My friend's roommate recommended that I checked out Candor while I was exploring the West Town/Wicker Park area. I stopped by around noon last Sunday while it was pretty empty and quiet, so I was able to order and receive my drink in less than 5 minutes. FINCA MILAN FLASH BREW - 7.50 On a nice summer day, a flash brew is my go-to. The description mentioned it would have yogurt & berry notes, which is what I was looking for. The beans they used is the "Colombia Julio Madrid | Finca Milan" beans from Makeworth Coffee which was processed with an "experimental washed process." I'm not snob enough to know what that really means, but what I did know is that it tasted incredibly fruity and juicy. It truly made me smile, and I felt like I was drinking a delicious and refreshing fruity tea. What an incredible flash brew. I'm not one to repeat coffee shops while I'm traveling, but I stopped by again the next day because I wanted the flash brew again. Very worth it. I don't regret exploring more coffee options nearby, and I know there are a lot of good ones in this area of Chicago. While they don't roast their own beans, they source their beans from roasters all around. I saw some local Chicago options like Metric, but also roasters like ilse coffee, which is a well-known specialty roaster from Connecticut. This was a great coffee find, and I'll definitely stop by Candor again during my next Chicago trip. read more

Everything I want in a cafe food and beverage wise. Perfectly crafted pastries with inspired flavors; we tried the pistachio croissant and it was heavenly. I'm also not a coffee drinker and there were multiple tea options that had just as much care and mastery behind them as the coffee drinks which is rather uncommon. I tried both the cold brewed genmaicha and the miso maple matcha -- iiiiincredible. Atmosphere wise it isn't really a cozy spot I could read or work in for a couple hours at a time, but the outdoor patio in the back was really nice. The baristas were lovely as well! read more

Candor - miso maple matcha, not sure what the middle drink is tbh looks like coldbrew, iced genmaicha tea. with pistachio pastry - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Great morning vibes with outlets and wifi for those looking to lock in. The seats are a bit close together in case you're thinking of wfh since the cafe volume does tend to go up as most people are here to chat. The matcha miso was unique! A bit on the sweeter side but that's expected with the maple flavors they add. The almond milk flavor was also stronger than I expected. Cardamom bun looked great, a bit on the harder side with the sugar glazed over the exterior. A wonderful community spot with outdoor seating the patio if there isn't an event. Was exactly what I was looking for while I was visiting Chicago for a couple days from NYC and looking for a cafe to wfh in a walkable neighborhood. read more

On the ever lively and bustling Division street in Wicker Park, nestled between two buildings you can find the entrance to this beautiful and modern cafe in a slightly hidden breezeway adorned with vintage lanterns. The interior of the cafe is minimalist and clean. Warm wood and cool metal are the materials of choice, giving a balanced and relaxing place to hang out. The large window looks out towards the street for optimal people watching. Wander down further into the breezeway past Candor's door and you'll find a beautiful back garden space complete with iron bistro tables and benches, a stone fountain, and gorgeous ivy and plants giving a totally different but equally relaxing atmosphere. Super fast and efficient service. Their coconut matcha (I think it's a seasonal drink) is my perfect drink. It's definitely overtaken my previous favorite matcha in Chicago and if you like coconut flavor you HAVE to try it. Super yum and the foam was honestly the best texture I've found so far. Idk how they even do it. If you like cafes and matcha, you really gotta try this place out! read more

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This matcha was sooo good! You get that slight umami matcha flavor balanced perfectly with the homemade maple miso syrup. It's unique but still super easy to drink, and everything just works together. Definitely one of the best matchas I've had. The space is cute but a little small, with people working inside and some seating outside. It's a nice chill spot to hang out and talk. Service was friendly and welcoming too. read more

Candor - Maple miso matcha - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Beautiful pastries, beautiful high quality drinks, beautiful minimal and clean space Great staff Love it read more

Candor - Salted mocha Matcha Pistachio croissant Ham and cheese croissant - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Candor is a solid cafe for those looking for booming music, plenty of sunlight and good coffee. The staff here are welcoming and spin up a strong cup of coffee. What separates Candor apart from other cafes is their quality room speakers--they are serious about the bass. Sleek wooden banquette seating, pastries from Abrah Bakery, and large format seat to ceiling windows. read more

Candor - Maple miso matcha latte and Abrah ham and cheese croissant. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Love the vibe. Small space but cozy. Why is everyone at Candor so calm, cool, and collected?! I need more of this energy. The coffee and specialty drinks are phenomenal. Whatever they do to make the vanilla bean cold foam taste like crack -- keep it up. I'll be back! read more

Went to Candor for my first time this morning and it was an wonderful experience through and through! It was a cozy vibe from the moment I walked through the door and the staff was very welcoming and kind. I ordered the Black Sea Salt Mocha (iced) which was recommended by the barista and I really enjoyed it. It was smooth and flavorful and I would definitely order again. My fiancé ordered the Vanilla Latte and is typically a pretty harsh coffee critic but went out of his way to say he really liked it and said the coffee was great! Definitely added Candor to our "must return" last and can't wait to be back soon! Thanks for a great first experience! read more

Candor - Black Sea Salt Mocha (iced) - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Incredible coffee shop on Division! Intimate little cafe, clean aesthetic inside, incredible windows, even better coffee and croissants. I have been here a few times, and I usually get an espresso, and then a latte. I have had the Burnt Honey Orange Blossom (BHOB) latte, it comes with a dried orange slice on top and is beautiful. I have also gotten the black salt mocha, it has black salt sprinkled on top. All very beautiful and delicious. The espresso isn't bitter at all, definitely ground well, with hints of cherry, and smoke. Very good. I also got a pistachio croissant, which is stuffed with a jam like pistachio, it's sweet, salty. Definitely recommend. It's a small place with about 6 tables so possibly 12 seats. They are a great stop! read more

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The miso matcha was so tasty! I was pleasantly surprised that the flavor combination worked so well. There are also a few pastries to choose from to enjoy with your drink. This is a small place so there is not a lot of seating. We went on a weekday morning so we were lucky to get a table. The staff is friendly and it's a nice place to catch up with friends/do work. Would recommend! read more

Candor - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I tried their special cold brew (pineapple and coconut flavor). It was so good! I saw that people inside all grabbed cups of Matcha, so I suppose their Matcha should be pretty good as well. read more

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Nice minimalist spot. Stopped in for a ham and cheese croissant before an appointment next door--it was tasty and the space has a good, quiet vibe. I'll come back to try the coffee next time . read more

Candor - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Bright, clean, and modern space that goes beyond the "Instagram-friendly" aesthetic. The drinks are thoughtful and well-crafted - I especially enjoyed their take on the trending strawberry matcha. It was balanced, layered, and you could still appreciate the underlying tea instead of it being just sweet. The burnt honey orange blossom latte (iced) was another highlight: refreshing, aromatic, not overly sweet, and with a clear coffee backbone. They also carry a small selection of baked goods. The canelé we tried wasn't the best we've had in Chicago, but it's always nice to see something a little different in the case. Overall, this is a shop with substance as well as style, and one I'd happily revisit. read more

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Always see crowds in this tiny little new spot, and couldn't wait to try. Great location right on Division. The baristas move fast, and I didn't have to wait long. I struggled to order with so many options and intriguing matchas, but went with a basic vanilla latte. Wow - this is probably the best hot latte I've had in Chicago. I was planning on taking it to go, but had to sip on it in the most gorgeous outdoor patio in the back. Candor made for a perfect Sunday morning in Wicker/UKV! read more

Candor - Vanilla latte on the patio - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

New place in Wicker park! The sign can easily be missed because the logo is not as prominent or bold but they had a board on the sidewalk that helped. Very small, minimal decor place. My friend and I got the matcha miso lattes- I liked the hot version better than the cold but you can definitely taste more of the miso. They seemed to be running low on the pastries so will go back another time to try the food. Overall, a unique place but not much seating so would have to be lucky to find a seat. read more

Candor - Matcha miso latte hot and iced - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

3.5/5 stars Ordered an iced matcha latte and a BHOB latte. Drinks were okay, tasted a bit watered down for both lattes but did prefer the matcha a bit more. Sweetness was to my liking and did not have to adjust at all. The matcha was more light in flavor than my preference as I do prefer more umami profiles. Both drinks were refreshing but nothing set them apart from other cafe shops imo. There were few seating spots inside with a couple of tables and outlets if you are planning to study. read more

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Standard cafe. Their espresso drinks are good but their chai is not. I thought it was highly sour for a chai latte and lacked the classic notes in a good chai. read more

Europe is that you? Came for coffee and felt like we had left Chicago and arrived in Europe. This cafe is minimalistic but has what you need with solid coffee and some pastries. There's some seats for people watching or you can grab and go. I loved my oat milk latte and will definitely be back to try some of the fall specials! read more

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This is a very cute spot if you are looking to read or work. It's not very intimate due to the size but the playlist is immaculate and still offers overall pleasant and welcoming experience. The matcha was okay - quite overpriced but served in a large cup! read more

The miso maple matcha is amazing. Consistently good service, look forward to try more drinks

Cute little new spot in the heart of wicker. Stopped by during the renegade craft fair so it was most likely busier than a usual day. Got a simple latte and it was great. Not a matcha fan so I won't be trying their popular one but would be keen on trying more adventurous drinks on the menu. Cute minimalistic vibe read more

Candor - Latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I came right as they opened and it was almost $9 but now it is almost $10 for a strawberry yuzu matcha. Before the flavor was better too. I don't think I will be coming back as they seem like they are upping their prices for no reason and the syrup ratio seemed to be less now. Service is still the same and the spot is cute. read more

Candor - strawberry yuzu matcha - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I've been twice since they opened, once during their opening week and again a few weeks later. Both times I was welcomed with a smile and staff was super nice. It's a chill spot with some fun pastries. My dirty iced matcha has been just right both times. Out door seating is great for chill people watching. read more

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Love to visit a small business over a chain! Staff were nice and the matcha was tasty. Not sure if they're bringing anything unique to the area? (Maybe the coffee is? I don't know... I stick to matcha.) Space/seating options were limited so I wasn't able to hang around. (It was a weekend day, so not surprised.) read more

Candor - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Brand-new coffee shop for Wicker Park in a bright, minimal Scandi-ish setting with wood bench seating and furnishings, and a huge picture window facing Division. The coffee is smooth and bold with a tight main menu plus a few fun seasonal options. The pastry supplier they have is great, if you're a fan of flaky/French-based treats. They have a modest amount of cozily spaced seating indoors with a couple metal benches outside. What to get: burnt honey orange blossom latte, coffee in general, chocolate-orange morning bun, savory danish (with roasted tomato) read more

Candor - burnt honey orange blossom latte, topped with a dehydrated orange slice - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Matcha is amazing quality--one of the best I've had in the city. Wish they had real glasses and not just plastic cups (which are also super small). Don't love the size for the price you're paying, but overall a cute spot. Went on a Sunday afternoon and managed to get a table, but it was super busy and minimal seating. read more

Candor - Matcha - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

A simply minimalistic cafe with Amazing espresso. I ordered a special flavored of espresso and it was really good. Service was quick and friendly. Wouldn't br a good place to visit to study but good gor catch up with friends and quick coffee stop. read more

this review is just for the pastry, i haven't tried the drinks yet and who knows if i will at these prices. cute shop, service was kind, my main qualm is that they need to be more specific about their pastries. i ordered a pistachio croissant ($8!) which is pretty good albeit heavy and very expensive but my main issue is that there's some reddish/pink fruit inside that was NOT advertised/made clear. it's small and my guess is it's a raspberry but this should be mentioned in the signage, at the very least for allergy purposes if not taste. read more

Candor - raspberry? in pistachio croissant - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Ohh! This used to be Gaia Juice and Wellness. Remember that! I had the Hibiscus Iced Tea. The staff and service are candorriffic. read more

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to be perfectly candid, this place was so overhyped. the strawberry yuzu syrup was good but the matcha was insanely watery. considering the fact that it cost nearly $9 without any customizations, this was super disappointing and possibly one of the worst matchas i've ever had in my life. the coffee was also just okay. normally when a coffee shop has such a limited menu, i expect them to perfect each drink. in this case, everything was subpar. the service was fine and the seating area was cute but this was all style and no substance. maybe they're still doing some trial and error on their menu given the fact that they just opened recently, but as it stands, i would not come here again. read more

Perfect coffee shop with good espresso, cozy terrace, nice ambiance, friendly folks working.

This has completely replaced every other cafe between Ashland and Damen as my go-to coffee stop! I've been a coffee and, specifically, espresso enthusiast for around half a decade and my litmus test for a good shop is whether or not they can at least make as good a flat white as I can at home. These folks nail it every time, regardless of how challenging the roast is. The owner and his wife are frequently working behind the counter -- a great sign -- and their attention to detail has clearly been picked up by the rest of the staff even when they're not around. The only knock against the place I could reasonably agree with is that the seating arrangements need a few iterations to optimize the space, as well as a bit more consideration for comfort. read more

Came here on a beautiful Sunday in September to cap off the day walking around in Wicker Park. They had their Komo Matcha pop-up going on while we were there, so I got their Matcha Latte with oat milk iced. My boyfriend got the cold brew with cream. Very simple and elegant flavors mixed with a tranquil ambiance. A+ for me! read more

My flat white was superb. Perfect temperature, foam texture and cute latte art on top. Will be back!