Spoken is my favorite Ravenswood cafe. It is super convenient, located right next to the Montrose Brown Line stop. The service is friendly and quick, coffee is freshly roasted and delicious, and the food options are also really good. Their menu has everything from Do-Rite donuts, bagels with many varieties of homemade cream cheese, breakfast sandwiches, salads, all are great and many are locally sourced! They also pickle vegetables and sell their own jams, preserves, and sauces. That's the food and drink, but we also need to talk about their sustainability practices. You get a significant discount for bringing your own cup. If you don't bring your own cup it's OK, they use compostable cups and try to use reusable or compostable to-go packaging. Spoken is doing their part for the planet...do your part and go get a cup of coffee and a donut! read more

A Wonderful atmosphere and food offerings. Lovely place to meet friends and hang out.

"Spoken Cafe" seemed to be spoken for by many based their stellar Yelp rating. The only imperfection was the price-point; it's a tad high than what I would be willing to pay. I stopped in at around 11am on a Friday. It was quite busy for an indie coffeeshop this caliber. I waited in line, saw what they had to offer (there were a few daily drink specials... but they weren't listed in the chalk-board menu), and somehow was distracted by the hand-crafted confections by Katherine Anne, donuts by Do-Rite, and pastries by Floriole Cafe & Bakery. Ummm...stay on target, Rosa J. I quickly told myself out of getting one of these sweet treats and got the "Caldera" sandwich instead. I always like pesto in my sandwich or panini. The sandwich was poppin' hot when they called my name and friendly reminded me to be careful since it just came straight out of the panini press. The sandwich didn't disappoint me, neither was the iced chai. The taste remained strong even with a good amount of ice in the cup. However, an order of sandwich and a medium iced chai cost me over $12. As much as I wanted to love this place, my wallet would eventually hold me back if I continued to spend this much on coffee and light cafe-style meal on a regular basis. "Spoken Cafe" is located across from the CTA Montrose Brown Line station, so I will probably re-visit since I'm an avid CTA rider. read more

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

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Excellent food. Super fresh. Had the All Day Breakfast Sandwich and have been back a few times. Well located and fairly easy to park.

I have recently been out in this area a good amount for work, so decided to check this place out. They have amazing sandwiches & great coffee selection. It's my go to location when I'm in the area. read more

I work around the corner and have had such wonderful experiences at Spoken. Easy order ahead and the staff is so genuine and kind! Food and coffee is delicious. Would recommend! read more

Loved the food! Enough sitting inside and outside to work from home. Service was friendly and they helped suggest my breakfasts. read more

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

Spoken Cafe is a very convenient cafe to go to, especially if you are a commuter. It's right off of the Brown Line. This means it can get pretty busy during peak hours. There are a lot of great options here for coffee, tea, and sandwiches. I always get the chai tea latte and the lox bagel sandwich. The chai tea is definitely higher quality and more spiced than you would get at chain stores. The sandwich that I get is always more than enough and made well. I also appreciate that I can choose what type of bagel I want my sandwich on. The only thing that bothers me is that you have to be prepared to wait quite a long time to order and receive your food when it's busy. If you are planning on grabbing something before catching the L, plan ahead and get here earlier than you think. Also, seating can be quite hard to come by as this is a pretty small place. Sometimes I wish I could sit and relax in the cafe, but I usually come at the busiest times and end up having to take my order back home. If you have a bit of time to wait, I still say to try this place out because the food and drinks are quite good. If you are in a rush, I think you would be fine going to other places in the area if you need to. read more

the food here is great, no question about that, and the ambiance is cute. however, the woman with short hair who i assume is the manager speaks to her employees like they are complete idiots, right in front of customers -- i have witnessed this multiple times, and it sucks. everyone who works here seems miserable because of it. read more

I moved to Chicago some 10 years ago and then moved recently to Madison,WI from Lafayette, Louisiana. During that time, I have tried places that purport themselves as southern restaurants from Heaven on Seven to Pearl's Southern Comfort to Big Jones, all good restaurants in their own right, but not places that served the food I loved most growing up, most specifically: boudin. That is, until I found Spoken Cafe earlier this morning. They serve a boudin sandwich and boudin kolache, but when asked, turns out they sold boudin as a link as God intended. It was everything I had been looking for since moving to the Midwest; as in the tradition of the Best Stop or Billy's with its level of spiciness yet with its own distinct flavor. Many southern restaurants aspire to capture that magic of Louisiana style food authentically. I think many tend towards specifically New Orleansy cuisine as they advertise Cajun food or end up making a facsimile. Spoken Cafe succeeds in their aesthetic and their cuisine, seeming like the cafe was directly transplanted out of New Iberia into Ravenswood, Chicago. It's the real deal, and while the best stop will always be special to me, I think I may be planting my flag for best boudin in this Cajun colony here in Illinois read more

Just kinda stumbled into this delightful little place just east of the Brown Line on Montrose. Had a simple Caprese sandwich that was everything a Caprese sandwich can possibly be: juicy, flavorful tomato, pungent basil, wonderfully fresh mozzarella, and slightly toasted focaccia. Looking forward to stumbling in again some time. read more

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

Small coffee shop near Brown Line Ravenswood area Montrose stop. Coffee: Earthy, rustic, smooth low acid. Not dark over roast. More like a Caribou not Starbucks. Tea: Rishi brand tea. Black, green, or Herbal Eats: Small sandwiches and snacks Easy hand food. Inside: Wood and nostalgic decor 1900s quaint Small Few duo tables. One 6 person thin table Tight Min power outlets Outside Curbside below Train. Flower boxes Semi shaded trees. Service: Counter was fast on the pre made drinks (iced coffee or daily hot coffee) Outside the table busing was lacking. Some old plates left around. Mostly guests didnt clean up after themselves Recommended for a coffee fix read more

Spoken Cafe - Outdoor patio with flower boxes next to CTA train overhead Montrose Brown Line - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Taking pick up orders during the pandemic is great. What's not great is that you don't distinguish between people who have gone online and made the effort to do their order and pay, and the people who are standing in line. So there are lots of people congregating outside, and then you have two people with a dog and a special order about how much cream cheese they want on their everything bagel, etc. while others who have already paid are standing in line waiting for their orders - which presumably are ready per app estimated pickup time. (16 minutes ago) This is the scene. Coffee was very good, as always. read more

Spoken Cafe - You need to open call names of people who already spent time ordering and paying. Why did I spend time online in advance? - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Stopped while my dog was at the groomer's. Had good expectations as the person at the register was friendly and rang me up quickly - she gave some good recommendations on the breakfast options, so it seemed like a good start. Gave my name and found a spot to sit while waiting on coffee and food. It didn't take long to hear my name being mispronounced from the staff that prepared the food, and as I went up, I politely told the person how to say my name - they looked at me like I was unimportant as they went on their way to prepare other orders. When my drink was ready, I hear my name mispronounced AGAIN, by the SAME person. When I corrected them, loudly this time, the response was, "that's how it's spelled on the order", followed by the cashier saying, "Oh, I typo'd it!" followed by a laugh- no apology, no sincerity. Not bothering to go to this coffee shop again - food was ok, the mocha was ordinary, so no loss for me. read more

Went to Spoken to pick up homemade canned goods for gifts. Grew up on a farm so canning is an Olympic event in my life. The pickled beets and asparagus are better than my mom's (don't tell her). Complex spices, crispy, and a perfect pop when opened. Did not know locally sourced grocery items available, too. Came home with amazing fresh eggs. Spoken is way more than your average coffee spot. read more

Great food, drinks, and service! My favorite little cafe in Chicago. Highly recommend

Great coffee and food. Awful business practices. We were yelled at through a megaphone by the owner for waiting for coffee outside and not wearing a mask. I walked over to the window to get my coffee and the owner asked "why are you trying to kill us?" that was in 2021. Turned out, I was right and she was a rude jerk! I used to be regular there and now Im a regular at one of many other great coffee shops! read more

My all time favorite coffee cafe. The owners and staff are amazing and the coffee is always perfect, especially the light roast. And my diet has suffered because of their amazing skill in making amazing breakfast items, from a bagel egg sandwich to donuts to soups and sandwiches. Everything is delicious. The place is small so space is tight especially in the mornings and the weekends. But worth the effort for sure. read more

I was walking my dog today and figured I'd give these guys a call: their food has always been good and service generally friendly. Seems like a winning combination. Well, sorta. They run out of bagels all the time, which probably makes sense business-wise, but is annoying as a customer. Secondly, as I mentioned, the online ordering is unavailable. So, I called. Go to the online ordering, they say. I can't, its unavailable, I say. They say you are welcome to come in and place the order. I can't, I have a dog. CAN SOMEONE JUST TAKE MY ORDER? I'm trying to give you business. The person who picked up the phone knew she was losing my order, but that's their business philosophy, I guess. $35 order, down the drain. Forget it. read more

I had wanted to go to Spoken Cafe for quite some time and was initially excited to grab an iced coffee from there. Upon ordering, the woman behind the counter was all attitude. I asked if there was outside seating and she replied with smart-ass curt reply. I sat outside with my party and was enjoying my coffee when the same barista came outside to inform us that she needed the tables for lunch service and we needed to leave. Her superior attitude was unreal. She really thought she was hot shit making us move. I will never go back to Spoken Cafe again. Pretty much everything I don't want going to a small coffee shop. Completely unwelcoming, rude, and hauty. It's a coffeeshop not Saks. read more

Wonderful little cafe with caring people and fantastic food. I grew up in south Louisiana and the flavors in Cajun dishes are legit, and the breakfast sandwiches are one of my favorite things to eat in the neighborhood. read more

I'm obsessed with this place and especially the Boudin. Must have some in my fridge at all times. I'm so happy they are in the neighborhood!

Was on the hunt for a Bagel and Lox, and stumbled upon Spoken. They're currently takeaway only through a super cute little window built into their door. I got an everything bagel with Lox cream cheese and a Cafe Au Lait (with the dark roast). It was excellent! Bagel had plenty of topping and wasn't too tough, and generous cream cheese. The Cafe Au Lait was also very good. Wait was a bit long (understandably so, they had lots of walk-up and preorder customers) and unfortunately there's no seating on site (the patio is for the Filipino restaurant next door). Note for next visit: they sell Boudin and various Louisiana specialties! Sorry, no photo, already ate it. Oops. read more

This was my favorite coffee shop/breakfast spot when I lived over here! The bagels and breakfast sandwiches are so good. I was so happy when they reopened indoor seating, because the inside is so cozy. read more

Do rite Apple fritters, good coffee. Excited to try Louisiana specialties or house made pickles jams etc another time read more

In my opinion the best cafe on the north side! They have everything you could ask for -- bagel sandwiches, coffees, homemade goods and treats, and supportive of other local businesses. Their homemade jams are incredible. Blueberry lavender and cherry bourbon...wow!! The vibe is great. Definitely has a southern charm. I'll always keep coming back. read more

My latest obsession - a beautiful small cafe that has amazing food that is crafted with care. Beautiful chia pudding, amazing bagel sandwiches, and grits are sooo yummy! I love this place. It has a welcoming vibe with friendly staff. Check it out! read more

Everything about this place is delicious. I love their breakfast sandwiches and coffee they carry is good as well. Can't wait until they reopen inside space. read more

Delicious. Neighborhood gem. Good vibe. Great croissant sandwiches. Yummy coffee. Conveniently located. Get some donuts as well while you're there! read more

Had a lovely bit of time to myself at Spoken. The staff is friendly, and the tunes are good. I had an everything bagel with chive cream cheese which was fresh and delicious. Their coffee is great as well. I can't wait to come back and try more on their menu. read more

Spoken Cafe - Everything Bagel with Chive Cream Cheese - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I went here yesterday for brunch with a friend and fell in love immediately. Being from Louisiana, the atmosphere and menu items were refreshing to see, and the staff were all so friendly and sincere. The food was delicious and I got a jar of peach brown sugar chipotle jam, which is absolutely delicious. Very cute spot, welcoming atmosphere and great food. You will not be disappointed. read more

Spoken Cafe - Breakfast sandwich with pumpernickel bagel, ham, Swiss and egg. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Spoken is one of my favorite cafes of all time. The food is out of this world, the stellar coffee is creative and served in 100% compostable products (they literally don't have a garbage), and the owners make me feel like I have my own little part of Sesame Street. This is why you live in an urban neighborhood. They exemplify what I love about my community. read more

Spoken Cafe - Lunch specials are always super interesting. This one had blueberry BBQ, turkey and provolone. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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To start- Reviewer Chester M seems like a miserable person. My review- Spoken Cafe is an awesome local hole in the wall cafe. I had lived down the street for 3 years before I set foot there, partially because of not knowing it's existence. The honey lavender latte was really good, and their breakfast sandwiches are phenomenal. (So much so, that I went 6 days in a row. Hahaha) While the space is small, and sometimes cramped, I don't hold this against the business. It's cramped because they are busy, and that means they are successful. Support local businesses! read more

We stopped at Spoken Cafe for a bite prior to leaving Chicago and were really impressed with everything. Delicious coffee, a fabulous ham and egg bagel, great service, and an eclectic decor made for a great start to the day. The poppyseed bagel was really the star, great smokey ham and served very tastefully. Definitely a stop in the future next time in Chicago. read more

Spoken Cafe - Breakfast bagel with ham...awesome. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This place is rather unassuming. Usually the spots right off the train are average at best because they know they'll get business regardless of quality. I've had various teas, coffee, lattes, etc -- each one isn't mindblowing-ly amazing but they are all great. For lunch, I almost always get their special of the day. Every sandwich I have had from here is well balanced (sometimes sandwiches are tricky) and delicious. For breakfast, I recommend the Wendy Davis breakfast sandwich. They also have a fantastic selection of bagels. read more

Best grits in town! Great variety of pastries and good dark roast coffee. Would buy from again A++++++

Excellent variety in both food and beverages. I had a bagel with dill and feta Creme cheese made in house. My latte was delicious and beautiful. Great music and great atmosphere. An excellent place to study or relax with a coffee. read more

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

Today at 5:00 pm....my most precious Beans &Bagels on MONTROSE, changed its name to......SPOKEN. We celebrated and rejoiced with Abita beers and shrimp Filé GUMBOOOOO. Bt the way..... (pops collar)..I got the LAST Bowl of the aforementioned Gumbo. So good, smiles..neighborhoodians...along with t-shirts and ball caps with the new KICK ASS logo on it! btw..the beers AND the Gumbo were all complimentary. These guys rock SO0OOO hard. Everyone was up at 5:00 in the Oh my Gawd Mutha#!f@$! A.M to get us our coffee and prep for tonight's festivities. I just left..it's now 9:30 p.m. ...and all the cool kids at the coffee house formerly known as BEANS and BAGELS, will be up early in the morning to do it all..again underneath a beautiful new cypress tree. read more

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This is my go-to place between having a perfect cup of coffee, fresh bagels, delicious cream cheese, and being veg-friendly. My usual order is an everything bagel with spicy veggie cream cheese (or feta dill) and coffee. For a sandwich, I get the holy jalapeno. I go here to work on my laptop, meet a friend to chat, and I always take people who visit me here for a delicious breakfast. The people who work here are kind and truly work to remember their customers by name. The space is beautiful and has really transformed over the years. The owners have southern roots (Louisiana), so it's a cute/thoughtful mash-up of the south and Chicago showcased through unique artwork and a beautiful custom bike on display. Thank you to everyone who works here -- you are wonderful! read more

Spoken Cafe - The Holy Jalapeño sandwich! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Spoken is a lovely cafe in Ravenswood. The space is nice, but a bit small, so it can get loud for patrons who are looking for a place to study or read. The coffee is pretty good, and the breakfast bagels are delicious. Unfortunately, the good comments stop there. Spoken just doesn't have great customer service, as previous reviews have mentioned. On weekday mornings, the lines for coffee are out the door. Naturally, everyone is attempting to get their caffeine fix, but the cafe has not found a way to streamline the ordering process or to staff the bar better in the morning. Some days, I have to wait 10 minutes just for a simple cup of coffee. I would much rather support local businesses over chain restaurants, but this long of a wait is a bit ridiculous, and I have found myself wanting to get elsewhere for coffee. read more