Why this place isn't more popular, I just don't understand. Perhaps it's due to the out of the way location. It's incredibly cozy, the coffee is extra tasty, and the little blonde gal that works there is one of the cutest human beings i've ever seen. (apologies to little blonde girl for objectifying you. also, sorry to my girlfriend who will inevitably read this and give me stinkeye.) This is a great place to study. There's plenty of tables located near power outlets. There's free wifi. There's more seating in this place than just about any other coffee shop in the city. It's super close to Truman, yet strangely doesn't appear to be crawling with Truman students. BONUS: head north a block or two and make a left on Hutchinson Street. You'll find yourself in the middle of an architectural gem of a neighborhood. Every house on this block is beautiful. On the corner of Hutchinson & Hazel, there's a plaque commemorating the large amount of work architect George Maher did on this street. read more

I was really excited to try this place, but when I walked in there was a baby crying and that immediately annoyed me. I ordered a coffee and the staff was really nice and friendly. I went to take one of the few seats available. There was another group of small children and they talked loudly my entire stay. (Who brings their kids to hang out at a coffee shop??) I guess its not the business's fault about the children... but when I go to a coffee shop, its to get work done... not be distracted by small children everywhere. read more

Just a little blurb of complaint... I read on Yelp and was then received a comfirmatory response over the phone saying that Dollop carried Yerba Mate and would sell it in bulk. I arrive an hour later and they responded to my question, "Oh we would never say that. Sorry, we only sell by tea bag." I was cool and calm, it all went down in a cafe after all, but they were down right rude. Wasted time, wasted possible stars. :X read more

Good coffee. Hot boys. Great music. That's all I really need for a study spot. No matter what time of day I go there is always a place to sit and spread out my work. That keeps me coming back. Dollop is definitely high on the hipster quota. This includes the atmosphere and the staff. Usually this would turn me off, but I let the positives outweigh the negatives at this place. The drinks and food are both really good, and definitely reasonably priced. If I'm feeling hungry, I always go for the brie and pear sandwich. It's so delicious! And only 6 bucks. The only thing that I would say is lacking here is the staff. Most of the time they are understaffed with one person behind the counter. I'm sure this is tough for them...making drinks, making food, and taking orders all my yourself. Their communication skills are always usually lacking as well. They really don't call out drink or food orders well enough. I've been waiting on one side of the counter for a sandwich for ten minutes only to find out that it was sitting on the other side the whole time. And they never brought it to me or told me that it was there. It's kind of like they do it on purpose. They've done this with drink orders too. Obviously this is really annoying, but it's not enough to keep me from coming back or from enjoying the place quite a bit. read more

It's a cool coffee shop and it's not a Starbucks. Free wifi. Different flavors of ice tea every day. Go and hang out. read more

Great atmosphere. Metropolis coffee. The first time I went in there they were playing awesome music. Haven't been back as it's not in the areas of Chicago I frequent, but you should go. read more

So Dollop is tucked away in a quiet residential part of town that had me completely bejiggered trying to find it. When I did find it, I was so happy to discover the delightfully polite coffeehop. He would murmur in commiseration with my requests and say "absolutely, oh absolutely". That alone gets five stars. On top of which, they play the bestest best music here, everything from Bob Dylan to Ray Charles to Neil Young. Heaven. The cherry on top was the organic, fair trade coffee and baked goods. Entirely too expensive, but when you say "fair trade" and "organic", I get out my wallet. read more

Cashier got confused when I tried to order a dirty chai, after getting some attitude her supervisor had to explain the order to her. Barista used incorrect milk type (I'm lactose intolerance, so this is always unpleasant) and then served me an overflowing drink. Unhelpful staff, ok coffee, wasted my morning. read more

Just a quick review of this place...I'm not usually big on studying at coffee shops, but because this place is very close to my house, and I'm not mature enough to study at home without turning on an episode of Teen Mom, I pretty much had to give it a shot. Prices are good, and they have a nice variety of coffees, teas, sandwiches, and pies. There is also a back room to the place that is a little more quiet, great for getting work done. Also, there are a bunch of outlets and free wi-fi. Toss me an honorary hipster badge, Dollop is my new hangout til test time. $Dollop $Dollop billz y'alllll. read more

I went here after watching a few episodes of It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia because I have a bit of a thing for the coffee shop waitress in the show... sadly she wasn't here (what was I thinking man? pull your freaking self together, seriously) but it was well worth the trip anyway. Of the three free wifi coffee spots I've been to round these parts (Mocha and Emerald City being the others) I think this is my favourite (although Emerald had better food if you want a snack too). One of the main things I liked about this place was that there were lots of seating options - couches, high tables, desk type things and a mysterious back bit which I didn't go in. Good music if you like indie, although it was a bit loud for me. $3 minimum for card transactions. read more

Casual and eclectic--Dollop blends vintage furniture and brick walls with a comfortable laid back atmosphere and great cups of caffeinated love. I had a caramel latte and it was beautifully crafted with a lovely heart by the talented barista--it definatly hit the spot! Their coffee cake was so yummy as well! I met a friend for the first time here and enjoyed it. I think its a great place for first meetings or to just chill with a friend and talk about everything from existentialism to favorite espresso flavors! read more

I got an iced chai. It was decent. I think if I'd gotten a different drink, I'd liked the café more. The wonderful thing about this place is that the staff is great and you can tell that they are well trained at what they do. Another bonus is the amazing amount of outlets they have. When I saw all the outlets, I actually wanted to rate this place and write an entire review about the plentiful outlets. It is annoying to go to a coffee shop for hours and have to look around under peoples' feet to find an outlet. Ahhh, yes...outlets. read more

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

Feeling a bit under the weather...and experiencing unfortunate weather...I was delighted to stumble upon Dollop. A nice countertop conversation, steamed milk, delicious locally made oniony-pastry and light reading of a 1957 National Geographic later....I was cured. Stop in. You'll be hooked immediately. Dollop is filled with nooks in all the right places - seems like a perfect place to spend winter with a book. (Night parking around the cafe is horrible. Ride your bike/walk--it's more fun anyway) read more

This place is top notch! The atmosphere is perfect, kind of on this quite residential corner on Claredon. There's a space in the back with comfy chairs and group tables. The baristas are pleasant and fun, and I just tried their Coconut Oolong and it's lovely. Free wi-fi and the above combinations make this place a winner in my book! read more

Dollop??? Oh Daisy!!!! My favorite coffeehouse in the whole of Chicago. Great drinks, great baristas, great atmosphere. My friend lives around the corner so she usually know where we are gonna end up. It's just a great place to relax, talk with friends, work at your comp or just people watch. read more

I need to move near Dollop. I love their coffe. I love their chairs. I love the people who work there, even though I do not know any of them. I love the way it smells. I love sitting there and drinking coffee and smelling everything. Someone once said this place is like a coffee shop in Prague, which was a compliment. I've never been to Prague but I'm going next summer and if this is what coffee shops in Prague are like.. I'm very excited. GREAT coffee. Great Service. Great people. Yes. I love coffee. I love Dollop too. read more

I just started working right around the corner from Dollop. It's very charming, with great food at great prices. You can grab coffee and food to go or sit down. This is a great place to meet some friends or to just chill out and study or read for a couple hours. It's also dog friendly and has bike parking out in front. read more

You can usually find the staff chain smoking with either smug or angry faces outside the shop. They don't get nicer when you're inside and giving them business. Beverages are average or subpar, depending on the day, and expensive. The place itself is falling apart. Good luck getting work done. Other customers are disrespectful and the must is consistently loud and distracting. It's always busy but my husband and I are baffled as to why. read more

Dollop has the best coffee and WAY more character than you'd find in a Starbucks. I love to stop in on the weekends for a cup before I head out on a long walk with my dog. One quibble, though - the music is often hit or miss. I stopped in at 10am on a Sunday a few weeks ago and Britney's 'I'm a Slave 4 U' was blaring. Luckily I wasn't planning on hanging out there and relaxing with a morning paper. read more

Dollop was by far my favorite coffee shop in Chicago. But then again it is the only cafe I hit up the entire month I was in Chicago... and for good reason. If I lived in Chicago there's no doubt that Dollop would be my go to cafe. The exposed brick, the comfy mismatched sofas, the plants, the collection of magazines and books in the far back, all create a homey atmosphere that makes it a great place to go and get some work done or just read a book. Their tea selection is great (I hear that their coffee is good too but I don't drink coffee so I wouldn't know) and I swear if you love pie as much as I do their pie from "Who's your mama" bakery will not fail to hit the spot. And last but not least the Baristas are awesome. Especially Katie. My next visit back to Chicago I'll for sure be hitting up Dollop. read more

I like Dollop! The staff is a lot more on top of things than Awake and their space is much larger, and suitable for days when one is working remotely, needs to get out the house to read a book, etc. They have free wi-fi, offer sandwiches and other lunchtime fare in addition to the breakfast pastries in the mornings, and generally have a low-key, cafe vibe that is neither stifling with silence nor headache-inducing with conversation. I've been here several times and am definitely a fan. I haven't had their coffee since I'm not terribly fond of it, but their tea is looseleaf and delicious. I also really appreciate that they offer little plastic cups of water for patrons. Also, there is a $5 minimum for credit card transactions. read more

While the storefront doesn't seem much, it goes in much deeper once you're inside. If you park yourself beyond the counter in the rear of the main room or deeper in the half-step underground den, you will be in one of the most cozy sipping/studing/reading areas you can find in any Chicago coffee house, replete with bookcases, sofas and study tables set in the midst of cozy but airy space surrounded by exposed brick walls decorated with original/local artwork. There are plenty of places in Chicago that offers decent coffee and free wi-fi these days, exposed brick wall and all. Atmosphere and experience provided in such places, however, seem to fall short of what Dollop Coffee Co. pulls off (seemingly) without effort... it's got a natual laid-back, comfortable vibe that feels like a warm, cozy living room in the middle of a snowy winter afternoon. You won't find Dollop Coffee Co. unless: (a) You stumbled across the raving reviews from loyal regulars, or (b) You live in the neighborhood. If you fit either categories, you know how lucky you are. Keep coming. If you don't, you really owe it to yourself to walk/ drive/ take bus 145 to check out Dollop Coffee Co. (Why the place does not get five-stars, is because the baked goods sold at Dollop Coffee Co. are exorbitantly expensive... I understand the whole deal about local artisan products, but +$3 for Croissant or +$2 for a cookie is tough to love...) read more

Great space in Uptown... have all the qualities of a solid coffee house: good espresso, glasses for water, high-booth tables, group seating area, board games, free wi-fi, ice cream (?!). This is an old store front that's been gutted -- exposed brick, mix-matched but complementary tables and chairs, dark woods, outside seating when it's nice out. Most annoying part of the place has been fixed: the computer that played music throughout the cafe was also the "free use" computer. Kids would come in to check their myspace and accidentally blast terrible emo music over the house speakers when they opened their friend's pages. Sorry emo kids, the computer's not there anymore. read more

Great vibe for studying/working. Need to get here early to get a table seat though. It's often packed.

Coffee should be the elixir of life. n Dollop comes really close... A couple of my "WFH" (working from home) days has, truth be told, been "WFD" days really! Wonderful to get ur caffeine fix and free wifi @ the same place and not feel like you are in a chain store making some multi-million dollar company richer. I adore the look and feel of the brick wall and wooden furniture - especially the back room. My bf and I come here to play chess or battleship (we are still young @ heart) and drink lattes. The staff is friendly and have this bohemian outlook which is infectious. I always feel peppy after stopping @ this shop around my corner. P.S:- I totally *want* this chair they have out in the summer. read more

I don't really care about yelp anymore, but I'm offended enough to leave a review. Most everyone who works is here is super polite and friendly, but there is one girl who is so rude that it's comical. I get it, it's early, you hate serving people, everyone is rude, life sucks, but like, don't act like my asking for a plain cup of coffee is getting in the way of your day. Working in a serving job sucks, but when a customer is actually friendly, why act put off? Jesus I hate coffee shops. read more

This is my favorite coffee shop in Chicago - goodbye Intelligentsia & Metropolis - - Dollop is the perfect combo of comfy and cute. The coffee is excellent and the seating is perfect. The only downsides are the hipster and often unwelcoming staff and the *almost* free wireless. Other than that - I will keep coming back - it's a great study/hang/read destination! read more

A good cup of coffee with out the Starbucks pressure. I love the atmosphere of this place. Went in for tea to catch up with a friend ended up staying for over 2 hours! Laid back coffee shop. Great people and environment in a unique somewhat hidden spot. Free wi-fi. GREAT Chai tea! Just try it... you'll love it. This place makes me happy, enough said. read more

I love Dollop and am sad to have moved away from it. Come here if you need a place to chill, focus, or just get away from it all. The coffee, while good, isn't anything outstanding --- but deal with it because this quirky little spot is a keeper. The back room is nice as well, as it gives off the vibe of an old-school library or office. If I was in law school, I would probably live here. The staff is cool, down to earth, and conversational. Oh, and free Wi-Fi (when working) is definitely a bonus. read more

Poor Dollop! I went in today to check out this cute little shop because its right around the corner from my new apartment. From what I overheard there was a break in or something..the door was boarded over and the cash register was either broken or missing b/c they were doing transactions by hand. But no worries, the girls behind the counter were super friendly and quick. I loved the atmosphere, really homey and comfortable. One could really sit here for a while and lounge, get some work done (free wifi..yay) or read. I however, did not stay too long..only because school must have just gotten out and annoying teens kept running in and being really obnoxious and loud..kind of ruined the moment for me. But I will be back..often, Im sure. I had a bagel with extra cream cheese (no extra charge..yay) and a chai. Both were yummy. I wish I had a sandwich because while I was enjoying the bagel the sandwiches were being replenished in the cooler case..calling my name. Next time. Bonus: very cool art work. read more

Dollop just randomly popped into my head today as I was looking at my old, broken ipod. You see, on one very busy day, on which I pretty much traveled through all of Chicago, I lost my ipod. It was new then, and my best friend forever, as it accompanied me on long bike rides. Anyway, I had no clue where it was and pretty much gave up hope immediately. About 3 days later, PHIL OF DOLLOP messaged me on myspace with the message: "IPOD- did you lose one?" How the hell he knew it was my ipod I have no idea (I think he told me at some point but I forgot). Anyway, it was pretty much the best day of my life and I love that Phil loves his customers enough to go out of his way to return such a thing. THANKS PHIL! I would also like to add that this was the cafe that broke me away from Starbucks at the tender age of 19 :*) Memoorriiiesssss!! Dollop forever. I'll be a regular when I move back in 2011. read more

Great first experience. I work wherever there is wireless, so this may very well become one of my various office spaces. This place has a great vibe; very homey and laid back and reminds me of my local spot in Santa Barbara. The brick walls and worn in furniture set the tone and the service is friendly and helpful. The regulars say it all, "it is a second home" and "the corner Dollop occupies, is a hub, there is no other way to say it". Unfortunately, I was also told that the wireless is a little finicky and pet peeve numero uno is Wi-Fi that goes in and out on me. We shall see, but I sure did enjoy my first impression. read more

I loved this place and am SO thankful it's just around the corner! I love the relaxed, non-corporate vibe. Everything was clean and the mismatched decor is cozy. My two big thumbs up go to the 2-3 free refills for their delicious loose leaf tea and their fantastic chai! The chai at Starbucks and the like is pretty mediocre and, like most, I can't STAND their coffee! Dollop knows just how to do it. Any ex-Illini's out there will know just what I mean when I say this is a great replacement for Kopi and Caffe Paradiso! It's just as good, if not better (minus the wide selection of food, anyway). read more

I've been coming to Dollop ever since they first opened, as it's about 2 blocks down the street from my home-away-from-home (the girlfriend's house). Gotta say... love it. I don't think I've ever spent more than a half hour hanging out there (I'm usually a coffee-to-go person) but I can definitely see why some people choose to spend their entire day here. It's a nice chill vibe, people are friendly, they've got comfortable chairs and free wifi. What more could you ask for? I can't recall if they brew Intelligensia or Metropolis, but whatever it is, it's good! read more

How could I pass up the chance to be the 100th review for Dollop? First, I would like everyone to take a moment of silence for the nearby and recently closed Urban Tea Lounge. May it rest in peace as one of the coolest places in Chicago. Like many have said, Dollop is a gem. Cozy, hip, and good beverages. Glad to have it so close. Starbucks is against my religion. read more

My wife got me a MacBook Pro for Christmas. Now I can look like a professional coffee house patron! I may have taken a turn for the douchier, but Dollop is still holding it down. Keeping it real with great, hand-made, coffee drinks, friendly baristas and a cozy den. Even a poser like me gets the A-Level treatment. Thanks, Dollop! read more

Dollop is probably my favorite coffee joint in all of Chicago... it's one of the things I miss the most about my old 'hood. I can't really put my finger on why I like Dollop better than all the others, but I think it's the character of the whole place. The backroom is pretty cool with the couches and all, but I prefer the high tables in the front. The service is friendly, the music is great and the crowd is pretty chill and interesting... just an overall kickass vibe. Oh and the coffee is damn good too! My only complaint is when I can't get a seat... read more

"I don't speak starbucks. Small, medium or large?" Perhaps I was a bit harsh as a former barista of a small, homey college campus coffee establishment. But I had a fierce loyalty to my neighborhood-y shop and other independent cafes like it. Dollop fits the bill and scores above-and-beyond points for its plethora of positives: Perfectly-roasted fair-trade coffee Laid-back and extremely diverse crowd Lack of pretentiousness from staff and fellow caffeine hounds Nearly-always-ample seating Homey and comfortable ambience Spectacular music selection (Destroyers were on just yesterday, but you'll hear everything from Built to Spill and Rilo Kiley to Wilco and Hot Chip) And finally: friendly service. Unlike yours truly, I have been greeted nearly every time with a smile and thorough service from the baristas in this joint. You can tell they all take pride in providing a great product and it shows by the amount of friendly faces that seem to consistently populate the place. Easily an A+ choice for fans of kind caffeination from comfortable coffee companions. read more

I lived right by this place for five months and never knew about it, i would always walk a lot farther to go to argo tea, shame on me. I moved about three weeks after i found it, and now i don't go there, again, shame on me. it's very laid back, kind of a slight hippy vibe (i know i know, don't worry it's in a good way (beatles) not in a bad way (phish), well, i like it at least) and the staff is really sweet. i was offered day old pie and muffins more than once, yes, it doesn't sound so appetizing, but when you're broke and don't have money, it's the sweetest honey. also, i had a crush on one of the barista's (hello cliche) so it was always nice to not creepily see her working there read more

Great place, reminds me of my hole in the wall apartment, but in a good way. Exposed brick, walls of books, kitschy furniture (I think I actually own one of the dining table chairs that they have at the place), free wireless, and great music. I go there to write, and it's the only place I've been to where I've actually been able to get my work done. It's also great for when you want to be a hermit without staying in your apt. Also, if you don't own a laptop, don't fret, they've got a comp for people to use, one that I believe has all the songs that they play, and you can download them onto your ipod (I think). Now, I don't drink coffee, but they have a great tea selection, and I love using the french press. The baristas are all pretty chill. One of them introduced me to the roast beef sandwich that they sell there, and it's kind of changed my life. Also, try some of the baked goodies, mm-mm good. read more