Cute coffee shop near UIC! Two Shades is located on Taylor Street in Little Italy. The storefront was a little hard to find, but once I went in, I was impressed with the modern interior and the decor. The coffee shop offers a wide variety of different lattes and smoothies on its menu. This time, I got an iced Nutella latte which I really enjoyed. The latte had tastes of hazelnut without being overwhelmingly sweet. The white chocolate raspberry mocha is also very good! Do watch out that this one is very sweet, and I felt a little nauseous after drinking a medium. I thought it was enough to be a meal replacement. I could definitely see myself coming here often. It's a really cute place to sit and work or catch up with friends. It does get quite busy, however, and sometimes hard to find a seat! read more

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

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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

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 am sooo happy I decided to try this place! It is such a lovely little cafe tucked away on Taylor. The whole place is just so chic and they offer so many different things. On top of that, they offer student discounts as well as discounts for people who work locally! I got an iced tiramisu latte which wasn't too sweet and just perfect. I also got a Nutella peanut butter donut (pastry maybe?). Really tasty, especially warmed up. I will most definitely be back. There's so many spots to sit and enjoy your food and drinks. read more

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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

My favorite place to be Ambiance is great, people are great, the food is great! The coffee is ESPECIALLY great. Need I say more? read more

Staff was very friendly and service was good. There's plenty of space to sit and work or relax inside. Tiramisu latte was good, with hints of cinnamon and chocolate, and all lattes are made with oat milk! read more

Two Shades Cafe - Tiramisu Latte - Small - Cafes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

A great study spot with great coffee. It can get packed in here with local students but it makes for a nice work area if you can find a spot. The staff are very friendly as well. Free street parking nearby and they're open longer than other coffee spots in the area. I recommend!! read more

Great spot for UIC students to study and work. They have bunch of tables and couches for you to sit and spend some time there. Their food and their drinks are amazing. Would recommend their veg bagel sandwich! read more

Very cute quaint coffee shop in the heart of little Italy/ university village? Idk what they call it anymore. It's a few blocks south of UIC. Anyways I've been here twice for the cubano latte. Tastes just like cafe de olla, like I had back home (Mexico) it is so good! The danish is great too. The music is great but not blaring where you cannot think or have a conversation. It is just a bunch of students studying and a great vibe. Will be back again! read more

Two Shades Cafe - Iced Cubano Latte - Medium - Cafes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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The people were nice and the interior is cool with good seating options. Unfortunately our cortados were basically small lattes, totally done wrong and $9. So for ambience I'd go back if it was someone's favorite spot, but not for coffee. read more

This place is super cute! Drinks were good! My friend really liked her tiramisu latte drink. The food was delicious. Will definitely come back. The environment was great and the owner was very attentive and nice. I loved the environment and the feeling of this place. read more

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I was bummed when the other coffee place went out of business due to the shutdowns. Such a shame. When I saw that another coffee joint was opening I was happy but skeptical. Any time there's a new coffee house or restaurant that opens, I find myself crossing my fingers hoping they make it. I have no doubts about Two Shades. They have friendly staff, great coffee and beverages, and a relaxing but a stylish atmosphere. I'm looking forward to more opportunities to study, have business meetings and taking my kids here! Two Shades, I salute you. PS watch out for the two basket seats!! Way too comfortable! Your productivity will be at an all-time low. read more

Two Shades Cafe - Cafes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Cutest little cafe right on UIC campus. I had been looking for a coffee shop that was walking distance from my office and I'm so happy I found this. They have great variety in their menu regarding artisanal lattes. Unfortunately I wasn't able to try any as their decaf espresso maker was not working at the moment. The staff were so friendly and accommodating to me though and helped me find a non-caffeinated drink that suited my mood. The ambiance is also very chill and cute. 10/10 recommend! read more

Two Shades Cafe - Iced tea and Cheesecake Cake Slice - chocolate chip - Cafes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Every cup of coffee I've gotten from here has been perfect which is what motivated me to write this review. Not only does two shades have an extensive menu with some great flavor combinations (highly recommend dirty abuelita and white chocolate raspberry) but the actual espresso blends really well with the drink so its not too sweet, not too bitter. The staff are always super sweet and helpful, there's a ton of options for baked goods, and they also have sandwiches so you can stay over meal times. That last part is especially great since there's tons of space to work and enough outlets. It has a very calm quiet vibe going on weekends and is definitely a little busier on weekdays but seating is comfortable so you'll be happy no matter when you go. Definitely give Two Shades a try. read more

Such a cute coffee shop, definitely a must if you are in Chicago!!! Staff is very friendly and provided great customer service. We had a large group and the order was perfect. Excellent coffee and food. read more

The ambience, service, food was outstanding. There was a wide variety of hot and cold beverages on the menu, including a special seasonal pumpkin spice latte. The avocado toast was selling and extremely rich with fresh taste. I will definitely come back to grab a latte in the future! read more

very cute cafe with breakfast sandwiches guaranteed to heal your soul + coffee is delicious. tons of power outlets and cozy little spaces available making it a prime location for studying or spending half a day trying to romanticize your life. 10/10 update: blackberry matcha latte is delicious without being too sweet making it a perfect *treat* read more

Great food and service! The ambiance is very cozy, perfect for a student to get some work done. 10% discount for students is a plus! read more

Two Shades Cafe - Grilled Cheese Sandwich - Cafes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Very comfortable space with good food and reasonably priced drinks. Their motto as being the best place to get work done is accurate! The staff was also very pleasant . I will definitely return! read more

Absolutely loved this cafe, the vibes were immaculate, it's decorated in such an inviting and relaxing way and the food was to die for, really good coffee much so I had to order another one to go! read more

Two Shades Cafe - Caramel Macchiato with the two shades egg sandwich - Cafes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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very nice ambience, good place to grab a coffee and work. the Mexican hot chocolate is very good, loved the spiciness, and not too sweet the pastries are good too, though not made in store, they source it from local pastry read more

Excellent service, lively atmosphere and friendly staff. The food and drinks are amazing and rival the offerings of big names such as Starbucks read more

Staff was very sweet. However, the avocado toast was a bit overpriced for how it was prepared.

Such an adorable cafe! Beautiful decor and such good coffee and food. We were here for the soft opening so everything was 25% off which was even better! The baristas were kind and helpful and very knowledgeable. Would highly recommend to anyone in the Taylor Street area! read more

Two Shades Cafe - Adorable and comfortable seating! - Cafes Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

best breakfast croissant sandwich ever. so so good. i'm not a big coffee person but the nutella latte is prettyyyyyyy damn good. i get it every time i come :) two shades is solid for a quick bite or a nice lil sweet treat :) read more

4.5! My girlfriend and I came in for a reprieve from the bitter cold, and wow this place was a treat. Immediately on walk-in, we remarked on the clean and stylish design of the place--a very cozy atmosphere, great foreshadowing for the drinks. As a matcha lover, I rarely order lattes out anymore since I generally make it myself, but when I saw Blackberry Matcha Latte I couldn't resist the intrigue. I'm so glad I did. While undoubtedly sweet from the pre-packaged syrup, the combination of blackberry and matcha was surprisingly delicious. It's a combination I'll have to try and replicate on my own now, with me living many states away. Disclaimer: my girlfriend has never liked coffee, but I've been trying to push the agenda. She saw the White Chocolate Strawberry and wanted to try it--despite my pushback given her track record--and she pushed on nonetheless. We told the barista about her general non-coffee stance, and they offered to add extra syrup to compensate. We appreciated the nice touch, and she absolutely loved her drink. Seeing their house-made poptarts, we tried the Cherry. It was beautiful and tasty. My only criticism is that for the price, I would have liked more house-made syrups instead of store-bought. I realize it's extra work and sometimes pricier, but I think at the price point they have it would really take the experience to the next level. All in all, I can't wait to come back. Might try to sneak another trip in before the airport. read more

Stopped in during my lunch break for a quick drink and sandwich and they absolutely messed up my order. Order was for to go but ended up being put for "in store". Asked to be packed up politely while I was getting anxious for being late on my phone and when I got home to eat it they forgot my entire meal. They only gave me my bf's which was messed up too. I was already having a bad day and this just ruined it for me. I called for a refund. Debated writing this review because They seem nice but it was just so bad. They tried to offer my bf a gift card but it was truly a horrible experience and my bf declined. Will definitely not go back read more

Good food, great coffee, full of students and very friendly with a variety of seating choices for loners/couples/groups

$4.50 for a single shot americano, and they don't offer real cream or milk - Coffee Mate?! The Americano was weak - I don't understand why this place has high ratings. read more

The stools are a little uncomfortable but we made due. The food was very delicious, I went in expecting a dry microwaved egg that is typical in cafes without a full kitchen but this place delivered. The croissant and breakfast sandwiches were both excellent. The coffee was good. Mixed searing many people reading grab a seat where available. read more

I went back today, literally and early this morning. The cashier that I spoke about was awesome. Maybe it was an off day for her but you know what, we all have days like that. I'm glad this resolved itself and I absolutely love this place. It's pretty crowded to dine in but one day I'll have the whole experience. Thanks soooo much Two Shades read more

Great food but their online ordering has been down for a while, definitely a to go person so bit of a shame. Fix you're online ordering and 5 stars read more

I'll be honest - the staff was super nice and sweet, but they just didn't really treat me as a priority. They really do their best and I appreciate it, but my food was cold and they messed up my drink and just didn't remake it for 20 minutes. Again, lovely people doing their best and I'm sure they're understaffed like everyone else, but I just kind of wish there was a bit more time spent making sure I got my order. Sweet place overall and the aesthetic is absolutely beautiful. read more

The women was touching her hair face and nose then proceeds to make my food with no gloves it was absolutely digsuting

Great paninis and coffee. But the service put this place over the top! Just a wonderful atmosphere and group of people.

Great little spot near UIC. Yummy lattes and breakfast sandwiches. They offer a student discount too.

The drinks are really good! I live nearby, and wanted to try it out. The service is also really good. The only bad thing is the food. I got the egg sandwich and it really made me feel sick. My roommate got a sandwich and the bottom piece of the bread was moldy. I've also heard from other individuals drinks are good hit or miss with the food. read more

I needed to get out of the house to focus on work. I stopped in for my first experience at Two Shades Cafe was greeted at 7am by the friendly staff, and provide fantastic service. They go above and beyond, and they brighten my day! Enjoyed a nice Americano, Amazing Coffee!! The atmosphere is cozy, modern feels and beautiful. Such a great ambiance. The service is excellent. The staff is perfectly open to giving recommendations based on your tastes. Casual atmosphere that promoted social distancing. It's a great place to sit and work on stuff or meet a friend and catch up. Take a few extra minutes to step out of your car and buy their coffee. read more

I have come here twice in the past week and really enjoy their breakfast sandwiches. The first time the person taking my order was super short with me, like I was definitely burdening them by asking questions about the menu. Figured okay, probably just an off day. Today I went in with my bf and the person who I am going to assume is the owner came to take our order. I asked how they were (which tbh is super rare these days) and they brushed me off and were like what can I get you. Again, just lots of attitude when I'm asking questions etc. This person was super nice to my bf, but just kinda rude and standoffish to me. Not a great look. I am a business owner and I would never treat clientele like that. The place wasn't even visibly busy-- maybe they had online orders or something. But literally none of the people working here were friendly. Oh well, food is pretty good tho. read more