The Knight and The Bible…read more On a drive up to Chicago to catch a vacation flight, we stopped at The Cup and The Scone to get us caffeinated for the rest of the drive. We got there about 30 minutes before close and the barista was super nice as we ordered our drinks. Emily got a caramel latte and I got the.. you guessed it... an iced americano. We also grabbed a blueberry-lemon, cranberry-orange, and birthday cake scone. While we stood there as the barista was making our drinks, we chatted her up a bit and we were able to get a few free stickers from her. She said they don't use them all too much and was happy to give us two each. Once we got our drinks, we took off to the upper part of the coffeehouse and promised we wouldn't be too long since they were closing soon. Before we headed upstairs, I took some photos with the suit of armor that is by the counter. When we got upstairs, I was surprised to see another suit of armor, so I took a photo with that one, too. The Cup and The Scone specializes in a lot of gluten-free products and a small bit of religion. I don't know if their entire menu is gluten-free but as someone who's mom is gluten sensitive (and I will probably be at some point), the care about GI issues is great. As for the religious stuff, if you don't see the occasion bible strewn about the place, you'd honestly never know. But, their website seems to support helping people and I think that also is super great as this world is getting rough and scary. Any who, Emily and I really enjoyed our drinks. The americano hit all the right notes and Emily was delighted with her latte. We were split on the scones. I really liked the birthday cake while she really liked the cranberry-orange while we both thought the blueberry-lemon was just alright. We held true to our promise and dipped out before 2pm and hit the road. If I find myself in Pontiac for some reason in the future, The Cup and The Scone will definitely be my spot to get some americanos.

I was initially drawn to this spot by the big knight in shining armor that I saw on Yelp (I'm a big…read morechess fan) and then pleasantly surprised at how cool this place is. The decor really makes this spot, with lots of fun themed signs throughout the restaurant. This definitely gives it a different and more fun vibe than the average coffee house and the upstairs loft is cozy to hangout in as well. The coffee flavors and preparation are quite good here -- flavorful, and made with high quality ingredients. I also enjoyed the mini scones, with a nice texture that was soft but a little more firm than a muffin. Overall, definitely worth a visit if you're in Pontiac. Great vibe and delicious food.

My husband and I love to explore little towns in Illinois. El Paso was adorable. This coffee shop…read moreoutshines any I have ever been to. The ambience was A+++, the avocado toast was so yummy and my vanilla ice coffee was perfection. The service is warm, friendly, and fast. I will come back.

Java Café is such a cozy little spot in a quaint town. I had the veggie avocado toast and it was…read morefresh and flavorful. The veggies are served raw per the kitchen and it worked well, though I do wish there had been a little more avocado. Still, it was delicious and satisfying. I paired it with the rooibos hibiscus tea which was light and refreshing. They also have self serve water and a clean up yourself setup which keeps the vibe laid back. Food is served during breakfast hours only, but they do keep a grab and go refrigerated case stocked with premade items if you stop by later. Staff were friendly and kind, and the atmosphere is extremely inviting with plenty of nooks to settle into. One of the highlights is a painted chess table that adds to the artsy charm and is perfect for a photo. They also have a shaded outdoor patio if you want to sit outside. Definitely worth stopping in if you are in the area and looking for good food, tea, and a comfortable place to relax.

Excellently selection of sodas, weird or wild, candy, etc. Good surprise stop. Bbq was good, just…read morelike moms

Affordable little Mom 'n Pop soda stand. Try the vanilla marshmallow Coke with double marshmallow…read moreand vanilla. ($5 minimum credit card purchase.) When you're done here, check out the Chocolatier across the street. Nice people & nostalgic drinks; not a huge selection so only a 4 star. It's a cute find out in the middle of nowhere tho!

I absolutely loved the avocado toast here. The avocado to toast ratio was perfect and they…read moresprinkled a slightly spicy tangy powder on top that made it extra delicious. They topped it with some pumpkin seeds as well. I asked for no egg and it was still so satisfying. The cafe itself is cozy and welcoming with a cute exterior seat that makes a perfect little stop on a road trip. Inside there are comfortable chairs by a fireplace that give it such a homey feel. They also have a to go fridge with ready to heat items which is very convenient. The staff was friendly and kind which made the visit even better. Definitely worth stopping in if you are passing through.

Nestled in the heart of Gridley, Illinois, Common Grounds Cafe & Pie Shop at 102 Gridley Rd . is a…read moreculinary pit stop that transforms humble small-town charm into a flavor-packed adventure. Owned by Katrina and Kyle Reinhard, this cozy café--housed in a revamped gas station with a drive-thru--delivers bold twists on comfort food, artisan coffee, and pies that could rival any big-city bakery.  Pie Odyssey The pie case here is a treasure trove of creativity. Dive into the Key Lime Pie--a tangy, velvety masterpiece hailed by Chicago restaurateurs as "the best they've ever had". The Coconut Cream Pie floats on a cloud of whipped topping, while the Chocolate Cream Pie is a decadent, cocoa-rich dream. Don't miss the Kuchen, a German family recipe with a buttery crust and custardy filling that tastes like German heritage. ( their rotating selection promises surprises.)  Drinks with a Dare Their coffee game is strong, thanks to Gobena Coffee--roasted locally and supporting global orphan care. The Banana Cream Latte is a creamy, whimsical sip, while the Strawberry Piña Colada Smoothie tastes like a tropical vacation in a cup. Adventurers can try seasonal concoctions like the "Winter Wonderland Steamer" or a spicy chai latte.  Savory Quests Breakfast kicks off with a hearty Steak Bagel, layered with juicy beef and a perfectly fried egg. For lunch, the Buffalo Chicken Flatbread packs a punch with smoky heat balanced by cool ranch drizzle. The Beef & Cheddar on Ciabatta is a melty, savory triumph, and the Country Ham Quiche (likely a typo for "quiche") features flaky crust and robust ham chunks--a nod to their farm-fresh ingredients.  Vibe & Verve Once a gas station stop, now a rustic-chic hub with leather armchairs and a fireplace, Common Grounds blends small-town warmth with gourmet flair. The Community Room hosts everything from pie tastings to bridal showers, and the staff's friendliness is legendary. Just brace for prices that lean urban. Final Bite Common Grounds is a detour worth taking. Come for the pies, stay for the caramel-smoked macchiatos, and leave planning your next visit. As one reviewer raved: "You don't need a big city for big flavors". Rating:  5/5 stars -- where every bite feels like a discovery.

Likely the best salads and 'healthy food' in all of Utica. Attractive staff. Big cold coffees…read moretooI'd be happy to return

So cute inside! We stayed and landers house and came here to get a small breakfast. My husband hot…read moreand iced coffee and we shared a cinnamon roll and it was really good.

Sally Sue Peruvian light roast has been the only coffee I bought for 3 years . It's positively…read moredelicious and I recommend it wholeheartedly

Fantastic breakfast! Stopped in on Saturday morning. The restaurant was full of happy locals,…read morewhich is always a good sign. The interior is a modern update of an old downtown brick structure. It's not full service, but they do bring the food to the tables. We had the omelets, and they were scrumptious and hot. The ingredients were high quality. The people are friendly. This place is a slam dunk five stars.

What a gem! Wonderful breakfast! Great tastes and textures! One of the best breakfasts I've had…read morein a long time!

I am vacationing in the area and we stopped for some coffees one day to fuel up for shopping. The…read morestand is clean and well lit. The menu was easy to understand and the employees were very nice. I'd love to give this spot 5 stars but the coffee just didn't hit for me. I think they are doing everything right, it's just not for my palate.

Review Visit: June 13th, 2015…read more If someone hit you in the face with coffee beans, if the attempt to wake you up... would that be a Brewed Awakening? Honestly, I would be happy to wake up to coffee! Brewed Awakenings has your standard fair when it comes to coffee selection and that is just fine. I don't recall what I had there, but everyone I was with enjoyed what they got. If you are in a hurry and need your coffee in a hurry, they have a convenient drive-thru for you!

Stopped in with the kids for the first time and was treated very nicely by the staff. They had a…read morebig selection for the size of the store and had things I haven't seen offered at other ice cream shops. The kids loved it and I'll go back. Cute little shop b

Front Street Creamery in El Paso, Illinois, is a nostalgia-packed " cool place" that'll transport…read moreyou straight back to the Clarissa Explains It All era. Owned by Matt & Kerri Kaps and (who've nailed the "cool local hang" vibe), this spot serves up frozen custards and sorbets with a side of 1990s whimsy. Let's break it down, Saved by the Bell-style: Waffle Tacos & Kid-Approved Hits Their waffle tacos are the stuff of lunchbox legends are made from. For the under-12 crowd, banana pudding custard reigns supreme, blending Nilla wafer nostalgia with silky texture. Parents, prepare for repeat requests. Grown-Up Flavors with Flair Champagne sorbet? Absolutely Fabulous. This bubbly-inspired treat dances between sweet and tart, while pistachio custard delivers a nutty richness that'll make you rethink every '90s "low-fat" trend. Blood orange sorbet steals the show with its zesty punch-perfect for and weather. Retro Candy & Hy-Vee Collab The attached candy shop is a time capsule of Dunkaroos-era snacks, from Warheads to Fruit by the Foot. Pro tip: Grab a tub of their vanilla bean custard at Bloomington's Hy-Vee for home-based nostalgia trips. Why It's All That With its converted grocery store aesthetic and Friends-level hangout energy, Front Street Creamery is the Midwest's answer to 1995. Culinary Chronicles approves-this spot's got more flavor layers than a Lisa Frank trapper keeper.

Millstone Bakery is such a little gem. The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, and the service is…read moregenuinely friendly. My friend had the warm cider, which was comforting and flavorful, and I ordered a matcha tea that was absolutely delicious. I paired it with one of their sweet cakes, and it was fresh and perfectly indulgent. Definitely a lovely spot to relax for a bit. I'll be back.

I've been on a quest for good coffee in the area. Unfortunately even the "coffee" places around…read morehere often just shovel sugar into poorly made espresso. This place is different! I knew when I saw a pour over on the menu chances were good. It was. This wasn't just good coffee for the area, it was good coffee period. True third wave specialty coffee brewed well. Will return!