Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Sawada Coffee

    4.5 (1.2k reviews)
    ModerateCoffee & Tea
    Open 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
    Updated 1 month ago

    Order Sawada Coffee Takeout or Delivery

    Sawada Coffee Photos

    SAWADA COFFEE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Loud
    Good for working

    You might also consider

    More like Sawada Coffee

    Recommended Reviews - Sawada Coffee

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Military Latte
    Tiffany Y.

    Drink: 3 Stars. The military latte was a bit too earthy and bitter for my liking. I really enjoy matcha, so I was shocked by this. The drink - once mixed - was a lot better! Atmosphere: Super cool vibe. Nice backdrop. A good place to hang out or study (if you're into studying in a spot that has normal voice level talking).

    The military combo
    Leeza D.

    I come here every time I'm in Chicago. I figure it's time to update the review. I'm sad they don't have the real cups anymore, it just elevated the experience. The line is long and constant on a Saturday morning but it moves fast. Pastry selection is larger now but still includes the delicious Old Fashions from doughnut vault. Please come and create your own adventure.

    Inside
    Jo L.

    DRINKS I opted for their black camo latte. The hojicha flavor was strong, and the drink itself was not too sweet. Their military latte is their iconic drink, so if I'm ever back in Chicago, it'll definitely be something I'll check out! FOOD They have a limited selection of pastries like donuts available for purchase. Selection was limited near the end of the day. SERVICE The staff are kind and friendly! It gets busy fast, but they are efficient in pumping out orders. AMBIANCE Ample seating is available inside the store that is shared with the BBQ place adjoining the coffee spot. I visited around 2:30pm and it was filled with people working/studying or meeting with friends/coworkers. Complimentary wi-fi is available (password on the menu board). Finding the entrance was a bit confusing despite all the signs, but it's the one with a lot of stickers! PARKING Paid street parking is available at a limited capacity. BATHROOMS Restrooms are available downstairs at the back of the establishment.

    Sour cream donut and Matcha Latte
    Anna M.

    Not a long wait at all despite there being a long line. The staff definitely seems to have a good flow of service down! The reason for only 4 stars is because the matcha itself was only okay, admittedly I have had better. I just do not personally prefer matcha that tends to be on the chalkier side, and this one was (only slightly). Also, the milk to matcha ratio was a little too much, I prefer a stronger tasting matcha latte. As you know, street parking in the area is expensive, so just be aware of that before coming. Couldn't find any cheap options nearby. I will say , this was my first time trying espresso and matcha together for the Military Latte, and it was pretty good! I'd get it again to switch it up. Also the sour cream donut was FIREEE. Sawada shares a dining area with Green Street Smoked Meats, but they don't open til 11 am. If you plan on coming by around that time, be aware that they may ask you to move if you don't order food from their restaurant. We were not asked to do so, only because we got there around 10:30 and we were planning on eating anyway. Overall, I'm glad I checked this place out. The mood and ambiance is very calming, with the plentiful warm lighting and ample seating options (again, if you come before 11). If your goal is to try the best quality matcha though, I'd aim for elsewhere.

    Military Latte and Black Camo Latte
    Lizbeth O.

    It was packed like sardines in there, but the line moved quickly. The Black Camel was really good, and my friend's Military Matcha was okay--nothing too crazy. If I lived in the area, I'd definitely be a regular lol.

    Michelle C.

    The black camo latte is good. I didn't really taste the espresso to be honest, only the hojicha. But the hojicha tasted pretty good and not powdery like many other places. I like the cocoa powder on top. The matcha they use could be improved, doesn't taste as good quality so I'd recommend the coffee or hojicha over the matcha. Super crowded during the weekend but as expected since it's right next to other popular food options in a food hall like environment.

    Inside
    Alexandra A.

    EXCELLENT quality matcha from here. The authentic kind that isn't drowning in sugar. Sawada Coffee is in the same building as green street meats and high five ramen, so the open seating is shared. They do have a few seats along the window but there is plenty of seating if those are full. Service was quick and I was surprised to see that it was fairly busy for a very cold Monday AM. My husband and I shared the military latte (decaf) and it was delicious. Everything a latte should be. I enjoyed how this latte is unique to most coffee shops. It was bold, creamy, and very good. Pricing is fair when compared to other small business cafes.

    Diana H.

    A solid 4 star experience. Came to Chicago and wanted to try this coffee place. I tried the iced military coffee. Coffee was good, not too sweet. Service was good and the shop inside was connected to another restaurant.

    Military Latte
    Jenny C.

    Sawada is so well-known and highly reviewed so I was very excited to come try for myself! I do think Sawada is beautifully decorated and has such a great vibe. There is lots of seating and plenty of space for studying/wfh. Unfortunately, I was not as impressed with the drinks we got. I got the infamous military latte and hot latte Tokyo style. The military latte was good, but the combination of the matcha and espresso was just ok to me. The usually strong espresso/cocoa flavor gets lost and the matcha tastes watery? I can see why some people are fans, but it was not for me even though I usually love both espresso and matcha. The hot latte was ok, but regular sweetness was way too sweet. I wish I got 50% or less-- just a tip for those who aren't into super sweet coffee. Great crema and body though. I think Sawada is good for the "tourist" experience, but there is better coffee in the city.

    Deepti A.

    One of my favorite coffee spots in the city in Chicago! There's always a huge line to order so best to plan ahead and avoid peak hours. The spot has plenty of picnic style seating and great music to catch up with friends, grab a drink, or a slice of pizza! I typically go there for coffee. Their cold brew and lattes are fantastic! I like the Tokyo style syrup in my oat latte (1.5 pumps). The baristas are very friendly and have great recommendations.

    Matcha Latte
    Mai D.

    Sawada has some quality, potent matcha and its shared restaurant, Green Street Smoked Meats, has equally as delicious, well-seasoned elote! It's honestly ideal for when you want to put yourself in a food coma then jolt yourself awake to eat some more. There was a 15-minute wait to order and get your drinks on a Saturday afternoon, but the baristas are doing the best they can while maintaining quality. The vibes are friendly and communal. The long tables are great for big groups, but you might have some trouble finding seats on weekends. Just don't come here to study like I did - there are cafes across the street for that!

    Milo
    Tray

    The Military latte was my first time trying hot matcha and honestly, it wasn't for me. The Black Camo was better and tasted more like a milk tea. Overall, it was kind of a letdown considering how hyped this spot is for coffee and matcha. The vibes are cool though, and I might come back to try other drinks.

    Military Matcha Latte
    Generous Y.

    Saw Sawada on Yelp's top matcha list some time ago and made sure I visited before work. A mix of user skill issues (ordering the military matcha latte) alongside my expectations being high made me disappointed. Typically when a shop has coffee in the name, it's probably expected their matcha isn't a highlight but purely based on perception, I think their other matchas would be tasty and authentic. Military Matcha Latte - after reading through the hype, I was pretty disappointed. The drink's camo appearance looked promising but in reality it was just an espresso with a skin (like that of a game, a bit pay to win). There weren't any earthy undertones present and the matcha may as well not have been there.

    See all

    18 days ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    24 days ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Leeza D.
    140
    1737
    8590

    2 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 2
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    10 days ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jo L.
    13
    502
    1528

    3 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    17 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Brittany S.
    4976
    3154
    23674

    3 months ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 1
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    17 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    11 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    5 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Megan K.
    805
    1597
    9084

    7 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Dee M.
    239
    1000
    148

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Angelina I.
    33
    399
    862

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 3
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 2
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    WOW. So fn good. Everything, all of it. Beverages, food, service, ambiance, cleanliness. Superb.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Araceli C.
    2
    706
    9904

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 30

    Sawada Coffee Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Sawada Coffee

    Is there outdoor seating?

    Yes, it’s on the side of the building. Appears to be shared with the other businesses there.

    Do they take Apple Pay?

    Yep.

    Can't tell on website, do they sell their roasted beans here?

    Does Swada offer free wifi to customers? Also is there indoor seating available?

    Yes they offer free wifi. Seating is very limited.

    Is there a place to eat inside sawada? The space I see pictured is what I know to be green street meats. Is that the space the coffee shop uses when it's not GSM open hours?

    Yes you can sit at the benches inside to eat/drink items from sawada. The space is shared between sawada and green street meats. You can also sit at the benches in the alleyway.

    Is Sawada really open in this time ? I went the other say and it was closed.

    Sawada is currently open.

    How is the noise level? Is it easy to carry a conversation in a group? Am I likely to find space for 6 people at 1pm on a Sunday?

    It's a large space, so unless the place is packed you should have no trouble holding conversation or seating for a group.

    Do they have non-dairy milks available for the lattes?

    Of course! Almond milk, macadamia milk, and soy.

    Where is it? There is a lot of construction and I couldn't find the shop.

    Look for the tiny door with all the grafitti

    View All 10 Questions

    You might also consider

    Levain Bakery

    Levain Bakery

    4.5
    (215 reviews)
    1.0 mi
    $$

    holy shit this was SO GOOD. we got chocolate chip walnut, dark chocolate peanut butter, and twice…read morechocolate chip. we got all of them freshly baked piping hot at 10:45pm 15 min before closing they also had a few options left if you don't want to wait for them fresh. the overall store was also super cute, lots of decor and history and merch! CHOCOLATE CHIP WALNUT SO GOOD BEST CHOC CHIP COOKIE???? crispy outside melt chocolate inside so yums dark chocolate peanut butter v rich, same crispy outside gooey inside. p good but kinda too sweet after a few bites twice chocolate chip has hella chocolate chips and also dark chocolate. tasted diff then the og walnut one i think too much chocolate takes away the cookie flavor idk... yummy but not as good as walnut I WOULD GO BACK JUST FOR THE CHOCOLATE CHIP WALNUT AGAIN OMG

    Kari's Rating 6.5/10…read more TLDR: -Cookies are thick as heck -Milk is available for purchase -A bit too many chocolate chips in their double chocolate chip for me Came in with a friend and wanted something sweet. So we tried the double chocolate chip and ice personally, I thought there were too many chocolate chips in the cookie for someone who doesn't necessarily like a chocolatey kind of doubt there were too many chocolate chips therefore the melted chocolate chips, then into the dough and it made it to chocolatey I couldn't finish the entire cookie. I did like the fact that it was fixed so we both had a soft cookie part as well as a crispy outside. I didn't actually finish the cookie, which is really upsetting how much you're paying for it, but I wasn't that hungry and I also didn't wanna waste the calories. I probably wouldn't be back by myself, but if someone wanted to go with me, I would probably split a cookie.

    Photos
    Oatmeal Raisin Cookie and Vegan & GF Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookie
    Oatmeal Raisin Cookie and Vegan & GF Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookie
    Levain Bakery
    One of the lovely employees, Heidi P.

    See all

    One of the lovely employees, Heidi P.

    Sawada Coffee - coffee - Updated August 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...