You know, sometimes you don't realize how under appreciated something was until you miss it because it's gone. I had that experience during the TrueNorth closure/refresh. It turns out this is one of my favorite places to drop for a quick breakfast -- simple but tasty breakfast sandwiches, good coffee (iced coffee too) with a convenient location and decent street parking and none of the foo-fa-rah. I'm very excited it's back! And now with a nice little patio in the back too. read more

Was in Hyde park and looking to try a coffee shop I hadn't been to before. This looked cool with its garage door front - which was the entrance as the front door did not open. I was a little confused by this but no prob. The location is great and has plenty of seating inside and some outside too. Came on Sunday, Mother's Day at about 9:30am. The barista was unfortunately not warm or welcoming. I quickly ordered the rose pistachio latte. I love pistachio lattes. This was probably the worst one I've ever had. I hardly tasted any espresso and the rose and pistachio flavors were severely lacking. It mostly tasted like slightly sweet hot oat milk - pretty disappointed. I asked if there were any pastries, and the barista said not today. This, too, was disappointing for a coffee shop not to have any accompaniments. read more

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We just came here for the drinks. My friend is a huge cappuccino fan and loves theirs here. She is the local so took me to this spot. It seems like a lot of students come to this cafe. While we didn't get any food it looks like they have a lot of options to pick from. We came on a weekend and it was pretty packed. Do know that you'll want to stay by the counter paying attention to when they call your drink because we had someone take mine. They were incredibly kind and sweet about this and made me another one. We went twice on my visit. I'm a huge flavored latte person and their list is endless here. My first visit I got the almond joy latte, which ended up being a little to syrupy sweet for me. And on the next one I got a cardamom lavender latte that was pretty good. It's a cute shop with a school-like vibe to it. This is my friend's go-to coffee shop in the area. read more

TrueNorth Cafe Hyde Park - Lattes - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Just popped in for a hot chai latte one afternoon on a chilly day. The place wasn't crowded; I ordered and picked up my latte quickly. It was very delicious. read more

TrueNorth Cafe Hyde Park - The menu - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I've been coming here for a year now and unfortunately I think I'm done. The coffee is just okay and the service is strange sometimes. The baristas & owner can be hot or cold depending on the day and sometimes the owner is just plain rude (which tracks with some of the other reviews I see). I just don't want to continue giving my money to a place that I don't feel welcome in. read more

Horrible coffee, horrible service. The lady stayed at a distance and didn't greet me a man walked in behind me and she walked up looked past me shrugged and said hello to him. When I told her I was there first and gave her my order she silently rang it up and asked what she could get him. She then handed his coffee directly to him thanked him and continued to make mine. She didn't hand it directly to me but rather set it down at a different part of the bar. As a frequent coffee drinker and Hyde park resident, I will never be back. What an incredibly bad first impression and way to treat people read more

Beautiful local shop for coffee and pastries, a place you could hang out and enjoy. I wish we had something like this in the Loop, it's an old school cafe/coffee shop like they used to be. I got some takeout coffee and it kept me going the rest of the afternoon. read more

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I just stopped in to grab a coffee while waiting on a friend. Folks there were super friendly.

Good place next to Medici that's a little better to be honest. It has a kind of cafeteria feel to it but it's certainly better than cafeteria quality. TrueNorth is pretty popular among UC faculty and students. Just going here is enough to make you feel smarter and act like you know everything. Prices are kind of high on some things but it's expected because of the location and there's lots of organic ingredients used in things. Came here with a friend because Medici was too busy like any morning. It was still busy here but not as much. This is set up cafeteria style. Long tables with lots of chairs. We got smoothies. It's $6.25 for the regular. These are made with top notch organic stuff. I had the Blueberry Coconut. This is made with agave, bananas, blueberries, chia seeds, coconut milk, and mint. As for food we each got a sandwich, and liked it. I had the Freakin Vegan. It's $10.45 for a too small sandwich, but it's so good. This is on a pretzel bun, and has baby spinach, peanut tofu, pickled red onions, and sriracha. It was a tasty bun. The peanut and sriracha flavors really helped the tofu. She liked her sandwich, and I would get that one the next time here. There's just too much good but it's too expensive to get a lot. Fairly happy with all we got here. It has some pretty healthy things like smoothies and sandwiches. The prices are the worst thing but these aren't even that bad truthfully. read more

TrueNorth Cafe Hyde Park - Blueberry Coconut Smoothie And Freakin Vegan - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

While walking down the street looking for a place to have a late lunch, we found the True North Café. We read the menu posted in the window and we were hooked. We went inside and were warmly greeted by a young man. We further perused the menu, and after a recommendation we selected our choices and he told us our order would be delivered to our table. We both ordered turkey sandwiches. Hers was the Turkey Pesto sandwich on a Panini and mine was the Mae Wilson served on toasted sourdough with bacon and guacamole. Both sandwiches were absolutely delicious. The turkey was obviously fresh sliced deli, perfectly folded in Artisan bread with guacamole and bacon cooked perfectly. The atmosphere can be described as welcoming with a hipster vibe. Several youngish patrons (I am 70 so I guess numbers are relative) were absorbed in their computers which made me think that WiFi was free. We are visiting from out of state however if we lived here, this would definitely be a place we would frequent. read more

TrueNorth Cafe Hyde Park - The Mae Wilson - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I'm sure it's hard being the neighbor to a very established block resident (Medici). However, the lattes are better and the service is nicer here at True North. There are lots of options for coffee beverages but the speed of service varies greatly. If you have someplace to be or have anxiety about confrontation (asking where your order is) this place might not be for you. The coffee is better than next door and honestly the service is way more polite. read more

TrueNorth Cafe Hyde Park - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Late post Yesterday, my colleague and I ordered lunch from here. Everything on the menu looked so good and we had a hard time deciding, but in the end, decided on the Godfather sandwich. It came with a bag of potato chips. We were glad we chose this sandwich because it was delicious. We will definitely be back! read more

TrueNorth Cafe Hyde Park - The Godfather Sandwich and chips - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Good sandwiches and muffins, but try to avoid busy times if you are having a meal. The seats are close together and spreading the meal is tough if neighboring seats fill up. read more

I went here to grab a quick sandwich and smoothie. The customer service was great. The food was prepared and came quickly. The restaurant and bathrooms were clean. I ordered the strawberry shortcake smoothie hoping for a rich and creamier smoothie. I could not taste the whey powder or yogurt, and it tasted like coconut milk was used instead of almond. I tried the freakin vegan sandwich which was a decent, unique and tasty sandwich. I would recommend larger servings of sandwiches for the price paid. The coffee menu looks great. Next time I will try the coffee. read more

TrueNorth Cafe Hyde Park - Strawberry Shortcake - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I stopped by TrueNorth for a coffee earlier today. I ordered the pumpkin pistachio latte with oat milk and it was so so good. The pistachio notes were a bit stronger than the pumpkin ones but the combination proved a perfect drink for a fall day. Also, the drink was around $4.50, very reasonable as similar drinks would cost around $5-6 at other coffee shops. I want to come again to try their food. read more

TrueNorth Cafe Hyde Park - a chalkboard sign - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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This place was nothing like I had expected, and yet exceeded all expectations. I'm not a breakfast person usually, but coffee is important to a nice start to my day. I planned a bachelorette party and included this as the beginning of our day to caffeine up and if anyone wanted to eat something before walking and touring the city all day. The cafe was open fully with a bar area of seating close to the side walk but not jutting out, and had a counter to order from with menus everywhere from the walls to signs on the counter to paper copies laying around and easily available. Our barista was nice and wonderful with assisting us with the plethora of allergies our group had, even when the banana and walnut allergic bride wanted a blended drink- they got her what she wanted and safely. All of the drinks were amazing, I had an almond joy iced latte and absolutely loved it. The breakfast food is honestly where this place really shines- and for a simple reason. Everything tasted so homemade and fresh. It tasted like I went back there and made it myself, and as someone who can usually cook better food than most places I've eaten at, it was refreshing to get such a tasty sandwich. Although I usually don't get hungry til 2pm, that sandwich hit every spot it needed to and left me drooling and craving another. If you want a good breakfast sandwich and a lot of options in your morning drink with top notch service and some inside seating, then this place is for you. If I was a local, I'd 100% make this my daily coffee shop after the experience we had. If you're just visiting, make sure you swing by and start your day right with True North Cafe in Hyde Park. read more

Nice little student-run place. It isn't fancy, but their coffee was fine (Metropolis).

i really like how the front of the place is totally open, and it's very spacious inside. not too crowded, so it seems like a good place to come here and do work vs the other super crowded cafes in hyde park. i got the mae wilson sandwich, and it was good but a bit too expensive for what it was in my opinion. i can def see myself coming back to try a coffee/some pastries though! read more

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sweet cafe! got an almond latte and bagel and enjoyed the communal tables. would recommend if you're on 57th :)

Very bland, plasticky, and chewy food. Prices are way too high for such low quality items.

I used to love this cafe, but I can't return anymore because of a middle-aged woman barista with dark hair and glasses who is constantly rude. Every time this barista is there, it is a very uncomfortable experience. She isn't friendly and seems to be annoyed at serving any customer. She seems to also arrive late, as the cafe is supposed to open at 7:30 AM, but she places a hand written note on the door of its delayed opening. Until she improves her customer service or she is fired, I won't be returning to this establishment. It is a shame how a single employee can defer repeat customers. If you want proper customer service, just head next door to Medici bakery, they serve coffee there too without the terrible customer service. read more

Got a rose lavender latte here. It was more rose than lavender. Service was friendly and prompt. They appear to have a huge food menu as well. read more

The food was pretty good and affordable. The service was great and very quick. The ambiance was very nice, cozy and quiet in the morning.

Great cafe. But staff is rude. I had a busy morning and was indecisive of what to order. Medici is next door and I mentioned to the woman at the counter I was going to check them out before deciding. As I was talking to her she completely disregarded me and turned towards her coworker as I was in mid sentence. In case you don't know, this is rude. And will influence my choice of ever going back here. Although there is no excuse to be rude to someone, the prices for a smoothie is too expensive for anyone to not treat me with decency and respect. Do better. read more

(Belated review from July 2023.) I can recommend the tasty sandwiches, smoothies, and the chocolate muffin.

Stopped in for a smoothie since I needed a little pre-lunch pick-me-up. I was not wowed by it. I got their Power Kick smoothie. It was really icy, mostly coffee-tasting with a little banana. I would have to go back to see if it was a one-off problem or a consistent issue. The person at the counter was friendly and helpful when I asked what was good, so that seems to contradict the comments from other reviewers that the staff is rude. Maybe y'all are being typical Chicagoans? You might try adding a little West Coast nicety to your tone and approach. :^) read more

This is the closest coffee shop to my house so I go there fairly often. The food and coffee are fine and preferable to Starbucks, but the service is truly horrible. If I were the owner of this place I'd be super embarrassed. Today's joy was the lethargic barista had to check her phone and send some texts before acknowledging my presence. When I told her I'd had an online order she asked me a bunch of questions (which I'd answered on the online form already) before very very slowly making my coffee. Then I asked about my sandwiches and she literally just pointed at the back. I walked back to find another delightful individual who was on his phone for a full 2 minutes before acknowledging me. He said zero words to me as he went back to get the food and then dropped it (without acknowledgment) on the counter. I get this might not be the most fun job in the world, but treating customers like they are burdens when you are working in customer service is not great. read more

This review is solely based on their smoothie drinks because that is the only thing I tried. I got the kale me maybe and I thought it tasted great! Very refreshing and filling. It was slightly expensive but it was a decent amount and full of fruits and vegetables. I would definitely come back and try some of their other smoothie flavors and maybe some food too! read more

TrueNorth Cafe Hyde Park - Kale Me Maybe Smoothie - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Today was the straw that broke the camels back in frequenting this cafe. I've come here often and the reason was convenience only. Otherwise food is average and the customer service is subpar (as others have mentioned). Today I went to grab my husband and daughter lunch. Unfortunately I was met with the same typical unfriendly service that comes with ordering here - except today was worse! The worker I was unfortunate to encounter was a near middle-aged looking woman and had eye glasses and dark brown straight hair coming right past her chin. She was happy to treat me unkind and provide poor customer service to me because she was uncomfotable with me shifting my mask to make it fit better. I explained that the only mask I had was my daugthers and I understood her concern because of my asthma I too am an avid mask wearer. She continued to act rude and annoyed with my presence. Finally, after feeling very unwelcomed I asked her to cancel my order and proceeded to leave. She seemed happy, and gleefully said great! I turned around to express my concern at her behavior and she was quick to point out that there were cameras! Unreal! Shocked at why she even said that, I am requesting the owner please view the video and contact me so that we can discuss the vile treatment I received today (approx 11:50am 8/27) Luckily, Medici cafe was next door and the long line of satisfied customers had shortened so I went there to order my lunch! Grateful that Medici saved the day... read more

One good bagel and pretty good coffee. I haven't tried the other food, as the bagel is a solid bet. Pretty sure it's open for pickup only now that it's colder, but definitey worth stopping by for a quick breakfast/brunch. It's right next to campus and reliably good cold brew! read more

TrueNorth Cafe Hyde Park - a person holding a sandwich - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Thought that every experience I had at Z&H over the past 2 years was crappy so perhaps this new place would be better. When I walked in, I figured, since it looked exactly the same, the service and speed would be better. Got to the counter and a really kind person took my order, okay, felt better. Ordered my chai latte and a bagel with butter. thought my chai would take 3 min (it did, hence the 2 stars) and then I proceeded to wait approx 8 min for my toasted bagel with butter. And wait. (mind you, there was no one else being served at the counter, no one). Got my bagel and left. Opened my buttered bagel at work to find the only butter on the bagel was on this tiny spot (see photo). The rest was just a dry toasted bagel. It was so disappointing and I do not plan to go back. Medici is my place! read more

TrueNorth Cafe Hyde Park - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The place is super cute and has nice folks running the counters. Definitely informal but chic place to hang out, it's quiet. I came in for the s'mores cup topped with whip cream and marshmallows. read more

TrueNorth Cafe Hyde Park - S'mores - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The food and smoothies are alright, but definitely a little pricey for what they are. I do like the chickpea salad that comes with the sandwiches though ! read more

This place is so expensive. The kale banana smoothie was good but nothing exceptional (could definitely make it myself) and was $7. Same goes for the pb&j smoothie. Neither was bad, but cannot justify spending $7 on a small smoothie :/ Also, the barista wasn't very nice either time I went. I asked for my smoothie extra thick, and it still came out very watery. read more

TrueNorth Cafe Hyde Park - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Great little cafe in Hyde Park. Good drinks and the staff is super friendly! Andy the owner is a great guy and incredibly helpful. Definitely give this place a try when you're in the neighborhood. read more

Not as good as the previous Z&H - they kept some of the same sandwiches on the board but it's a whisper compared to what they were before. My morning treat would always be the Daniel Tamayo and they kept it on but changed the bread and also the onion sauce that it came with so I found it less than satisfying. Service is good and the cafe still has the same feel as before - maybe just skip the food read more

I come here all the time. The drinks are amazing and so are the breakfast sandwiches. I also love the patio in the back - so cute. If you are looking for a good London fog latte or dirty chai, this is the place!! They also have great cappuccinos and lattes. I almost forgot the black and white cookies (literally heaven on earth)! read more

The short haired female cashier, as the other reviews said, was pretty cold (as in the type of rude that would deflate any good mood you're in) AND gave herself a tip without asking and without showing me the receipt. Wtf? Why should I tip a cashier for attitude and bad service? Ended up paying $9.35 for one of the kale smoothies. Try to pay with cash if you come here so they can't rob you blind -.- read more

There's a middle aged woman with black hair and glasses that has awful customer service and takes criticism badly. ASK FOR YOUR RECEIPT AS SHE WONT TELL YOU YOUR TOTAL AMOUNT OR GIVE YOU A RECEIPT. I had to ask for my receipt and that's how I found out I've been charged for something under a different name. I let them know the drink I ordered was described incorrectly on my receipt and also charged as something I did not order. The staff person kept walking away and getting more and more frustrated, which honestly... says a lot. She even said that "things now are expensive and cost a lot so..." and said she'd only give me "half a refund" and complained I had drank half of my drink already! Just ridiculous. Her attitude was completely entitled and she reeked of scarcity. I will not be coming back here and will tell everyone to avoid going to True North. read more

Met up with a friend for a quick bite around noon--fairly busy, inside tables were close together and occupied and on account of beautiful weather in the city today, we opted for outdoor dining. He had the vegan sandwich, I had the turkey sandwich--they were fine but nothing to write home about. I think my biggest beef was with the service. I had ordered a vanilla latte and stepped up to get it when the order was called out. It turned out that it was a Nutella latte not a vanilla latte (the mask muffled the words a bit) but I had taken a sip because well, I thought it was mine. Just then I heard "vanilla latte" and I realized I had taken the wrong one. I apologized profusely to the barista but the attitude I got in return wasn't warranted and they didn't try to hide their displeasure. You would've thought that I did something terrible based on their reaction. It's coffee...it can be replaced...there are certainly worse things that can happen. Service makes all the difference to me so I guess I'll go elsewhere in the future. read more