We'd just eaten a very, very delicious sausage and I was in the mood for a bit of a caffeine hit, so when I spotted Two Shades Cafe on my map, I figured it sounded like the perfect option. The place is very homey and inviting, and the service was friendly and affable. I decided to try their Nutella Iced Latte ("A fan favorite! We mix Nutella with our signature espresso to give you a delicious liquid treat"), and the drink was ready a minute or two after I ordered it. It's really good. I wouldn't necessarily say I tasted any Nutella, but it had a really appealing chocolatey flavor. And I felt the effects of the caffeine almost immediately, so they clearly didn't skimp on the coffee. Two Shades Cafe is a really cool little place. I'm sure I'd be a regular visitor if I lived in the area. read more

Two Shades Cafe - Nutella Iced Latte. - Cafes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The food items are fine, the affogato is terrible both times (on separate occasions) I ordered it and I think the ice cream curdled or something because there were a bunch of waxy, clotted chunks of cream and it had a gross waxy texture overall. Also the matcha tasted like straight up milk I couldn't taste even a hint of matcha. read more

Two Shades Cafe - Milky milky matcha - Cafes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I can't say I'll add Two Shades to my Chicago rotation (because of its location; I don't rent a car when I travel to Chicago) but I love the vibe and the fact it's a BOB. I came there to work for a few hours and it was perfect. Not loud, played good music. Coffee delicious. Food, mid...definitely won't order the sammie again. It was pricey and wasn't served hot enough either. Service was great, friendly young lady at the register. She helped me pick both drinks I tried and the food. Never had attitude. Another worker even chimed in on the food. So both very helpful though my taste buds didn't agree with their selection. Clean restrooms, I felt safe leaving my computer while I used the facilities. I would never do that at that larger coffee shop lol! Beautiful, quaint coffee shop, it's worth a visit especially if you're attending the nearby campus! read more

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We were exploring Little Italy and stumbled upon Two Shades Cafe. The space is surprisingly big, cozy, and beautifully arranged with plenty of chairs, couches, and cute tables. It felt like the perfect mix of modern and warm. But what truly made this place unforgettable? 1. The Service. Absolutely exceptional. The staff were incredibly friendly, welcoming, and attentive. They took the time to really listen to what we wanted, explain options, and make sure our drinks and food were just how we liked them. 2. The Coffee... Wow. One of the best coffees we've had in Chicago, hands down. Rich, deep, and full of layered flavor notes that you can actually taste as you sip. You can tell they take pride in doing coffee the right way. This spot is now high on our list for that all-important first coffee of the day, you know, the one that needs to hit just right. And here, it absolutely does. Highly recommend for both coffee lovers and anyone looking for great service. read more

Two Shades Cafe - Cafes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I love the aesthetic of this place. Lots of comfortable and creative places to sit and socialize, read, study. I didn't love what I ordered, but, there are lots of things on the menu to try so I am willing to give it another shot. I love the dessert tiramisu so I ordered the latte and it just wasn't sweet enough for me but someone else may love it. I also ordered a breakfast sandwich. It was pretty standard; I didn't love nor hate it. The team members in the coffee shop were nice, and they were quickly to get my order out. I would definitely return to have a chill afternoon of reading and try another latte! read more

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Service is most accommodating and friendly. This is my first time here. I tried the chocolate chip muffin which was tasty despite a deficit of chocolate chips. I also tried the raspberry cheesecake muffin which was okay but not as flavorful as I hoped. I recommend Two Shades Cafe. Very casual, with varied seating, but definitely not roomy enough to allow a person to camp out all day to study or work. Good place for a quick refreshment or carryout. read more

Good place to come hang out it or work while enjoying a quick meal. The food is good and the drinks are just fine. The service was great. The cafe has a nice ambiance and decore that pulls you in. I will probably go again to try some other baked goods and foods. read more

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Very friendly and kind staff. I enjoyed the drinks here, especially the milk teas. A very chill and cute spot to go with friends.

Cozy coffee cafe with a good amount of options, I honestly came here for the sweets and sadly the vendor went out of business so I likely won't be coming back to Two Shades read more

Cute cafe in Little Italy, Chicago! Very big on the inside even though it seems cozy/smaller from the exterior. The workers were super nice and young, singing along to the music playing in the shop. Of course, the cafe was a little overpriced but as to be expected in a big city. I paid $4.95 for a small iced chai latte and around $12 for the turkey panini. My drink was decent, and the panini was amazing and filling. It was definitely messy and falling apart though. My friend got an iced vanilla latte she enjoyed and a slice of avocado toast which had a lot of honey on top (more than a slight drizzle). Overall: would come back to study or meet friends, great tourist or chill spot but pricey for an everyday lunch stop. Great, hip atmosphere! read more

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Loved this little coffee shop. I ordered an iced cold brew with oat milk and a double espresso to add my protein drink to. Loved both drinks. I love ordering multiple drinks or food when I'm trying a new place out. I don't mind if I can't finish. I appreciate the experience of trying different things. Loved the cold brew. A much higher standard than my typical, easy access Starbucks. Their espresso was just how I like my men. Strong. Along with the coffees, I ordered 3 pop tarts. A strawberry milkshake pop tart, s'mores, and a chocolate caramel. Loved them all, but especially loved the s'mores pop tart. Straight from my toaster at home. Delicious. Really cute shop on a relatively quiet street. The perfect place to walk to and spend a lazy morning or afternoon. Staff absolutely exceptional. So friendly and personable. Complimented my hair which is always the key to my heart. read more

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Such a convenient and relatively large cafe in little Italy for locals and students! Near my job so I had to try it out. The staff was all female and young - super nice and cheery when I entered. It was quiet and calm inside - business slightly booming. I ordered a small chai latte with oat milk, the speciality pop tart and a scrambled egg sandwich. I knew I was ordering way too much but I wanted a full review and experience. The front cashier was incredibly nice and recommended that I added meat to the sandwich which I took her offer for good measure. I paid $20 for three items which seems about rightly priced. The pop tart was more pastry than filling. I felt there should've been a better crust to filling ratio. If you're a carb person or have a sweet tooth, this is the item for you. Id recommend trying it for good measure but for $7, it's more of a one time thing than a treat to yourself. The sandwich was filling and good. The eggs could've been scrambled longer but I'll take it. Decent size and price as well. For the sandwich it was the same price as the pop tart. I'd definitely return to try their seasonal flavors or smoothies. read more

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Amazing spot with great and unique selections, delicious coffee and very attentive staff. Ambiance is very cozy, comfortable to work or hang out all day. And the puppachino is extra read more

Two Shades Cafe - Puppachino - Cafes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Such a cute coffee shop!! Usually full of students and rightfully so, this environment is amazing! It's quiet not with a buzz of conversation and is just a friendly community spot with a community flyer wall, a blackboard with new art every time I've visited, and lots of comfy sofa chairs + regular tables/chairs! Their wifi is super strong and I've been able to use it every time I've come without any issues. The staff is always super friendly, and a big plus is that their prices for their food especially are VERY reasonable!! Their coffee isn't too pricey either and has been super yummy. My only complaint is that their drinks are so fresh and hot that I often burn my tongue! Definitely one of my favorite coffee shops in the area and will be a regular! read more

Two Shades Cafe - Interior - Cafes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Two Shades Cafe = Queer joy in latte form. My partner and I tried the tiramisu and chocolate-covered strawberry lattes (decadent, dreamy, gay). Our dog got a pup cup and fully claimed the restaurant as her kingdom. The vibe? Rustic boho with brick floors, hanging chairs, and major cozy energy. Staff were so lovely--we felt like we were at a queer friend's place who just happens to make incredible coffee. We're obsessed. read more

Two Shades is a super cute spot in Tri Taylor. There's plenty of seating and plenty of outlets throughout the space. I ordered a chai lavender latte and my husband ordered a cubano latte. My drink was good, slightly sweeter than I like my coffee but nothing a bunch of ice can't fix. The Cubano latte was phenomenal though! I highly recommend it and that's going to be my to go to next time. The bagels and sandwiches were delicious! The ham egg and cheese croissant was warm, tasty and filling and my bagel had a nice mix of cream cheese and pesto which a great combo imo but If you do not like things mixing or various textures, this is not the sandwhich for you. Please note that the prices are not updated online so sandwiches are about $2 more than listed on the website ,based on our bill. With that being said, the prices are generally on par with other cafes in the area. Tldr; Food 5/5 Vibes 5/5 Service 5/5 read more

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I came in because of an event, but I stayed for the food and the lovely staff. I tried: LAVENDER CHAI 4/5 **** - This can be made hot or iced. I chose hot because it was a tad windy today. :) - I also chose whole milk, but they have other dairy and nondairy options. - They use Tazo Chai Tea and Monin lavender syrup. - I usually like my drinks less sweet than most, and I noticed someone else commented that this was too sweet, but I thought it was good. Was it sweet? Yes, but I don't think it was too sweet; I think it had the right sweetness to balance out the spice. - The only downside (which is why I took off a star) was that I barely tasted any lavender. I think when I go back (which I will), I will see if they can make a lavender london fog or a lavender latte or maybe a lavender hot chocolate with whip cream and some Monin caramel syrup on top ;) (if you've ever had a lavender caramel covered in dark chocolate and sea salt... that's what I'm goin for) RASPBERRY POUNDCAKE 4+/5 ****+ - The raspberry pound cake slice was great. - this is sweet and the flavor reminds me of those raspberry danish cakes. - the slice seemed a tad on the small side In addition to what was offered for this experience, I also bought the Two Shades egg sandwich. TWO SHADES EGG SANDWICH 5/5 ***** - Contrary to what their website menu says, this does not come with hollondaise; it comes with sriracha mayo, and it's good! In addition to the yummy sauce, it has an English muffin, fried/baked egg, cheddar cheese, ham (perhaps thinly sliced Canadian bacon), and a hash brown. This was my favorite thing. I will be craving this sandwich all the time!!!! It's $6.25 and delicious. TRY IT! PARKING - there is some on the street. - I ended up parking on Racine which is the nearest crosstreet. INSIDE -It is cute. - I arrived around 15:00 on a Wednesday and it was pretty full. Looked like mostly university age students studying/working on their laptops or catching up with friends. STAFF - The staff were friendly and answered all of my questions. read more

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Came by for a quick lunch. The staff are amazing, super helpful and patient. The inside is very cute, with a nice dining/ lounge area where people can do their work and hangout. I got an iced coffee and two slices of avocado toast. It was pretty good, but they add honey on top, so beware if you're not about the sweet & salty tastes lol. Would definitely recommend checking them out for a nice lunch date. read more

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Coffee with some tasty treats. I was excited to check out two shades cafe. They were doing a Yelp elite taste of their Carmel macchiato, which also came with a muffin. The interior is a nice size for a cafe and also very trendy and welcoming. The staff was very accommodating and pleasant. They do have wifi and screens that show off the menu. I loved their hanging chairs and grass wall that features neon light. The macchiato was delicious, not too sweet, just right. The Berry Muffin was soft and baked to perfection. If your looking for an excellent trendy spot to get some work done, have a meeting or chill with a coffee and some tasty treats, Two Shades is the place for you. 4 out of 5 read more

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Ordered a grilled cheese to go. Walked to the car parked outside. We had somewhere to go so I started eating in the passenger seat. From ordering to eating, was maybe a 4 minute interval. The bread was barely warm and the cheese layers inside were not melted at all. It was just a lukewarm cheese sandwich. I've ordered other grilled cheese sandwiches from other places to go and they were hot with melted cheese. It was kind of a bummer. The only thing about this that gets a star is that I got a bag of chips and I love chips. TLDR; This sh!t was not buss'n frfr. read more

Two Shades Cafe - Bread and lukewarm slices of cheese - Cafes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

What an absolutely lovely cafe! Plenty of seating and perfect environment for reading, meeting and working, or going on a coffee date. Their hours are pretty good, 7-4 on weekdays and 8-4 on weekends. In addition, there is free WiFi, which is always a perk. The coffee menu has plenty of tasty options, and I tried their iced caramel macchiato. It was delicious. Other noteworthy mentions on their menu that I look forward to trying include their Oreo latte and Nutella latte. Their pastries are so much fun and tasty! I got their double chocolate muffin, and it was perfect. But they also have colorful and sprinkled scones and pop tarts, which will be next on my list to try. Overall, it left a great impression, and I look forward to coming back and trying more of their menu! read more

Two Shades Cafe - Caramel Macchiato - Large - Cafes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Awesome little cafe with great drinks and pastries. Lots of room for get together with friends for homework or just catching up. Kind staff and clean environment! read more

Two Shades Cafe - Bar - Cafes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

They have a drink menu, bakery items and some food options. The drink menu has many coffee/tea options and specialty drinks to choose from. It was so hard to choose and there are also so many seasonal fall drinks to come back to try next time! I came in around 1PM on a Sunday and it was quite popular at this time! There were many people around, chatting or studying in groups or working solo. They have public wifi available so that was nice. Service was super quick! I got a caramel macchiato (they ask you if you want it iced or hot and what kind of milk you want), a glazed donut, and got to try a carrot cake muffin. The coffee drink was really good but the lid didn't quite fit the cup so the coffee kept leaking. The bakery items were okay--quite sugary. read more

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Cozy cafe near UIC campus! There are a plenty of seating (comfy chairs) and a good amount of food items alongside the standard drink menu. I got the Two Shades Breakfast sandwich, which was surprisingly very filling. read more

Nice amount of food options and vegan/vegetarian options too! They have really cute, comfortable furniture and there's tables in the back if you want to do some work on your laptop. read more

We went to the cutest cafe for lunch the other day. @twoshadescafe Not only do they have great coffee,  lattes, donuts,  and pastries,  but, they also have great smoothies and sandwiches. We had the Turkey Panini sandwich: Panini bread, turkey, bacon, Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, avocado and mayo. And the Roast Beef Panini sandwich: Panini bread, roast beef, Cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion and mayo. Their sandwiches are served with chips,  with fresh ingredients,  generous portions and are absolutely delicious. To drink I had to try the White Chocolate Raspberry Latte and it was as good as it sounds,  smooth and refreshing.  We also tried the Tropical Greens smoothie with Lemongrass, spinach, cucumber, kiwi, apple, bananas and coconut milk. Mellow Mango Smoothie with Mangoes, bananas and whole milk. My favorite was the Tropical Greens Smoothie Loved everything we had,  will return to try more from their delicious offerings read more

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I love coming here after school, the things are a teeny on the pricey side and when I used the bathroom the biggest silverfish was crawling around but other than that it's a very relaxing place to study and talk read more

I've come here multiple times to study as it is close to campus and the vibes inside are gorgeous. There are multiple seating options with big tables for studying or swinging chairs/couches for catching up with friends. They have great vegetarian options such as pastries and the caprese sandwich. In terms of drinks, I love their abuelita hot Chocolate (you can add a shot of espresso if preferred). Overall, it's such a cute place to meet ups out friends and spend an afternoon! Also they are open until 8 pm so you can come at any time. The staff is super friendly and they have great recommendations! read more

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I stopped by this spot last week as part of a Yelp event and enjoyed my visit. I ordered a Cubano latte which topped the Dirty Chai I used to get from SB's. Well today not so much. The ambiance, vibe, service was still on point however the latte wasn't. It tasted more like a hot milk foam latte with no flavor. I had to go down a star on rating due to this. It was the same 3 ladies that were there last week. The barista ensured me I would enjoy it better than last week....hmmmmm....I'll give them 1 more try, maybe try another flavor. I hope it makes up for today's situation. read more

Two Shades Cafe - Cubano latte. - Cafes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This is a fun, eclectic spot with a thoughtful, creative offering. Why get a chai when you can get lavender chai? Why get hot chocolate when you can get Mexican hot chocolate (and not just hot chocolate with a splash of cinnamon and Chile, but the actual Abuelita chocolate). Aside from the fun twists on your regular cafe drinks, they have a full offering of Hardbitten pop tarts. I absolutely local businesses supporting each other and I love that Hardbitten is a woman owned business on top of it. I love their pop tarts and there's usually only a small handful of flavors (I.e. 2 or 3) at my local Foxtrot. I was pleasantly surprised to see a case full of them... I didn't count but there must've been at least 8+ flavors (so naturally I went home with several). Aside from the great cafe drinks and treats, I really like the vibe of this space. Inviting and laid back, it's quiet enough that you can work or study in the back. But inviting and lively enough that it's a fun place to catch up with a friend. My only regret is I don't have pictures of my abuelita and pop tarts (because i consumed them before I remembered to pull out my phone)! Definitely recommend. I will be back. read more

Two Shades Cafe - Cafes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I found the sandwiches to be underwhelming. Several reviewers say these are a must but i'd manage my expectations if you trust my reviews & palate. They were bland to say the least. The saving grace for the place receiving 3 stars was the pop tart. The s'mores was served warm which is optional & filled with a Nutella like chocolate filling. My daughter & I fought over this. read more

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This is such a cute little café with friendly service, good coffee and sweet treats! I ordered a black and white mocha with oat milk and it was absolutely delicious. It was sweet, but that's to be expected. It came out quick, and everyone serving me with so friendly and willing to answer any questions. We also got an almond butter and jelly pop tart, which was phenomenal once warmed up. I also had a turkey sandwich, which was really good, but had a little too much mayo for my liking. This is a great café to come in and spend some time in. There were a lot of people reading books or on the computer doing work. I would definitely return here in the future and try their other menu items. read more

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Their chai and their breakfast sandwiches were both an absolute 10/10. The baristas were so sweet and kind and the overall vibe here is amazing. My only issue was that the music was a little loud when I went and most people there were doing some kind of work but honestly it's not that big of a deal! read more

I came here as part of an event and I am glad I did! tried a couple of their breakfast sandwiches, cubano latte, lavender chai, and their banana nut muffin (our favorite)! There is a great vibe going on, lots of seating areas, and very cozy couches. The staff is also very friendly and considerate! I encourage folks to give this place a try at least once! read more

Two Shades Cafe - Cafes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Super cozy and vibey place, great for studying or if you're looking to get out while you're working from home! String lights, greenery wall, and the cutest swings make for perfect photo ops too! I got the unsweetened matcha green tea latte with almond milk, my friend got the caramel macchiato with whole milk, and we got a blueberry muffin to share. The matcha was okay, which is my reason for the 4 stars. Next time, I may try the sweetened version for more taste! The caramel macchiato and blueberry muffin were amazing 10/10! Lots of dairy free and decaf options too, which I loved! Overall - you should definitely come check out this place! read more

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This is an Little Italy neighborhood café that is great for working, socializing, and getting a quick bite! There is a section of tables where you can focus & get some thing done, while the other side has comfy couches and stalls. There is a wide variety of coffees and drinks you can choose here too! P.S. When I had the donut during my visit, it didn't taste like it was very fresh. However, maybe my donut just happened to be not the best one so I will definitely visit again and try other options! read more

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Walked in and tried the chai tea latte today, excellent quality. I wasn't aware but I also received a student discount! Staff are very friendly and accommodating. The interior isn't groundbreaking but is a standard, cute place. Mixed use of larger and smaller tables and counter seats. You will see many students here. Overall, if you are in the area, I would recommend a visit here. read more

Great coffee place with variety of drinks other than coffee too & pastries There's about 12 tables if you want to work there, guest wifi available Outlets only in certain areas Some tables are high, some low There's a hanging pod chair (see picture) The staff are super friendly & genuinely cares about the students that constantly come and go Bathrooms available for customers read more

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Yummy! Many options. No complaints. Prices were good, layout was nice. Great place to chill. Causal cafe read more

Two Shades Cafe - Muffins - Carrot cake House Drip - Small - Cafes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

If you're looking for the next place to study, get some work done or take some cute photos, look no further! This coffee shop is has everything you could possibly want! The shop is pretty spacious and has a ton of tables for big and small groups. There are outlets all over this coffee shop! No need to hunt down outlets if you choose to work from here! We got the turkey sandwich, a berry smoothie, the iced lavender chai, apple fritter and a regular coffee. Everything was so delicious! The service is pretty amazing too! We ordered our food and everything came out quickly. We didn't know exactly what to get off the menu and the person who took our order had great recommendations! Definitely recommend! read more