You don’t need a GPS tracking system to locate a corporate coffee shop, but finding an indie cafe outside of Wicker Park? Leave the compass and Starbucks card at home; we’ve scoped out the newest crop of local shops with sippers especially for summer.
Portage Park
Trade in your grab-and-go routine for a more relaxed summer ‘tude at Frappe Coffee Lounge (4431 N. Milwaukee Ave. 773-777-2250). This spot, opened in early May, offers a European take on the art of imbibing. Polished, upscale touches include a copper and steel bar, custom plasma TVs, hand-painted tables, Venetian plaster and soothing earth tones; plus, you can sip alfresco in three outdoor sections. Don’t be thrown off by the mural of Leonardo da Vinci’s “Man in Motion.” The object here is to sit and sip, and the theme is full-service. Try the shop’s namesake Frappe, a strong, iced blend brewed with instant gourmet coffee (not your parents’ variety), choice of milk and a touch of sugar, capped with coffee foam ($3.50 for a medium).
Lakeview
Gary Hartel worked the graveyard shift in a Cleveland coffee shop for six months, so he’s no stranger to the miracle of caffeine. His roomy new scene, The Fixx (3053 N. Sheffield Ave. 773-248-0841), opened in January, features tailor-made espresso drinks and a punchy array of specials (the Smith & Wesson–a six-shot mocha–caught our eye, as did the Oink, Oink, a smoked ham and Swiss ‘wich). For $3, sip the spot’s signature cold brew, the Iced Mocha, made with cold-brewed coffee (the cold-brew process is supposed to eliminate bitterness) and a special blend of milk (sorry, skim’s not an option).
East Beverly
Downtown java prices have you seeing red? Enter new Southside shop TeaL Cafe (9101 S. Beverly Ave. 773-238-9501), which serves specialty sippers made from Intelligentsia beans, plus smoothies and organic teas. The colorful shop aims to invoke a seaside escape for commuters and neighborhoodies alike, from the moment you step on to the teal-stained, hardwood floors. Burlap coffee sacks cover window-seat benches; pillows, couches and retro digs add an eclectic touch. Sweeten your daydreams with a TeaL Escape, a frozen sipper made with fresh banana, coconut syrup, caramel, your choice of milk and a shot of espresso ($3.15 for a medium); or the German Chocolate, a decadent, iced mix of coconut, hazelnut and caramel syrups, espresso and milk ($3.15 for a medium).
Pilsen
In the heart of this transitioning ‘hood lies Efebos Internet Cafe (1640 S. Blue Island Ave. 312-633-9212), a charming, two-room coffeehouse serving licuados, fresh juices and gourmet java. The breezy, relaxed BYOB space bares exposed brick walls, tall ceilings, a rotating selection of artwork, 10 computers ($4 an hour) and free WiFi, but owners plan to transform the space into a restaurant as soon as a kitchen can be installed (target is end of this year). Summer sippers include the signature Cafebo, made with two espresso shots, milk and your choice of syrup (vanilla, Irish cream, hazelnut or caramel), blended with ice and topped with whipped cream ($3 for a medium).
West Town
Hipsters looking for a pick-me-up can order organic, fair-trade coffees at Mercury Cafe (1505 W. Chicago Ave. 312-455-9924), the artsy, massive java house that opened here in December. Browse paintings, hold a meeting, study or just lounge on a cushy sofa. Live music, open mics and tango classes hold court on a weekly basis. Need a good cooling off? Try the cold-brewed iced coffee, steeped overnight for about 12 hours ($1.75 for a medium), or sip a custom iced raspberry white mocha ($3.75 for a medium) or an iced caramel latte ($3.25 for a medium), then tap up a storm on your laptop (free WiFi with purchase).
MUG SHOTS
Still thirsty? Check out some of our other favorite nearly new coffeehouses.
Bronzeville Coffee House Inc.
528 E. 43rd St.
773-536-0494
Chicago Espresso Cafe
4645 N. Kedzie Ave.
773-478-8554
Coffee on Milwaukee
1046 N. Milwaukee Ave.
773-276-3200
Intelligentsia Coffee
53 E. Randolph St.
312-920-9332
