Neighborhood coffee shop at its best. It's not easy to truly delight customers, but this place is so wonderful I can see why it has a spotless reputation. The service is personal - and not write your name on a cup - but actually getting to know people in the neighborhood by name in a genuine way. The pastries are fresh and delicious - had the spinach and feta croissant - I'd take a picture but it was so delectable there's nothing left. I had a chai latte that was perfection - delicately prepared and not overly sweet. Perfect spot (and a must go) when hopping on the train at Irving Park. read more

Super cute spot I love coming here to get work done, very friendly staff, everything I've tried has been great but I love their matcha & pastries read more

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

Coffee was great. Best croissant I've ever had. Adequate seating and food selection. Grabbed a can of kombucha.

I live in Sauganash, where we have 0 local, independent coffeehouses. There's a Starbucks, which is my fallback, but it's not a place I want to sit and chill. Luckily, my parents live right by Old Irving Park, and there's a plethora of independent places. My mom and I tried several of the coffeehouses in the area, and decided we liked Backlot the best, and we've been regular Sunday customers since last summer. The atmosphere is relaxed, welcoming and mostly quiet, the interior is clean with a great flying squirrel mural on the wall (they just released an enamel pin of a squirrel and coffee mug!), and other local art on the walls. There's a long table that seats 8-10 and several small tables for 2-3, and when those are all taken, there's a couple countertops with stools to sit at. There's a parking lot which makes coming here really convenient. The baristas are all super friendly, and always answer any questions about the drinks. My mom always gets a small regular coffee, as she doesn't believe in coffee fanciness. My favorites are the iced grapefruit green tea for the summer (so refreshing!) and the cardamom rose latte for the rest of the year (like a warm cozy hug!), although the oatmeal cookie latte special is quite delightful. I had oatmilk for the first time here, in my cardamom rose latte, and I always get oatmilk now. The food is mainly ready made pastries from local bakeries, and they have whole grain oatmeal they'll add hot water or milk to. I've had the cocoa hazelnut version or the almond one when I'm feeling healthy. I've also tried the red white and blue sprinkles gluten free donut from Do-rite on July 4th, but my favorite is the vegan breakfast scone, I'm totally hooked on that one! My mom likes the ham croissant or the buttermilk old fashioned donut. I'm so happy Backlot opened a shop in Old Irving, it's a great addition to the neighborhood, and it's a welcoming and comfortable place to come and spend an hour so. I wish we had that a little further northwest, in Sauganash! read more

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Even when there is a line out the front door, you'll be greeted with a friendly (masked for now!) face, super short waits, and a cup of delicious coffee. read more

Trying as many coffee spots as I can, so I try to get a new one in each morning. Backlot has a great COVID set up. It was easy to order inside (5 customers allowed inside at a time) and the staff were really nice throughout the whole process. The iced coffee was very good. My buddy ordered a dirty chai and said it was really good. Had a muffin too. Fresh and moist. I also ordered a bag of Columbian beans and asked them to grind it for me. I made a cup of hot coffee with the beans this morning at home and it was a great cup of coffee. This is not super convenient to my apartment, but I'm glad I came here and I'll absolutely be returning. read more

This was decent enough before COVID. I didn't love their coffee but I drink decaf so I'll let you judge on that. I was in in Jan 2023 with a friend for a quick catch up and chat. Poky, uncomfortable environment. Not conducive for winter catch-ups. Maybe to-go and not decaf. read more

Cool place! A little small inside with community table setup but it works well! Coffee was good!

I love Backlot's coffee and donuts! I all love that they take reusable cups, and generally focus on sustainability. I came in one morning because I forgot my water bottle, and they had water in aluminum cans for sale! I was so happy to not have to buy plastic. read more

Backlot Coffee - a hand holding a cup of coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Great Covid19 interior setup. Well-run with kind employees. Great iced coffee. Very happy with my experience! Fonts were yummy

Great safe distance and allowed to go inside and see others getting lattes and ordering drinks before 2pm. I called before going to make sure they would be able to grind the Columbia beans for a French press and the guy on the phone happily said they can do that and will have them ready for pick up along with the other bag of beans of the same delicious variety of single origin Columbia. It was a nice surprise to see they had Kilgus farms half gallons of milk for $4. And other baked goods. But I am on a budget and just added the milk to my beans order. Wish I could have tipped more, but being on unemployment, this was my splurge. Glad I could support this business as I wasn't aware they were the same business I bought beans from in Evanston. Good to see they're open and making a go at being a small business. On a side note, bummer to see a huge line at the dunkin on Addison. Don't they know there are better ways to support local coffee business. Ahh well, everyone had their preferences. read more

Super duper cute spot near the Irving park blue line and the Metra station! Though parking is scarce due to the other business in the building- it is the perfect pick me up! I am a super fan of Starbucks pike place with my steamed almond milk..decided to try this due to a friends review and wow!! I had their coffee and steamed almond milk--it is so much stronger than the Starbucks! Couldn't say enough about the environment and the workers as well! it a gem!! Plus it was buy one get another pastry--so I had to grab them! I was told the oat milk was something to try, but unfortunately they were out the two days I went in. Hope they have it soon! read more

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

Lovely atmosphere. It is a great place to meet up with a friend, sit on your laptop, or enjoy one of there delicious sweet treats. All of there cookies and brownies are homemade with real ingredients, and no artificial nonsense. They make fresh pistacio and almond milk daily. Their menu is quite pricy, but you are paying for quality ingredients. It is located right across from Lincoln Square Athletic Club and there is free parking down the street in the residential area. read more

Recently visited for the first time because it's a little out of the way for us, but we loved our lattes so much that we'll do the drive again soon! I got the cardamom rose latte with oat milk and my husband tried their seasonal fireside latte. Both so good, latte art, cup art, and all! Can't wait to return to try more things on the menu. read more

Parking in their lot is horrible enough to make you gouge your eyes out but if you don't mind walking you can get free parking about a block south of Irving. It's a very cute coffee shop, with neutral colors, modern decor and a nice sunny window. I had the cardamom rose latte it was the perfect mix of spices, milk and espresso. I love the fact that they offer oat milk as a non dairy option, too. Also, the croissant are amazing. I had the tomato basil croissant. It was buttery, flaky and the tomato and basil was a pleasant surprise. It was $9.25 for a small latte and the pastry. Average price for Chicago. Would definitely go here again. read more

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

Stopped in to grab some cold brew today. Here's what I noticed. Stumptown Coffee, coffee drinks, Do-Rite Donuts, Bang Bang Pie muffins and pastries,Frio gelato, and Amaneger breakfast tacos. There's really only 1 reason why I didn't give 5 stars. I wish the place had at least 1 comfy chair where 1 could just chill for a while. read more

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

Today is my first day stumbling upon this coffeehouse. I love it! Really friendly baristas that give great recommendations based on my my order. They also are talented, a female barista (didn't catch her name) can do some really cool latte art. This place is really cozy with a clean and modern decor. Their whole bean coffee options are really fascinating and I'll be an to get a bag or latte one of these days. Note, parking is free but the lot is not big. There is pay street parking read more

Super cute coffee shop in Irving Park! They serve amazing pastries from Phlour that were super delicious, and I tried the iced Oatmilk Cookie Latte which definitely hit the spot. A pro: they have free parking on the street and in a lot. There's also space to work from with WiFi! read more

Backlot Coffee - Iced Oatmeal Cookie Latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Yes great local coffee shop with great food selection for breakfast like the breakfast burrito, quiche, yogurt and of course the fresh pastries... just wish there was seating to enjoy the food and coffee there! It would be a sweet spot to meet people for quick meetings but no seats! read more

Friendly staff, amazing coffee and products!! I especially appreciate that they compost. Around the holidays I stock up on their candles and swag, they are great gifts. Love you Backlot!!! read more

Nestled in Old Irving Park neighborhood, Backlot partners with Stumpton coffee roasters, Do Rite Donut, Bang Bang Pie, Rare Tea Cellar, and Prairie Grass Cafe. With all these notable businesses, I could try from each if I wanted to. This place sells coffee, tea, and baked goods. I bought a matcha lattee with a choclate glazed Do-Rite donut. The match tea lattee ($5) has a fragrant leafy powder taste with creamy milk and little sugar for that antioxidant boos. The chocolate glazed donut ($3) had a crispy exterior and soft inside. Barista was friendly and greeted us as we entered the place. Kid friendly, small area though. There's 2 locations in Illinois, one in Evanston and Chicago. Small parking lot and free residential parking abailable. Less than a block away from the Metra and CYA blueline. read more

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Lots of options here from regular cafe fare to quality bottle apple juice, milk, and sparkling water. My maple latte was perfect, the creamy was of the milk froth was perfect and it wasn't overly sweet. Great for kids and parents and good vibes! The staff plays music over the speakers that you'll recognize but from different artists, which gave us a few chuckles as well. read more

Was looking for a coffee shop nearby with oat milk latte options. The cardamom rose latte was perfect, and my husband really enjoyed his ham and Swiss croissant. If we're ever back in the area, I'd happily return for another morning treat. read more

I was in Chicago for a few days and Backlot Coffee became my office while I was visiting. This place is well lit, has great vibes, and the music selection is amazing. It is the perfect place for an afternoon getaway or a satellite office space. They have a great coffee selection and even slow brew coffee so you can experience the different flavors. While there, I had several lattes, their grapefruit green tea, and strawberry lemonade. Everything tasted fresh and was made with care. They also have a nice selection of sweet and savory pastries. My favorite was the ham and cheese croissant. It's to die for!! The service was fast and personable. After a few days of visiting, I was able to observe their great customer service skills and teamwork amongst the team. read more

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There's nothing as smooth as Marvin Gaye's voice, a Derrick Carter blend of beats, or a baby's skin. I think I found something close. I had the espresso at Backlot. It was silky smooth. The taste is not overpowering, and the aroma is perfect. I'm going to have to try the drip coffee next, to see if it competed with other great local roasters. read more

Wow! What a FLAVOR-FULL capuccino, just like A good coffee should be, worth it to try. read more

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

A great place to grab coffee or matcha. Service is always fast and kind. The vibe inside is simple and comfy. There is a selection of premade food and treats. Their donuts are from Do-Rite, and are sooo good. Highly recommend stopping in here. read more

Haven't written a Yelp review in literally years but after just sampling a cardamom rose oat latte and two pastries from here, I am in actual heaven. Worth a trip across town! Also super Covid cautious, which I appreciated. read more

Excellent service, beautiful setup and most of all great coffee! I tried a vanilla latte and it was just delicious. Perfectly roasted espresso beans and nice latte art to accompany it. I didn't try any of their pastries or food but they all looked fresh. The place is clean and comfortable, without loud music or noisy people. Parking can be crowded at times depending on how much space the other 3 stores customers leave. I'll try it again tomorrow and will update my review of anything changes. PS. Please close later! read more

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

Great neighborhood coffee shop right next to all of your public transit needs! Friendly staff, welcoming and warm environment, and excellent beverages and pastries. I have yet to have a bad experience here. And one of the best parts? Parking is available usually right up front! Can't go wrong at Backlot! read more

This is a really cool coffee shop. Nice open space with plenty of lighting. I just got their regular hot coffee (unlimited refills if you get a large) and it was strong but not as bitter as Starbucks. I also ordered an everything bagel with plain cream cheese and it was tasty. I'd want to come back here and try their other drinks like the military latte which is matcha green tea with a shot of espresso! read more

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

This a very good coffee shop in a neighborhood that needs more places just like this one. I have been here twice. Once to just get coffee and go and once to do work. Both times the lattes I ordered were great. They have great donuts from Do-Rite and good selection of other pastries. The abundance of seating and outlets for phone charging and laptop use. I highly recommend and will be returning. read more

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

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Great service, delicious drinks, bonus for vegan treats and electric plugs everywhere! The only downside if you want a place to work throughout the day is that they play their music loud which its hard to drown out. They have lowered it when asked but it seemed to be a consistent thing. If they played their music lower or even played instrumental chill music consistently it would be perfect. If I really need to concentrate I just go to Potbelly next door as they're never really crowed and have alot of tables. Besides that its a good local cafe. read more

Good coffee, ok price. Nice little coffee shop next to the Metra and CTA. Only negative is $5 for a cup of cold brew vs $3.50 for regular iced coffee. Not sure why it would be that much more... overall I would probably come back and get a cup o' Joe while I do my laundry. Update: One major reason I would come back is because they use compostable straws and lids (maybe cups too??) as well as they compost all their coffee grounds and other compostable waste. This is a huge plus and I wish major chains like Starbucks and McD's would follow suit. Any place that opts for eco-friendly will automatically get my business over one that doesn't. read more

Randomly selected this place for a quick coffee. Soon as we entered our attention was drawn to the menu board and types of latte they had. Great ambiance. The people working here are really friendly and easy to talk to. Our favorite part was the number of vegan donuts they had. Although they source it from another vendor, it was nice to see the option. We ordered the rose cardamom latte and matcha latte. Bother were amazing. Love the place. read more

Backlot Coffee - Rose cardamom latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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This would be a five star review, but they have a problem with their lids on their iced beverages. They very slightly leak, leaving build up of the liquid under the rim of the lid. When you put the cup to your mouth, that accumulated liquid coalesces to the spot of the lid just under your lip, forming a drop that ultimately gets coffee all over your shirt. For a five star review, please change your cups and lids! Love the place! read more

Friendly staff. Great coffee. Yummy donuts. We moved farther away 2 years ago but still occasionally make the drive back here for the oatmeal cookie latte. read more

Good coffee. Limited seating. Look cool inside. Clean. Just a few pastries. More off a place to pick up coffee than just sit and chill. read more

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

I am probably a 'coffee snob', but because of the area where I live in further north, there really are no independently owned coffee shops and I am not a fan of the corporate big name coffee places and frequent them by default but this is one of my very favorite places to come for coffee. Great vibe, genuine friendly customer service and a great variety of coffee/tea drinks and pastries. Give it a try and see what some of the best coffee should taste like. read more