think this place is so so. I do love the ambiance here, the music is great, there's enough seating. However, the staff isn't the nicest. I placed an order for an iced coffee and received a hot coffee and the barista got upset at me for the cashier's mistake. It was a very unprofessional experience, so I came back the second time to see if it would be better. The first time I tried an Iced Latte (which let's just say the coffee is BETTER than the food) and it was really flavorful. The breakfast sandwich was ok, it has a bit more bread than ingredients. My second time trying I went for the breakfast bowl and it was honestly nothing to rave over. Overall, I'd probably on go here for coffee. I'd like to try their smoothies next as well. Please go for your own experience! read more

Robust Coffee Lounge - Robust Breakfast Bowl - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Thought I'd try something different....was in an area I don't visit often....looked for black owned coffe shops and thus popped up. and it's not black owned. . That said, I loved the decor! Kinda weirdly cool...but ima nerd sooooo. Lolol. The young lady behind the counter was patient and explained what was offered and made a suggestion on my drink. Coffee drink was smooth. Not the bite flavor I was looking for. That's due to my Starbucks influence. That said... njoyed......and will be back... read more

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Probably the best value for money in the Hyde Park/Woodlawn area. I think they use Intelligentsia coffee, and it's pretty reasonably priced. Their breakfast is also pretty tasty and something that won't break the bank. They have a large seating area, with the front room a little more updated and modern and the back being a little more retro and frankly some of the booths do need a little work. But it's a super chill vibe that I can appreciate. read more

Staff were friendly. Meal came out hot and fresh tasting made with fresh ingredients. The atmosphere on a Sunday was very welcoming. Love to see businesses like this out the south side. read more

The Good. I have patronized this quirky coffee shop since the first day the doors opened and watched the business grow. They hire people from the community i believe to work their. Coffee preparation has gotten better. The Bad. Depending on the day, never know what personality will show. I visited today 7/31/24 at 11:30am. there was a long line as usual, a good sign. but as i waited 5 minutes before I ordered. I witness a man and a lady with braids to her derriere behind the counter. The WHOLE 5 minutes she scratches her scalp and stroke her braids and lift the braids to form a pony tail. then begins to stroke her braids again from one side of her shoulder to the next. They guy she was talking to is looking at me look at her. he says nothing. the manager says nothing. the lady at the register looks at me noticing the braid lady and looks back and raises her eyebrow. i raise mine. i begin to placed my order, a large white hot chocolate with coconut milk. but i had to run to the car for my money. I came back waited in line again and now the man that was talking to the braid lady was at the register. I ordered white hot chocolate, large with coconut milk. as he took my order he looked at me with distaste and aggravation. when my order came up i sipped before i walk out. i asked the manager, "is this a white hot chocolate"? she told me NO, 'You ordered a regular hot chocolate'. I said, 'no i didn't. as i began to explain she turned to him and said,' what did she order'? he said. ' a regular hot chocolate'. the manager turns to me and said,' maybe YOU made the mistake because he rang you up a hot chocolate because that what you ordered'. I attempt to explain again. the manager said, 'well, what do you want me to do about it'. i said, 'may i have what i ordered a white hot chocolate, its my favorite i know what i like'. the manger said, 'why don't you just drink it'. i said 'no'. she said, 'fine aggressively and took the hot chocolate and poured it in the sink. she said, 'so what do you want'. i said, 'a large white hot chocolate with coconut milk'. she made it drink and smacked the white hot chocolate on the counter. I said thank you and walked out not able to enjoy my drink. this upset my spirit. read more

Love coming here for coffee. Staff is super friendly and hard working. Smoothies are great and the food is generally very good. Always tables available too. read more

The place has a really good ambiance and is truly a much needed third space for commuters and neighborhood folks. I do need to start taking pictures so that my proof is better with these reviews. Do get a breakfast sandwich. Do not touch the grits. Grainy soup!!! read more

This is great coffee spot with fantastic food options. I always go for the breakfast sandwiches. They're huge and very filling. The only negative I have about this place is that they don't have a lot of electrical outlets. I counted three locations. And of course, those locations are always filled with people seating down at the table and not using the outlets. Drive me mad! read more

I can't believe I have never written a review for Robust before. We are big fans of this place! My 5 year old son likes their smoothies and their donuts. We also get the veggie bagel sandwich (on an everything bagel, no cheese & no mayo to make it vegan). It's so good!!! Their brownies are amazing. Some of my all time favorite brownies. read more

Really good food and coffee. They definitely do need to work on their ventilation as it tends to get smoked out quite a bit inside and the interior needs a refreshment. The staff are excellent most times. Love how customizable the food is as well. read more

Great good, great service. The chips are house made and delicious and the French sandwich I had was stuffed to the brim with roast beef. I will be back! read more

I wouldn't have known about this place but for a friend that invited me there for a meet. It was a little further south than I had walked in the area (visiting for the Humanities festival) but it was a lovely fall day, a lot of nice old buildings to see. This is the type of coffee shop that I would live in if I lived near: lot of space, big variety of drinks (I had a matcha smoothie), nice service, people living and reading and learning, close to a university. The only snag was trying to figure out when my drink was ready, they call overhead but it's really impossible to hear what they are saying. read more

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The service is okay- not the most welcoming experience, but whatever. Coffee is also okay. Far from the better brews I've had but beats Dunkin' or other burnt/sat-out-too-long flavors. The interior is generally pretty clean and it's a nice little shop in general. Love supporting small business, regardless of the minor inconveniences/flaws. Hope they continue to grow. read more

On today, 21 May 2025, I patronized the establishment known as Robust Coffee Lounge. I placed an order. While waiting for my order, an employee was engaged in a heated debate with a customer resulting in both calling each othe derogatory names. The customer eventually left the establishment unsatisfied. Subsequent to the initial incident, I was verbally addressed about the situation by several employees/management. Unprovoked, the staff began to verbally insult me, telling me I should have done something. As I attempted to assist, all the staff yelled and cursed at me. I asked them to return my money to which I was denied. One of the employees even stated she wishes that I have a bad day. I remained professional. I have never personally experienced such unprofessionalism from a food establishment. I WILL NEVER PATRONIZE ROBUST COFFEE LOUNGE AGAIN! read more

A cozy little chill spot with a beautiful artist vibe. I have driven past here a few times unable to stop. I was visiting my mom on Sunday and she was interested in trying the honey nut latte and a turkey sandwich. She had read the reviews, on Yelp of course. I was interested in trying the honey butter biscuits. We both looked on Yelp to check store hours and 8pm is posted. We also clicked on other info which directs you to their website which is down. We even tried calling, strange message. We get to the restaurant and there is a sign on the door that says they close at 3pm. The following morning I called and asked about the confusion with their business hours. A young lady told me to go to Google and that she would let the owners know. Its not what she said, it was her tone. Then the click. My goal was to be informative in hopes that as everyone new to the internet during this Pandemic has an easy time navigating. Besides, a Google search would not be my first choice. I did go back to the restaurant early in the afternoon to try the honey butter biscuits. A nice tender crumb, almost like a dense cake. Served with a very good honey butter. They have so many things I would like to try. read more

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I visited robust after spending the morning exploring the Woodlawn area. The environment was very inviting and staff were polite but the quality of food did not match the service. I order a breakfast sandwich with avocado to go. I finally made it to my destination and realized that my sandwich was a bit scorched. The flavor of charcoal overpowered everything. The lattes are everything but I just may skip out on food in future visits. read more

Robust Coffee Lounge - Build Your Own Breakfast Sandwich - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Stopped here while driving in the area after coming across this a while ago and wanting to try. Ordered a coffee and a smoothie. Were not disappointed. Both were delicious. As someone who is very picky about her coffee my partner had no complaints with how they made it. This place has now become a favorite coffee shop in the city. While we don't visit often we make a point to whenever in the area. read more

I went to robust coffee today and I ordered a corn beef sandwich. I asked the cashier can I have cranberry mayo on it as opposed to mustard. She said yes then I asked her can I have a little bit extra I'll pay for it. she said yes. When I got my sandwich, there was no cranberry mayo on the sandwich at all, and I had a little bit of extra cranberry mayo and a cup so I go back up there, and I said there's nothing on the sandwich, and the Caucasian lady takes it from me and goes to the back with it, then she comes back upfront and says to me, they said there is some in a cup. I told her specifically, that is the extra that I paid one dollar for. I said look on the receipt it says no mustard add cranberry mayo. And then it says one dollar extra for extra cranberry mayo. So the white lady took the sandwich one again and gave it to the white guy in the back that makes the sandwiches. I'm assuming he is the owner. He open the sandwich and flopped a teaspoon full on top of the corn beef. He did not spread it on the bread the way it's should have been done, because they didn't want to give it to me. They prices go up, and they charge for everything. The nerve of these people not giving you what you paid for. I was on a short break when I went up there, and I had to actually go back to get my added cranberry mayo. They never have to worry about me again because they was complete assholes and not putting cranberry mayo on my sandwich. The white lady had the nerve to say to me they said there's some in a cup. I said yes and I paid for that but where is the cranberry mayo that should be on this dry sandwich. They come into this neighborhood and they make a lot of money that they will not get another dime from me, treating me as though you can't afford to give extra cranberry mail. That's what I paid for. read more

Wonderful local shop. Reward system. Great food. Awesome coffee. Very interesting decor. No parking but a great location. They need to have live music in the back area and stay open longer. read more

The food was SUB PAR. The ambience was charming. The service was very good. The location is great. The quality of the cooking just too much to be desired. read more

This is a great place for a small bite to eat. There are savory and sweet options. The sandwiches are really good. The coffee and smoothies are also amazing. I've been coming here for years, starting when I needed a place to study while in nursing school. They play old school music (but not too loud) there's a lot of seating in the front and back. You will see a mix of people studying, interviewing, playing chess or just eating. It has a good neighborhood feel. The service is fast. read more

Robust Coffee Lounge - 63rd Street Club - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Service was pretty basic. Ambience is rustic and chill. Theres is a lot of seating. Parking was not difficult to find and free. Had the banana bread french toast and omg it was amazing. Coffee was decent. And the price, affordable. Will come again love the local feel! read more

Robust Coffee Lounge - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The food is good, coffee too, but they let people sit inside with their dogs. This pit bull was clearly not a service animal. Health code violation, and very uncomfortable. Not coming back here. read more

I love that this little independent coffee shop is in the neighborhood. However, as other reviewers have stated, it is inconsistent. I do love their breakfast sandwiches, fresh lemonades, and the espresso drinks I have had (mostly lattes.) They have a nice vibe for meeting up with a friend or doing a little bit of work. However, when it's busy, there is a layer of smoke from the kitchen-they could benefit from some better ventilation. The back room has some nice sized tables and booths, but the WiFi is sporty and the upholstery is ratty. I think they should have more types of bread options for their lunch sandwiches--all of their lunch sandwiches are on giant rolls/buns that are just too much for the sandwiches, in my opinion. Their tuna salad and French dip are good and my teenaged kid likes the brisket grilled cheese. They are only open until 3, which is a bummer because who is done studying by 3 PM? Their service can be pretty slow, so sometimes I just order drip coffee just to avoid the wait. Their pastries, donuts, and cookies are also pretty good. Overall it's a mixed bag. I would love for them to fix some of their customer service and facilities issues so it could be a more enjoyable experience. read more

Owner is rude and horrible to the patrons have lived in the neighborhood for 4 years, enjoyed their breakfasts. Today I orders and wen to the bathroom and asked they hold it so I don't take it to the nasty bathroom. 30 min pass and no food, I ask for a refund so I can leave. He blames me for not getting a number and says you can just have a refund "everyone gets a number" the cashier supported I did not get a number. He still said it was my fault and I created the problem. I asked to talk to him and he told me come back he was too busy read more

Robust Coffee Lounge - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Still awful, in case anyone was wondering. Staff is still unbelievably rude, no matter how kind you try to be (particularly if something is incorrect). It's kind of impressive how consistently they manage to hire people with bad attitudes for customer service positions. read more

Robust is a great spot to get work done. The music can be a little loud sometimes but the atmosphere is nice. The south shore club and honey nut latte are my faves. Everyone is friendly and helpful read more

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The Walter: this has turkey, Swiss cheese, bacon, avacado, and ranch. I like getting this with challah bread ( because it will be toasted) otherwise it comes with multigrain wheat to me the wheat bread is too thick. This sandwich is flavorful and comes with ALOT of turkey. Grilled cheese: cheese, bacon, and tomato. This comes with challah bread. The cheeses are perfectly melted and great in flavor. Chai latte: amazing! This was made with whole milk it had the perfect blend of chai mix Interior: very spacious, we usually sit in the back it's more quiet for our weekly meeting. They play louder music in the front which are good for smaller groups read more

Robust Coffee Lounge - Grilled Cheese Lunch - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The WORST EXPERIENCE !!!!!!!!!!! As a frequent customer , I purchased a latte that I always get . The latte tasted watery ,so I told the server. She declined to remake the latte per the store policy they cannot remake, refund or change the drink (in a rude way) .She informed me unless they made the wrong drink is against the store policy. No manager was available so I left the drink on the counter and emailed the owner . I received no response from email. Three days later on my next visit as I was eating my food and having a smoothie . I spoke with another employee about my the issue . She apologized and confirmed that they had issues with the Barista machine and offered to replace the drink for my next visit . Considering , I had already purchased a drink and food . Today, I went in to purchase my food and asked about the drink. The server asked did I email the store and talk to some one . I explained,Yes I did along with describing the server I spoke with . The owner rushed out and rudely said Did you email me ? Did you get an email from me? I responded yes , I emailed( provided email ) and explained , I didn't received a response email back. Explained to him I spoke with the server and what she said . He then again rudely responded , well I am the owner and she cannot say that and I don't appreciate you trying to scam and get a free drink. He said I didn't email you and you are trying to scam a free drink !! Appalled and Embarrassed I asked for a refund and left. I cannot believe he blantly accused me of trying to steal or scam . He lacked the respect of evening talking to me as a person yet along a customer . Who frequently comes weekly alone and daily with my children before school . The worst experience ever over a $8 drink that they messed up and I left there . I will never go back !!!!!!!!!!! Defamation of character at its best !! I am so appalled read more

We came here for breakfast and had an oatmeal and a breakfast sandwich, they were both excellent, coffee is also good here. Plus the place has a really nice look, definitely will come back. If you in the south come here. Service is also good! read more