Great local specialty coffee shop. They have a pour over menu ( its on the left) and espresso drinks. They were fairly busy but the line still moved fairly quick. The staff seemed friendly. I got a local roasters Ethiopian pour over and it was good, exactly what I expected and hoped for. If you looking for specialty coffee this is a great place downtown. I would recommend and would love to come back.
Just a vanilla latte but it was very tasty. Good job!
My friend and I went to this coffee shop after our gym session. The mood is upbeat and youthful. The serving is fine and worth sharing for such a low price. We felt very at home here, it was the perfect place for relaxing. Furthermore, the whole team is friendly and attentive. It is strongly recommended that you visit the coffee shop!
I enjoy your coffee store so lot. It was incredibly orderly and neat. There is also lots of seating. The owner and his handpicked personnel provided exceptional service, which prompted me to return. The coffee and tea pots were both delicious. That makes me really pleased! A fantastic coffee shop with a fantastic atmosphere! It is strongly recommended for everyone!
So I really like this place, but 3 out of my last 4 experiences have not been great. I try to come here everytime I finish my run down Lakeshore and through the parks. My first not great experience was about a month ago. A couple weeks before Chicago had mask mandates again, they were requiring masks. I didnt have mine because running outside with a mask on is terrible if I am not forced to, so I just couldnt go in. Not terrible but a little annoying. I always get their cold brews, and last time I went there, their taps just werent working. Again, a little annoying. Now today, their card reader was offline so people could only pay with card swipes. I dont carry my wallet on my run, just phone, watch, and keys.. no card to swipe so I couldnt pay. I just ran down the street to another coffee shop that I could tap-to-pay at, so again, not a big deal, just annoying. Normally I love this place, so if you always have a mask even with no mandates, always have you card available to swipe, and only like cold brew sometimes, then this is the place for you.
Its also a good place to get a coffee cup. The environment is really relaxing. You can also meet people who are very kind and accommodating when providing service. To be honest, when they can achieve the desired flavor, every cup of coffee tastes delicious.
I got a hot turmeric ginger late and I was in love! Also got a hot chai late with almond milk and a shot of espresso, a yogurt parfait and a chia pudding. All delicious! Quick and friendly service!
My neighbor recommended this coffee shop to me. So, before going to work yesterday, I stopped by here for a cup of coffee. Because of the appearance of the venue, it gave me happiness and comfort. It was very sweet when I drank their coffee, which I actually preferred. So, if youre tired or need to take a break, go to this coffee shop!
This cafe have great coffee selections, all local US coffee beans. The baristas were all amazing and very welcoming which added to the great experience. The interior and design was very pleasant. Though, small, it gave a very welcoming and comfortable ambiance.I recommend you try their pour-over black coffee. To experience the full flavor of the coffee beans.One more thing, Chicago, when I visited was insanely cold. It might be a good idea to drop by here and grab a hot cup before you set off to Millennium Park.
So so so good. The first day we went I had a tumeric latte and a breakfast taco. My son had the truffle mocha. We loved it so much we went back the next day and he had the truffle mocha again, I had a hot tea and a blueberry scone. The staff was great and everything is delicious. They even have free water and sparkling water on tap in the waiting area!!
Some of the BEST coffee I have ever had. Bye-bye Starbucks...Hello Fairgrounds!PERFECTLY Roasted, and a truly delightful experience. Cant wait to return.Mark from Austin, Texas
Very bad hot (not hot at all) cocoa and the flower milk tea. Just feels very blend. I would give it 4 star rating if we had a seat. Its rainy and no seat at all!!! Only total of 6 person seat with much too many customers. While I understand its a rainy day and cannot do outdoor seat, still shock at how little seats there are inside the store. I feel like in the end of day, thats just a huge lack in considering customer experience, considering how often it rains in chicago. We had to seat on hotel stairs indoor ended up being chased away. Very very very bad experience. The drink is also not great. So overall a one star unfortunately. Will never come back. And for ppl who want to come. I suggest any Starbucks is much better. At least they have enough seats.
Great location, beautiful interior, wonderful character and options of coffee beans, but unfortunately the service was slow and the execution of the making of the latte was lacking. The frothy, velvety exterior and taste of the coffee was missing and the enjoyment of the coffee was average.Decent but average coffee.
Besides a peculiar interaction with the barista who insisted that a cortado was not coffee, this place was quite nice. Good decoration. The cortado was well made, and the coffee of good quality. If youre buying beans here, make sure to check the roast date - many of the bags on the shelf were roasted as far back as early June, so thats two months and a half from the time Im writing this; well past its prime.
I visited this code in 2019, I’m leaving this review now because I still think about the Vosges charcoal coconut elixir. It was unique and delicious. I’m dreaming of the day I can have another. I don’t see it listed on the menu anymore however it’s pictured among the menu highlights. I wonder if it’s been discontinued or is seasonal?? Anyway, 2 years later I still salivate for it. Is there any way I could talk you into telling me the recipe? I hail from Northern California so I won’t be able to visit any time soon. Memorable menu!
Excellent chai and matcha lattes
💯 GOOD SPECIALTY COFFEE! I LOVE THECOUNTER CULTURE.☕❤
I love coming here from around the corner, but I have been waiting for this place to open for over 10 mins. Cmon already give me my coffee!
Absolute terrible service. I came to this shop while visiting Chicago on Sept 22 around 7:30pm. First, I was NOT greeted at all. Instead, we were looked at like animals. I was excited thinking what to get when the women working rolled her eyes and went to the other women who she was training and said they dont know what they want. I was with my sister and her husband and felt utter disrespected. She came back 20 second later and continued her petty attitude and said okay what else in the most disrespectful tone. Of course, I left without giving this coffee shop my business and plan to tell ALL my business partners who often visit Chicago (MI Ave) area to not support such a shop. I felt completely discriminated against!!! Also to note, if this women who I left a picture of had the audacity to treat us in such a discriminatory and just absolutely rude way while training someone... thats smart let all your employees be disrespectful! Considering your located at a very busy street with a lot of tourist / business people I would consider some ethical training!
Cute little coffee shop in the lobby of a beautiful building. Wonderful coffee options and carefully made. A few different types of espressos, pour over coffees, teas, cold coffees, nitro pours and other beverages. Some other light snacks and pastries to go with your drink. Nice selection of beans to take home too. Friendly barista and made some great recommendations for out of town travelers. Would definitely come back!
A good restaurant!Large courses.
Love their matcha tea lemon drink
Nothing to write home about. Literally built into the corner...
Excellent coffee and service.
Ive gone to fairgrounds twice. I had 2 of their specialty hand pours, their power flower milk tea, vosges cocoa, military latte and imperial matcha. Of all the drinks i had, the power flower and vosges stood out the most. The milk tea was a change for me, because it felt like I was drinking a healthy milk tea. I make milk tea myself and this was similar to what I make. Not great, but refreshing even though its hot. Overall an interesting flavor. The vosges cocoa was very good. I dont know how they made it, but this was the best hot cocoa Ive had. Their hand pours are also excellent and prepared on demand, so the grind is fresh and brewed correctly.The lattes were average for a good coffee shop. The military is not as good as sawada coffee, but better than other attempts. What I like is that none of their drinks are sweet!The only one that I didnt like was the imperial matcha. I believe it wasnt a fresh powder, but I cant say for sure. The best matcha I had so far was unfortunately at a whole foods when some lady was doing samples of a matcha they were carrying. That was back in 2010. Its hard to explain what I am tasting in the rishi that fairdgrounds offers.. almost dirty? Based on the color of matcha, I am expecting more of a fresh flavor similar to a good gyokuro tea.Matcha aside, fairgrounds is definitely better than Starbucks and most other coffee shops. The staff has also been friendly and answered questions that I had. Its almost a 5* coffee shop, just their drinks didnt wow me like say Ipsento. I will definitely visit there again, to try more of their specialty drinks.
Cheese foam topping is the best I have had. The flavors mesh so well and the boba is made to perfection. The tarp storm is also very good.
I went to grab a cup of late night coffee. The barista is very knowledgeable and friendly, and we had a nice chat while waiting for my pour over. He offered a sample elixir, their mixed drink that has charcoal in it. The pour over station is fancy, and the coffee I got was great. Pretty good first impression.
Adorable coffee shop with a fantastic selection of coffee, teas, and treats
Love their coffeee
Cute little shop connected to a hotel. Ordered 2 lattes and a banana nut muffin. We enjoyed it all. The decor is really cute. The only reason I knocked off a star is because the have a small table in the corner with a comfortable chair and a stool. The stool should not be next to the table as it’s uncomfortable to sit on with a smaller table. We instead opted to sit at the bar by the window. Not a big deal, but it would be great to have two comfy chairs so a pair can sit comfortably together.
Enjoyed the coffee and my time there.
The first couple of times I went to Fairgrounds I did not care for what I had to drink. In time, however, I learned to talk to the baristas there about what I like. That is when I discovered a type of coffee drink called the Verve which is a light roast pourover. As far as coffees go the Verve is very smooth, not very bitter, but is very caffeinated. Ive also had lattes and mochas there as well and they are quite good. Dont be afraid to ask for help ordering! The staff there are friendly and knowledgeable. They have a reward points program and its always nice getting free coffee. (The beverage in the picture I took is not the drink I described in my review, but actually a latte).
Went twice in one day! Amazing selection of Matcha. My new favourite cafe in Chicago. Perfect location across from the Art Institute. When the Chicago Athletic Association hotel isnt under construction, it will be even nicer to visit.
My favorite downtown coffee shop! They have fast and friendly service as well as the best matcha options that you can find in the city. They also offer great perks through their rewards program. 4 stars because parking is impossible at this location. Also because they wont update their menu on the ritual app to reflect the availability of their specialty drinks.
This definitely beats the corporate coffee pimps.If you ever need to stay awake to document amazing places on Yelp at 1:00AM, then a double shot from this place does the trick.+ Really good music+ Clean+ Crowded+ Happy atmosphere+ Very reasonable prices Fairgrounds Coffee & Tea
The staff is always friendly and knowledgeable. They know their regular customers’ names and orders, which is lovey. Coffee, baked goods, and food is always top notch. Highly recommend the breakfast sandwiches and breakfast tacos (with the spicy aioli), which are available all day.
Had an underextracted single origin. It was definitely better than Starbucks, but wouldnt go out of my way for it. Great location, near Millennium Park, in front of the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel. Good people watching spot.
Staff was friendly and helpful. I got the dandelion detox puerh; it was very tasty. They have a broad assortment of not only coffees and teas, but also elixirs- which were different kinds of drinks with various ingredients (like coffee with butter). Comfortable, minimal seating.
For the tiny space and busy location, they manage to somehow still make you feel calm and at peace while you enjoy very good coffee. Youre mostly going to find people who are working on something and needed a space to relax while working but didnt want to buy into a certain other major coffee brand that millions of people bow down to. All in all fairgrounds still feels like how you would hope a small coffee shop to feel with the ability to also provide a connection to the professional world, in that right out the door and in the same building there are other more formal dining options.
After just flying in, this place is the best welcome I could ask for. The staff was wonderful, helpful and friendly. My fellow patrons were awesome as well. A little bit of a drive from where Im staying at but well worth. DOPENESS.
I wanted to post a food pic but it looked so good I couldnt stop. Ill return friends next time. Prices are appropriate for the quality. Menu is like a place in Miami I enjoyed
I have had coffee from prolly every place in Chicago and his place has the best. There is no burnt like flavor like from Starbucks. They do all kinds of specialty drink as long as regular black. Service is spotty but a good product says it all.
Instantly cheerful and enthusiastic greeting. I asked what types of green tea were available and the server just smiled wider, allowing me to smell their varieties before ordering. I knew which I wanted immediately and do not regret my decision in the slightest. I will be returning in the future.
Somewhat expensive, but pretty average for a coffee shop in the loop. They have a rewards program thats definitely worth joining if you go there often enough. Its also right below the second floor of the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, which is open to the public and a great place to sit down for a while and get some work done.
It was refreshing finding a coffee place with some creative ingredients and drinks! I thought their vosges truffle mocha and the charcoal smoothie were really tasty. I liked the design of the store and the packaging. Not a lot of sitting room, and all their cups were disposable—its pretty much expected youre just grabbing your coffee to go. However, the staff was awesome! They swapped a drink out for me at no charge when we misunderstood what we were ordering, which I was really appreciative of, and the server was really friendly and helpful.
I love going here. Ive had nothing but great experiences here and will keep coming back. Prices were good for how much you get.
The drinks we had were terrible. I made sure to mention it was my first time when ordering. I ordered a chocolate truffle mocha with almond milk. It had no trace of chocolate in it and a truffle for decoration. My daughter didnt like it when I offered a taste either. Not sure if it was because they dont adapt substitutions well. First trip to Chicago and worst coffee ever.
Great coffee and atmosphere. I enjoy coming here. Definitely coming back and back.
Dog friendly with an amazing selection of the best coffees from roasters around the country. The patio view of Michigan Avenue and the park makes for an excellent start to the day. Its a little pricier than the Goddess and Baker around the corner or the Intelligentsia on Randolph but well worth it.
Amazingly delicious cold brew coffee! They pickled pepper egg sandwich was just okay though. My breakfast mates said the pastries were delicious.
This is the place to go for a nice quick breakfast, reminds me so much of NYC . Clean and great ambience. I ordered the toast with poached eggs and the cashier recommended to add avocado and bacon paired with a nice cup of hot cappuccino. Since I lost La Boulange ... Im in a mission to look for that one perfect breakfast place. This may or may not be the one ... but it can do for now .
Still love Fairgrounds but the only drawback is the disorganization. I was there on sat morning when it was fairly mobbed, but it was unclear where to get in line to place an order, or even if there was a line. Once I got my order, I then had to wait in line with about a dozen other people to pay, during which time it would have been possible to completely consume my drink while waiting for my turn with the single cashier, who was also busy making bagel sandwiches and performing other tasks. Not the most efficient system!
Should have gone to Panera. Overpriced coffee and meh food, and the vanilla latte was too sweet. The staff was fine, no complaints there. This place was more expensive than Starbucks. Not even as good of food. You’re paying for the decor, not the coffee. This place obviously caters to the business people staying at the attached hotel.
Yes its not Starbucks. Its a wait for the pour over coffee. And theres not a ton of seating. But the coffees really good if you want to splurge and treat yourself. And the folks are friendly. Its not my daily cuppa joe fix but worth a try if youre in the mood for a fancy pour over.
Great place for quick bites and coffee tea! Reasonably priced and lots of gourmet teas for the tea lovers! Their kolache roast beef is really good try the one with the jalapenos. I had the blue moon tea with honey, so good! Taste line the ones from teavana Parking is very little though so beware.
Delicious coffee, espresso, lattes and mochas! Love that they roast their own craft coffee and sell coffees from other craft roasters around the world!👍☕
Small little spot inside the lobby of the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel with a separate entrance on Michigan Ave. Great coffee selection, with a number of Cold Brews and Nitros on tap. They source their beans from a number of different places, and they expertly handle brewing a perfect cup. Great pastries, too!
Great coffee selection. Coming from Seattle, Im always on the hunt for good coffee when I travel. This place hit the spot.
Really enjoyed my coffee! Ill be back, so much better than a generic cup of coffee from a chain. 😁
Pretty good coffee and price point. But, sometimes.more order was left sitting under the pour over after it was done. Wound up waiting for more time than I should have.
The baristas here a very personable and friendly they made me feel welcome and comfortable. This coffee shop spotlights independent coffee roasters, which is really cool and also a good way to get unique and interesting brews. If you are looking for a fancy cup of coffee and some good pastries, this is a surefire place to get them.
Very cool that I was able to visit the first Blue Bottle location! Love the sign on the front, Love the coffee and the passion that goes into what Blue Bottle does! Will definitely be back!
One of the best lattes I have had in a whileStaff was exceptional and friendlyThe carrot muffin was great tooWill definitely come back!
Great selection of local and distant coffee roasters. When traveling sometimes I have trouble finding great coffee but I will be back here for the next couple days of my stay.
A non-aligned coffee shop with a couple of a variety of local options. What a delightful discovery!
Fairgrounds is my jam! If you have the chance to go in, do it! My favorite are the iced coffee and matcha drinks but Thats only because they are normally my go to brews of choice.
Nice spot right by the park. Limited selection, but its not huge so its expected
I like the big F that they had behind the cash register. I think that the drinks here were a little over price but honestly It was good. I will be back soon.
Cinnamon roll w/creamy cream cheese frosting = amazing. Great espresso horchata, matcha latte (w/oat milk) and patio seating for people-watching. Wifi outside can be spotty; read or use data instead.
I had a really great cup of coffee here yesterday. I recently started taking my coffee without cream (health reasons) and I find that now for a cup to taste good to me requires that it is a really great cup of coffee.
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