I wish I could give zero stars because hearing a person being treating like this is absolutely disgusting. Not my story but certainly needs to be brought to attention. "I took my wife and two smallest children today to get a coffee and donuts at Robust on 63rd and Woodlawn. As I was paying for my bill a woman came in and was lingering around. The young man who was behind the counter rudely told her to leave and told her not to solicitate in the store. How this young man talked to her was what caught my attention. The anger and disdain that he spoke seemed like it was personal. I asked him why he was so angry and with many neck rolls, lips smacking, eye rolls, and heaving breathing he proceeded to tell me Robust's policy of not allowing people to ask for food. I understand how that at times can be problematic when running a business but this young man was super emotional and disrespectful on how he articulated that point of view. I walked over to the woman and asked if she was hungry and was there something I could get for her. She said she wanted a corned beef sandwich. I placed my order with the young woman at the cash register and Robert came running over to the cashier, neck rolling, lip smacking, and eyes rolling and emphatically told me I could not purchase the sandwich. I asked him why not and he told me because it was for the woman. I told him he would not dictate how I spent my money, he then told the cashier not to process my purchase. After a brief back and forth I submitted and just walked over to the woman and gave her the cookies I previously purchased. At this point Robert got super irate, began to talk crazy as if I wouldn't toss his flamboyant ass over the counter and back. Robert told me I now "had to leave"... I proceeded to "kindly" give Robert a clear depiction of what would take place if he continued his disrespectful ways this morning, prompting Robert to say he was calling the police. I sat down with my family and called the store manager to alert him of Robert's behavior towards the woman and myself. As the manager listened, he interrupted me and said that me purchasing food for another is a continued problem and against Robust's policy. So for clarity I asked him to explain his position and he continued to say that customers paying for food for "solicitors" is against the law and a big problem. I told him that we have supported Robust because it's a community business, I asked him how is it you can take profit from the community and allow someone from the community to be talked to in such a manner and dictate how costumers want to help those within that same community? I began to tell him about Robert and what I told Robert. He hung up on me. Now my conversation was unemotional and my argument was clear. The store manager was very adamant that the hungry people in the community are a "problem" and therefore I will cease purchasing from Robust. Under no circumstances will I ever allow any of my people to be humiliated and talked to in a manner that Robert spoke to this woman today. Being hungry is a "problem" and it's up to us in OUR community to look after our own... Jake is the Manager Robert is black by the way" read more

I took my wife and two smallest children today to get a coffee and donuts at Robust on 63rd and Woodlawn. As I was paying for my bill a woman came in and was lingering around. The young man who was behind the counter rudely told her to leave and told her not to solicitate in the store. How this young man talked to her was what caught my attention. The anger and disdain that he spoke seemed like it was personal. I asked him why he was so angry and with many neck rolls, lips smacking, eye rolls, and heaving breathing he proceeded to tell me Robust's policy of not allowing people to ask for food. I understand how that at times can be problematic when running a business but this young man was super emotional and disrespectful on how he articulated that point of view. I walked over to the woman and asked if she was hungry and was there something I could get for her. She said she wanted a corned beef sandwich. I placed my order with the young woman at the cash register and Robert came running over to the cashier, neck rolling, lip smacking, and eyes rolling and emphatically told me I could not purchase the sandwich. I asked him why not and he told me because it was for the woman. I told him he would not dictate how I spent my money, he then told the cashier not to process my purchase. After a brief back and forth I submitted and just walked over to the woman and gave her the cookies I previously purchased. At this point Robert got super irate, began to talk crazy as if I wouldn't toss his flamboyant ass over the counter and back. Robert told me I now "had to leave"... I proceeded to "kindly" give Robert a clear depiction of what would take place if he continued his disrespectful ways this morning, prompting Robert to say he was calling the police. I sat down with my family and called the store manager to alert him of Robert's behavior towards the woman and myself. As the manager listened, he interrupted me and said that me purchasing food for another is a continued problem and against Robust's policy. So for clarity I asked him to explain his position and he continued to say that customers paying for food for "solicitors" is against the law and a big problem. I told him that we have supported Robust because it's a community business, I asked him how is it you can take profit from the community and allow someone from the community to be talked to in such a manner and dictate how costumers want to help those within that same community? I began to tell him about Robert and what I told Robert. He hung up on me. Now my conversation was unemotional and my argument was clear. The store manager was very adamant that the hungry people in the community are a "problem" and therefore I will cease purchasing from Robust. Under no circumstances will I ever allow any of my people to be humiliated and talked to in a manner that Robert spoke to this woman today. Being hungry is a "problem" and it's up to us in OUR community to look after our own... Jake is the Manager Robert is black by the way read more

Robust Coffee, situated conveniently in the heart of Woodlawn, initially seemed like a promising local gem. Despite my close proximity to the establishment, my experiences there have consistently fallen short of the basic expectations I have for every place I visit. Primarily, the service has been a recurring issue. Despite placing my orders online well in advance, the wait time always exceeds the estimates provided by Uber Eats. Upon entering, there's a noticeable lack of acknowledgment from the staff, with customers left to wait without any form of a warm welcome. Today's encounter was particularly disheartening, but I still stayed and waited for my order. While I've reluctantly grown accustomed to these instances of poor service at Robust, today's experience crossed a line. Upon returning home and eagerly anticipating my breakfast sandwich, I was disgusted to discover a hair in my food (And before anyone asks, NO this is not my hair. My hair is currently dyed red). This oversight not only further tarnished the dining experience but also raised concerns about hygiene standards. Moreover, beyond the service and hygiene issues, I'm compelled to address a broader concern. It's disheartening to see yet another white-owned establishment profiting from the patronage of Black communities without prioritizing basic things like good customer service and food quality. In light of these recurring issues and the lack of accountability, I regret to say that I can no longer support Robust Coffee. It's a shame to bid farewell to a local establishment, but the consistent disappointments outweigh the convenience of proximity. I hope that Robust takes these criticisms constructively and works towards meaningful improvements in the future. read more

The city is full of coffee houses. Why go to one where you don't feel equally treated with respect and care. The front person "Bianca" was rude and disrespectful. When asked about her opinion of something on the menu she was very flippant and disinterested in helping me as a customer. Upon asking for a warm up the same girl started a huge confrontation about if I wanted my drink stronger I should have said in the beginning I wanted an extra shot.As a black woman there is an alarming new trend, discordant treatment as a customer by other black women. This is how I felt I was treated. Never say that someone treats you bad because of your race because there is INTRAracial discrimination which is even more destructive and ignorant. This young lady tone and demeanor changed when any other person representing a different ethnic background approacher her. She even called me out of my name. I refused to leave and have her inconvenience me so I wrote owner operator after taking to manager. She is so immature that she kept talking about the incident with other customers and staff members. Never again will I patronize a place who disrespects ANY customer but definately preferentially. read more

Great spot in Woodlawn-- South Hyde Park doesn't have much to offer by way of food, especially if you want to avoid the Aramark-run spots located in university buildings (Logan Cafe, SSA Cafe, South Campus Dining Hall, etc...). As an art student, I spend a lot of time South of the Midway, and Robust is always my first choice for an afternoon pick-me-up. For lunch, I often get the BLT on challah with a side of tomato soup. Reasonably priced and always satisfying. The soups are served in generous portions and are never too salty. The real stand out is their chai. They use a non-standard chai mix from a small company in Oregon and it's honestly the best I've had in the cafe chai genre (*cafe chai is very different from authentic Indian chais). For a serious treat, pick up a peanut butter cookie as well. Great place to stop by alone, or with friends! read more

This place is a COMPLETE HOT BOX meaning attitude and all is RIDICULOUS. IF you ask for a drink or food a certain way, they are VERY dismissive and RUDE including the managers. This world is about to be depleted. I was told to order it a certain way and I did just that and It was still my fault. Instead of letting your employees know that they are not fulfilling the orders wrong, THEY BLAME the customers and tell them to go to STARBUCKS! Now mind you I've been going here since they opened. They lack customer service skills EXTRA emotional individuals. PERIOD P.S one cashier told me that the cook wasn't going to make my order that way and he would have a problem with placing the cheese on my grits 11/10/2020 read more

Turkey Sandwich was really amazing, and Coffee is excellent Unfortunately, had my iphone stolen, some thug sitting in the corner unhooked my ipod from my computer and ran off with it, when I went to the bathroom. Ownership, didn't do anything, and just said people have stolen things before. Great atmosphere in there, it's unfortunate this happened. Just be careful when you are in there. I normally don't post reviews, but when something like this happens to you. I feel this is the best way to educate others read more

I've been coming to Robust since they first opened in 2009.I love how they added more space to accommodate customers. The food menu is great so many delicious selections. The drink menu also is outstanding a menu for all kinds of weather. The music is relaxing a grest at home feeling. The owners Jake and Derrick always makes me feel like family. I can't wait to see their empire grow. read more

Went there for a little friend catch up...us ladies enjoyed ourselves immensely. Walk up to an office building, take the elevator to the 20th floor and then have to walk up more stairs to the rooftop deck. ***Sidenote...if there is a person with a disability that can not walk the stairs, are they able to get the experience of the... read more

This was my very first time coming to this location I was very impressed with how friendly and knowledgeable staff was the menu had a lot of great selections to choose from I definitely will be coming back to this location and I will definitely tell others about as well read more

Wonderful staff, great coffee, and great food. I work by here, so I stop by all the time, and I never get tired of it. They could stand to change the music in the back, particularly the Adelle, but that's a minor complaint. Overall a terrific experience. read more

Lots of choices on the menu. Good coffee, nice esthetic and vibe with decor. Everything smelled great, coworkers a said food was delicious... wife and kids enjoyed the specialty donuts I brought home for them. Staff/ service very friendly!!! read more

The people that work there are super friendly and always put a smile on my face :) I love everything on the menu..especially the hot pretzels and mocha freeze! read more

Piece of shit company. Won't let people buy homeless peoples food. Don't spend your money here. Don't support business like this trash.

What a great time here, wonderful people and wonderful food. Thank you for a special night to remember with my aunt.

I really love this place, there's really not much I can say but go check them out! Can't wait to go back.

Awful customer service since the opening of their doors. I gave 1 star because I couldn't leave it blank read more

If you're an egg sandwich for breakfast type of person they got some of the best around.

This coffee lounge is racist. They've banned students and the manager is overly rude.