Spoken Cafe is a gem in Ravenswood, tucked right by the Montrose Brown Line stop. The coffee is strong and well made, and the food is a step above your usual cafe fare. The breakfast sandwiches and bagels are fresh. It's clear they make as much as they can in-house, and the Louisiana-inspired menu items, like the cheesy grits, are a fun surprise you won't find at many places in Chicago. The staff is warm and welcoming, and the space has a cozy, neighborhood feel with local art on the walls. It's small, so it's better for a quick bite or catching up with a friend than a long work session. read more

The pricing at this coffee shop is crazy. Always has been. It's not due to recent inflation. Maybe it's because they have so many people working there? Unsure. But $5.89 for a small cookie is outrageous. Same with the costs of their sandwiches, which while good, are on the small side or the expensive side whichever way you want to look at it. I like this shop and it's a nice place to sit for awhile, but the pricing is just dumb. I can't give it more then 3 stars just for that reason. read more

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Been here a million times over the years and keep coming back for more. Where to start? The atmosphere is great, the kitchen is great, service awesome. I try something new every time. This time we had an onion bagel with egg and cheese, and a vanilla latte, and both were perfect. My favorite part is the decor. So much to look at and read. Whether you're looking for a hot drink or a quick bite, or even a place to work in a sunny window, this is the spot. Right under the Brown line Montrose stop, it's a perfect stop on your way to or from wherever you're going!! read more

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This cafe is such an enjoyable time. Another unexpected experience! The staff is friendly and helpful! The donuts and bakery items are made in house fresh and delicious. I love the layout of the place, plenty of tables to get some work done or bring a morning date. Thank you spoken! read more

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Latte with oat milk was just oat milk. Small coffee and a muffin was $17. Nothing exceptional read more

Spoken Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Oh my gosh --- the homemade BISCUITS!!! Seriously the best breakfast sandwich in the neighborhood, period. They are only available on the weekends and are made in limited quantities, but if you get there early enough TREAT YOURSELF to this incredible breakfast sandwich. The staff is super friendly. I love this spot! read more

We were recommended this place while visiting New Orleans by a Chicago native we met. I am surprised that I lived in the neighborhood for so long and never stopped in! The interior is very small and crowded but that just means you know the food is good. We got the weekend special (Art Parmfunkel), hot-n-ready boudin links, the SMOKIN sandwich and some frozen soups to go. The Art Parmfunkel was delicious and packed with flavor, I would definitely get again if this was an addition to their full time menu. The smokin sandwich was also packed with flavor and it was nice to try boudin links in Chicago as we did not get to experience them in Louisiana. Very happy to have found this restaurant and we can't wait to try our frozen Al Capone soup and gumbo. read more

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My experience with Spoken Cafe was unfortunate, I understand, but I'm not sure I'll return anyway. I ordered some paczki for Paczki Day 2024 and they didn't fulfill my order... apparently it went to their junk folder. Not sure it's worth having to check in to make sure they get your order if they can't check their email. Oh well. The place seems pretty popular though and there were lots of folks there. Easy access to and from the train since it's directly under the Montrose brown line. Pathing is street only, and it's Montrose, so good luck there. read more

Nice ambiance, just very limited seating unfortunately, so we had to take our food to go. Staff are friendly. Coffee is good. The Bubbe sandwich was pretty good, but the lox is very salty. More cucumber might help to balance it out. Would probably still come back for both read more

Super adorable and cute inside, great vibes. The black coffee was good, the lattes were kinda meh and expensive. I got the pep rally sandwich and is was lacking flavor. It was spicy but that was all I was getting from it. Save yourself some money and get a bagel or wrap those looked really good! My boyfriend got the bacon egg and cheese bagel and he said it was alright, kinda dry but good bacon. That being said I would go back! It was super cozy inside. And the staff were super nice! read more

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Coffee and gluten free deliciousness bites!! Staff was so friendly. The ambiance is so cute inside and they have an outdoor patio! Love this place. read more

So the food is objectively tasty, especially the donut. The service can't be topped; they make you feel very at home. The ambiance is great and cozy, so that's a plus. However, the prices are why she gets 4/5 stars. I mean, $30 for a bagel sammy, NOLA coffee, and a donut is actually insane. The bagel sandwich was also nothing to write home about. read more

Spoken Cafe - Sprinkle donut. Egg and cream cheese sandwich on everything bagel. NOLA coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The atmosphere was super cute and cozy inside. The service was very fast and baristas were super friendly! I think it is overpriced for what you get: I got the bernie sub hummus instead of mustard with mayo on the side and they put mustard and mayo on it with no hummus: didn't realize till I had already left with my sandwich :/ My chai was very pretty but way too milky and lacked flavor. My sister got the pep rally and ours basically tasted the same: they need avocado or something on it to make it more substantial. For 4 people who got coffees and a sammy/or yogurt our bill was $85 which seemed expensive for a cafe. I would go back again but you are paying sit down delicious restaurant prices for more casual place with meh food. read more

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Cafe is super small, and compact. There isn't even a restroom, which I would only expect in a city like New York or maybe downtown, but not in this particular area of Chicago... the breakfast sandwich was super overpriced as it was nothing special. Latte was decent tho. overall would not come back read more

Horribly overpriced, albeit good, food and (tiny for the money) coffee. Fussy servers. Cheapness masquerading as environmentalism with forced BYO coffee cup and no napkins or flatware except by request. Zero ambiance. Overall, this place is way too full of itself to bother. read more

Always good breakfast and lunch at this Ravenswood spot under the L. I am always up for their specials but my favorite is the breakfast sandwich made with boudin. They have house made pickled veggies that are great as well. Super customer service in this small restaurant. read more

Spoken Cafe - Arcadian Belly Sandwich - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Wow this place stinks. The egg is not even a real egg, it's the carton shit. $20 for a thick dry biscuit, fake egg, and a sliver of bacon. Get real! read more

Very very nice workers and cute ambiance inside - just not much seating. Street parking only but lots of meters around. Solid sandwiches but not very big for how much they are. Will say the servers truly go above and beyond. read more

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Loved finding this small and unexpected place. Shared two donuts and a muffin with a group and all of them were fresh and delicious.

This place is awesome! Located right under the Montrose Brown line, this place looks unassuming from the outside, but the inside is great and very cozy! It has somewhat of limited seating, but I feel like for the space they still cram a decent amount. The staff here is very friendly, and I got a green tea with an oatmeal that had fruit, walnuts, cinnamon, and the total was around $10 with a nice tip. Seemed very affordable and the oatmeal filled me up which was awesome. The decor in the place is really cute, and I love the entire atmosphere here as a whole. A great place to read a book, catch up on some work, or even bring a friend to catch up with (which I did). Love it here! read more

Came in for quick lunch. Had delicious lox sandwich. Nice people, friendly neighborhood spot.

This place is great!! The best bagels and the tastiest sandwich combinations! They make a lot of stuff in house. All the people working there are so nice and friendly! Great place! read more

Surly employees, the smallest to-go coffee I have ever had, and they shorted the order ( the scone was missing when we got home). Very disappointed! We deserve better for the price we paid. read more

Delicious sandwiches and healthy options. Most items are made in-house and it absolutely shows in the best way. Love their sustainable practices as well. I recommend anything with turkey! read more

Spoken Cafe - The golden rule wrap - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I love spoken. They have high delicious, interesting food made from scratch with high-quality ingredients and tasty baked goods. The staff is also very personable and hard working. Menu highlights include the cheesy grits and myriad of sandwich combinations featuring their house made ranch. Caveats: I haven't had their coffee or bagels. Some important considerations, which could be negatives if not known ahead of time: The seating area is pretty small, although there is now outdoor seating when the weather allows. Prices reflect the high quality. And the care taken in preparing the food leads to longer wait times for orders. read more

Absolutely love this place. It's my favorite regular Sunday coffee spot almost under the Brown Line Montrose station. Very friendly & accommodating staff with delicious healthy food options and Gluten Free options as well. Their bakery goods are top notch. I love that they use aluminum cups for water and strongly encourage you to bring your own cup for your coffee. The coffee is quite good, especially for my favorite drink, a latte. Virtually no waste at this coffee shop because they compost. The interior is busy with art & other items hung on the wall. There is an outdoor seating area for warmer weather. read more

How on earth have I not reviewed Spoken yet... what the heck is wrong with me. So great! We have been coming here for a while now and it became a weekly stop during the Time of the Vid. Walked with my little one here on the way home from some long walks to pick up a delicious breakfast sandwich via their online ordering tool. read more

Spoken cafe holds a special place in my heart because after every OB appointment with my son's pregnancy, I would stop here for a bagel sandwich and coffee. The lattes are delicious, and the amount of options for the bagel sammie are insane! Pick a bagel, cream cheese flavor, meat, cheese and egg! It's so customizable. It is a tad bit expensive, even more so post pandemic, but worth it to me. Service is super sweet, and it's such a cozy little spot if you do want to stay and read or get some work done. They also have an outdoor patio during nicer days. And donuts! They have donuts!!!! You truly just can't go wrong with a trip to Spoken! read more

I actually normally really like this place but I fear this is probably the last time I'll come back- first all they were not open on time, and then you have to bring your own cup which I'm cool with- but then they fill it however much they want. Not sure I'm happy paying $13 for a half a coffee and a bagel read more

Spoken Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Food was just fine. Not worth the $17 price tag. Got an egg, cheese, bacon biscuit sandwich. Biscuit was gummy in the center, cheddar cheese was so mild and so thin I had to open the sandwich to make sure it was even there. Lacked flavor. Bacon was good. read more

I visited the cafe and was very impressed how hardworking and in a good mood the staff was. Unfortunately my to go order was given to another customer by mistake but they were so great in handling it by paying specific attention to ensure my delay was minimal. One employee offered me a free muffin while order was being remade while the other who was making it walked out from behind counter to my table once it was completed to hand it to me versus calling my name. I very much appreciated the way they handled themselves and it was textbook customer service. read more

I've been meaning to go here since forever and I finally managed to pop in today. Didn't catch their name, but the cashier/barista was friendly and personable. My drink (I got the black Betty, I think it was called? Espresso and root beer!) was delicious. Definitely coming back when I can! read more

What a great ambiance and fantastic quality food and cool. Highly recommend to take your time there and don't be in a rush. In a good way! read more

Spoken Cafe - Interior - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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The nicest people greets food wonderful art on the walls highly recommend dropping in if you're around. There is outdoor seating too

I love this place owners are from Louisiana near New Orleans. has good coffee but if you get it to-go you have to bring your own cup. also they have gumbo for sale and have good breakfast acadian grits. best deal is a coffee for on-premises consummation in their cup. read more

Ordered ahead and it was ready when promised. Out bagel sandwiches were wonderful. Love the option of being able to design your own!

I had been a semi-regular customer here. I showed up to find that their pos system had just gone down. They would not even give me a cup of coffee, which probably costs them 25 cents, if that. Had I had cash in my pocket, they would have sold me a cup of coffee. That's how much they care about you. Don't go. read more

Listen they could pile dirt in between one of those bagels and i would still eat it 10/10 read more

I love how they make their chai latte minimally sweet, it allows you to add more sweetness if need be. Other places are just way too sweet. I enjoyed it just the way it was and I haven't come across any other cafe yet that offers that. The caldera sandwich was amazing and I can't wait to go back for another one. The Boudreaux was good but not my fav, I'll have to try some others. read more

Spoken Cafe - Caldera - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Seen this place forever, finally stopped in this morning for a black coffee, a couple delicious cookies, and a breakfast sandwich. The atmosphere and decor is great! Strong Louisiana and Chicago vibes. It was crowded, as expected on a Friday morning, but we were still able to find seats to dine in. The cookies were great, sea salt chocolate chip truffle, done in a very homemade style. The coffee was real good; bring your own mug or container! I also tasted the mocha, it was okay. The sandwich; the all-day breakfast sandwich (with bacon as a meat, cheddar, and focaccia as the bread) I would like to taste on a different bread, and the bacon wasn't exactly what I had in mind. But it was still good, and I'd definitely stop in again if in the immediate area. read more