I have been a barista for a few years and a coffee drinker since I can remember. There are a few things that I look out for when visiting a new shop (grinders, espresso machine, house-made syrups, ease of ordering/POP layout, seating...etc.). My fiancé and I stopped in as soon as they opened to grab some fuel for our roadtrip out of town. We were greeted as soon as we walked through the door, bright and early at 6:30am. The baristas were super friendly. The atmosphere is nice and bright. Light wood tones and soft colors. Cute merch, too. The baked goods counter looked divine and wanted to purchase everything, but I stuck with a slice of banana bread. SOOOO GOOD. It was fresh, moist, and had the right balance of flavor between the banana and chocolate chips. Sometimes it gets too chocolatey, but the banana flavor was first and foremost. We ordered a drip coffee and a large iced vanilla latte with an extra shot. The drip coffee was fresh and hot with a nice flavor profile. The espresso used in the latte was fresh, bright, and slightly nutty. They have a La Marzocco, and you can usually expect pretty good espresso from those machines. I believe the vanilla was house-made, so bonus points for that. All things that I personally love in a latte! There was also a parking lot, so we didn't have to worry about street parking. We will definitely be back the next time we are in town! 10/10 recommend. read more

This cute coffee shop has developed a lot more since I last visited. They have a community bulletin board, local art on the walls, and a decent grab and go section. On this particular weekday morning, they had a great looking selection of donuts I sadly resisted, along with some other pastries. My boyfriend had the oatmeal cookie latte and I got the ginger snap latte. While tasty, the coffee flavor itself wasn't super strong, but overall the drinks were yummy. The vibe in here is quaint and bright, with different seating options. Would be a good spot to work from! Due to its convenient location and parking lot, I will definitely visit again! read more

Backlot Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Wanted to love this place since it has such good reviews. Or maybe I just ordered the wrong things? I ordered the oatmeal cookie latte and a vanilla mint matcha from their season menu for my husband. Both drinks tasted very watered down. Not to mention the matcha was not good at all. When the barista handed it to me, I could already tell by the color that it wasn't going to be good. It just tasted like watered down vanilla milk. No matcha taste at all. Pro - they do have a parking lot in the back. read more

See all

Wanted a nice spot to grab a bite and coffee and found Backlot! Walking in the space is very cute and spacious. Their menu had some fun drinks, I got the Mint Matcha Latte which was nice. I got the No 18 Bagel that has cucumber and pickled red onions and this was delicious! So good and I'll definitely go back to try their other sandwiches. Workers were extremely nice and attentive. read more

Backlot Coffee - No 18 bagel - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Stopped in for an afternoon coffee and to get some work done. It wasn't too busy, and the music was perfect if you are working and have calls. They also have plenty of outlets and a decent amount of seating. While there is plenty of pay to park, don't miss the free parking lot! read more

Stopped into Backlot Coffee in Old Irving Park while I was out working and it was such a great find! I grabbed a quiche, a doughnut, and a large cold brew with an extra shot of espresso all for about $20. The quiche was delicious, flavorful, and the perfect size. The doughnut was huge and super satisfying. My cold brew with the extra shot hit the spot bold, smooth, and exactly what I needed to keep going through the day. The atmosphere here is really nice simple, comfortable, and perfect if you want a place to study or just relax with a good cup of coffee. The staff were kind and welcoming, which made the experience even better. Definitely a spot I'll be returning to whenever I'm in the neighborhood. Backlot is one of those coffee shops that makes you want to sit down, take a breath, and enjoy your time. Highly recommend! read more

See all

Friendly and fast service and delicious espresso. A couple tables to sit at and I saw a few people working on computers. There's also a selection of takeaway options like yogurt and sandwiches if you're on the go. . read more

Backlot Coffee - Cortado - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I've gotten food here a few times (I don't drink coffee) and it has been above average. But today I was very disappointed with their customer service and I doubt I'll be going back because I question their ethics. Let me explain. I purchased a "Too good to go" order which is a discounted mystery bag of food, typically yesterday's leftovers. You are supposed to get 3x the value of what you pay but you don't have any idea what you'll get so let's admit that it's not the same as getting 3x the food you would choose. But the deal is just $5 and the mystery of the unknown makes it kind of fun. But not when they cancel tomorrow's order "because they have no leftovers today". They have no leftovers? So what! That's not my problem. You made a deal and tomorrow you will have fresh food so give me fresh instead. But no, Backlot reneged on their deal and cancelled my order. Have I lost money? No. Am I disappointed in their business practices? Absolutely. It says a lot when a company takes your money - whether it's a $5 mystery bag or a $500 catering order and then CHOOSES not to fulfill their end of the deal. I wonder where else they abuse customer trust. Yuck. read more

I really enjoy this spot. My first time I did try to oatmeal cookie latte (I think it's called) - it wasn't my favorite just because I think I'm not a fan of oat milk. Nevertheless, every time after that when I've ordered something more up my alley (plain iced latte) I am very pleased! The roast is never burnt which is my biggest criteria. It's a popular spot to sit and work or chat, so I always get mine to go. It's easy to park and be in and out quickly. The workers are always nice and friendly and hustle to get orders out. read more

Cute corner coffee shop. The cashier always has a smile on his face, feels very welcoming. Been here a few times and it's always a great experience. Lemon Poppy Loaf Frosting on top really helped enhance the lemon flavor, great if you like lemon. Banana Bread Subtle Banana flavor, had chocolate chips more of a chocolate chip flavor bread if anything Iced Mocha with oat milk Espresso roasted well, no burnt taste Light mocha flavor and not too sweet read more

See all

It's a very quaint local cafe in Irving Park. It's quiet and seems like locals love to frequent it. A friend wanted to meet up here and it's conveniently close by where I live. I ordered the Iced Cardamom Rose latte with oat milk. It's good but the cardamom definitely overpowers the rose flavor. I didn't get to take a picture since I ate it quickly but I also got the Ham and Swiss croissant. I wish they offered to warm it up. The vegan orange donut was also yummy! Slightly crispy on the outside and moist inside. I love the subtle orange flavor. Will definitely come here again! read more

Backlot Coffee - Cardamom Rose Latte and Vegan Orange Olive Oil Donut - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Wasn't expecting cute latte art on my chai latte, but I was pleasantly surprised! It's delicious, and I would totally get it again! This location is smaller than the Evanston location and don't seem to have as many breakfast options, but I noticed they have ice cream. read more

Backlot Coffee - chai latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Came upon this as kind of a surprise given the location around it is basically not much to look at. It ended up being pretty good actually, thanks to the coffee and some dairy free treats. Backlot Coffee is a good name for it to be honest. Kind of hidden from Irving Park Road, and you have to go in the back to get in. The coffee is pretty good priced and so are the cookies and scones. After getting off at the Metra stop, I came in at breakfast. It's not a big place, but there thankfully wasn't a crowd. There's a pretty easy to understand menu. It's not complicated like many coffee places are. Still has lots to choose from. It's about $5 for a medium coffee. The seasonal specialties they had included the Mimi's Autumn Latte. This was made with cinnamon, espresso, ginger, milk, nutmeg, and vanilla syrup. Non dairy milks are available. There's also non dairy treats. It's about $3 for a Breakfast Scone. They even have a microwave you can pop it in to warm it up if you feel like that. Good coffee. It's also a pretty good place to do some work because it doesn't get that much of a crowd and it's kind of quiet. There's also a few treats for vegans. read more

Backlot Coffee - Mimi's Autumn Latte And Breakfast Scone - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

So first the weird. They're apparently under renovation of some sort... no places to sit or anything, not even a bar or a single table. But not a terrible thing, especially since I was getting it to go anyway. But what was a little more strange is when I asked for a stopper for my cup and she said they didn't have them, but "we have tape". Um, nah, you can keep your blue painters tape. I got a chai, my go-to drink since us non-coffee drinkers really only have that or hot chocolate. Their chai is excellent. A lot of places just seem to get the chai concentrate and add some steamed milk. But here at Backlot they have a house blend which was well spiced and even if it is a concentrate it's enhanced and much more flavorful. It also has a small parking lot, which I wasn't expecting. Not huge, and it's shared with several other businesses. This coffee shop isn't exactly convenient to me, but I would stop by when in the neighborhood. read more

See all

Love the friendly vibes and cardamom rose latte. It reminds me of cafe streets before the pandemic in the best way possible. Microfoam is on point and pastry from flour bakery and do rite. read more

Nice and quiet atmosphere. Small space but a good amount of space to work! Staff is very friendly and got my drink out within minutes! I ordered a dirty matcha, a little feint in matcha and sweetness but overall I would give it 7/10.! read more

Backlot Coffee - "Dirty Matcha" Iced Matcha Shot of Espresso Honey - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

One of my go to coffee shops in Chicago. The coffee is consistently good, and they're always very welcoming. There's not a lot of seating but if you're gonna pick up and go, you can't go wrong. read more

If you're tired of your basic coffee routine, Backlot Coffee is a delightful change of pace. This cozy little neighborhood spot offers robust, flavorful coffee that stands out from the mainstream options. Their menu also features a variety of delicious pastries and bakery items (some of my favorites being their banana nut bread and the spinach feta croissant) making it a perfect spot to satisfy all of your morning cravings at a generally quick and always friendly pace. read more

Backlot Coffee - Cappuccino - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

So good! Love the vegan donuts! I go everyday when I'm in town to visit my friend who lives close by.

Terrific coffee and pastries. Staff is always warm and hospitable. I just want them to put their Flying Squirrel logo on some wearable merch! ;) read more

Met up with a colleague the Friday after Thanksgiving. Right off the Kennedy. Missed the turn onto Avondale, it's the road directly west of the Kennedy. Fairly busy at 8:30 am. Coffee was good as usual, never been to this location, but have been to the Evanston location many times. Service was great, quick and efficient. There is off street parking and plenty of street parking read more

So many things to say about Backlot, and all of them great. An adorable little neighborhood coffee shop with delicious pastries and so community oriented. Staff is amazing and so accommodating. They decorated my sister's cup for her when I told them she was graduating. The manager is clearly so involved and cares so deeply. I bring everyone here. read more

They do good coffee Stopped by to grab a cup to go Would recommend Haven't had a chance to try out their bakery read more

The team at backlot is amazing! Super friendly, helpful, and informative when buying beans or choosing a drink. Fav drinks are the oatmeal cookie, mimis latte, and matcha latte. Fav beans are the Mexico organic beans and the cold brew howler! If you return your empty howler, you get a little discount on your purchase. Love this neighborhood gem! :) read more

Backlot Coffee - Honey ginger matcha - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

Cozy coffee shop that fits in plenty of seats. And they sell delicious Do-Rite donuts.

I am by no means a coffee expert but I absolutely loved my visit to Backlot! Both lattes we tried were absolutely fantastic- my favorite was the oatmeal raisin one. The service was excellent - super accommodating when I wanted to change from a to go to a here cup and the latte art is gorgeous. I appreciated the variety of seating options and all of the cool artwork. I wish I lived closer this would be a regular stop for me! read more

See all

WiFi never works. Never have banana bread. I'm typing extra words now so I can fulfill the word limit for reviews.

The staff at Backlot are always welcoming and friendly. We have been enjoying their drinks and pastries for over 5 years. Isaac recently helped my Wife, Mazie and me with our "coffee needs" for a brunch celebration we had Aug.13th. I highly recommend Backlot Coffee to anyone in search of quality products with a personal experience. David Perez read more

Backlot Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Great service! Better coffee and some of the best baked goods around! I specifically love the Maple Chai Donut! Cool atmosphere to sit with a friend! I try to stop here at least once when I'm in Chicago! read more

Backlot Coffee - Front of shop view- lots of free parking in the "Backlot" ;) - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

This place is a bit hidden but worth the find bc the baristas are all friendly and polite and will tailor your drinks to your preference. Mu husband usually gets the drip coffee and it's pretty standard and I usually get a soy chai latte which is delicious and tastes super fresh. This past week I asked for a couple ice cubes bc I usually have to wait a while for my drink to cool down, well the barista suggested a "less hot" instead of adding the ice. Idk if that's an official ordering term but basically they just steam it less - seems obvious but I've never heard of that and nobody has ever suggested it in my 20 yrs of drinking coffee!! Anyway, if you're in the area check it out! read more

New favorite find alert! It's a teeny tiny store front on a hidden little street that you will certainly miss with the blink of an eye. I plugged it into my useful app Waze and may or may not have been told to make an illegal left turn. 1. Don't make an illegal left turn, and 2. Don't let that lack of a left turn deter you from stopping here. It's too great to miss. For starters, they have 15-minute flashing lights parking, which is my fave. Run in, run out, no messing with pay to park! If you're planning to stay and hang out, there's parking in back. Upon walking in, I was greeted by the friendliest service. I loved the two guys working there! Kind, funny and in great moods for 7:00am! Most importantly though, the lattes they are serving up are SUPERB!!!!!! I'm a fan of floral, so the rose cardamom was calling my name. This dreamy, creamy latte was $5 (tax included) for a 16oz, which is reasonable, and absolutely delicious. Worth 5,000 calories, especially with the beautiful heart design. Will I be back? Well, their current special is an oatmeal cookie latte, and they always have a large selection of Do Rite donuts, so... ABSOLUTELY. Daily if my wallet could afford it. :) read more

Backlot Coffee - Rose cardamom latte on point. SO GOOD. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

Good coffee at normal prices, not as expensive as some small business coffee shops. Would like to see seating but it's just grab and go. read more

See all

Poor seating availability. This place is set up to grab your code and go. Seating is poor to meet someone for coffee. Not many options. Montrose location much more inviting. read more

Great place. Starbucks, watch out. I don't know if I was more impressed by how nice and helpful were the people that worked there; if the cuteness of the artwork on the walls impressed me; or it was the quality of their coffee and tea. We got there about 20 minutes before closing time, ordered and sat around and talked. Before we knew it the doors were locked and they were putting things away. But they never asked us to leave. When we realized they were really close, we got up to go but were encouraged the stay and have a good time until they were done. Seriously, I don't think Backlot Coffee is going to put Starbucks out of business. But finding a local coffee shop I really enjoy makes me want to go there before thinking of a national chain. read more

Backlot Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I want to love it but the food choices are very limited and the taste doesn't really have a punch. Too much open space? I don't know. I really wish they had more food. read more

Staff is friendly and gave great suggestions. I wasn't sure what drink to get so I mentioned which ones perked my interest and they gave me their opinions on what they thought of the drinks which helped greatly to making my decision. I grew up with a love for cardamom through my great grandmother's Swedish coffee bread. To my surprise of walking up to the counter, I saw cardamom sweet rolls and cardamom rose latte which with your choice of milk. Their special which is called The Bloom, I don't remember exactly what type of coffee drink it was but it was made with rose and cardamom. My husband and I got bother drinks mine was the bloom with oat milk and his was the cardamom rose latte with whole milk. His drink was sweet and savory at the same time. It was more overly savory with the sweet rose flavor coming in the end. It was a nice change from overly sweetened coffee drinks from a well known chain that will not be named. The bloom was refreshing and light. I forgot to mentioned both were iced as the day was working it's way to the mid-80's. As for pastries, the cardamom roll did not disappoint. We also got a glazed donut & ham & cheese croissant for the kid, an apple friter and two of the cardamom rolls. They do over a cinnamon sugar coated donut that is gluten free. I meant to ask if there were other gluten free items available but didn't get the chance or if the one item alternates with another. The place is near Irving Park road by the metra station, a Lou Malnati's and a Potbelly sandwich shop. read more

See all

"Backlot Coffee" opened a few months ago, replacing the old Bow Truss Coffee that no longer existed in Chicago due to labor disputes. With that being said, I felt a sense of relief when I realized that another Indie coffeeshop took over the space. On Mondays to Fridays, from 6am to 8am, they have $2 coffee! Both 12 oz. and 16 oz. cups are $2! Wow, that's an awesome deal. Hubby and I have taken advantage of this offer for some time now. I need to be at work at 7am, Mondays to Thursdays. Although it's not the direct route to my job, I willingly detour myself by taking a different bus so that I can get my coffee. They brew "Stumptown Coffee." They also sell "Do-Rite Donuts." I can't leave the venue without a pistachio donut. "Backlot Coffee" is conveniently located by the CTA Irving Park Blue Line station and Irving Park Metra station. The guys work there are always cheerful and ready to serve their customers. The dining room is clean and inviting. Free parking is available in the back shared with other retailers and condo residents. read more

The coffee is good. But they are in the process of renovation or so. There are no sits and a lot of stuff around. read more

See all

Good coffee and FANTASTIC marshmallow treats! It's not a space to settle into for a long time although there is one table to sit at with a computer or book. Otherwise, it's hard benches and chairs. read more

Cute little place with even tastier drinks and goodies! Stopped by Backlot after seeing raving Yelp reviews and couldn't agree more. The shop wasn't too crowded and we got our drinks quick. The vanilla latte was one of the best I've had and the chocolate croissant really sealed the deal. Went back the next day because it was so great! read more

Backlot Coffee - Order area - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all