This is a super cute coffee shop in uptown! It is super close to the Wilson cta stop. We had the emerald matcha latte, blueberry lemon tea, and house made bagels! All of it was great and would definitely recommend. The service was also lovely and made some great suggestions. read more

Emerald City Coffee - Plain House-made Bagels - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I'm sorry to say that after almost three years of living within walking distance of this place, I just now stopped in for the first time. They are currently the only coffee shop near me offering indoor seating during this transitional post-covid time, and I'm glad they are because it gave me the motivation to finally come here. Walking in feels like time traveling to a cool cafe in the '90s, before gentrification took the edge off the urban coffee scene. (I was surprised to learn they've only been here since 2016, though their original location on Sheridan--now closed--was around earlier.) There's eccentric local art on the walls, funky decor (did I notice a skull motif?), fully stocked bookshelves, a piano, and two separate seating areas with plenty of space (I think they removed some tables for social distancing). When I was there they had painting supplies set out for anyone to use, apparently something they do every Friday. The staff seemed somewhat aloof and indifferent to my presence, but I'm 100% fine with that in a coffee shop and frankly it just made the place seem cooler. I had a cold brew (at $3, possibly the cheapest cold brew in town) and a chicken pesto sandwich that was a little too drippy but good quality, especially the bread. I'd definitely come back and try some other stuff on the menu and sit in one of the lounge-backed seats with a book again. read more

While I would love to have more to say about this place, it was pretty underwhelming. Limited coffee choices, usually only 1 person working as the barista/cashier, broken down furniture, and very busy decor. I couldn't find anything excellent here, but I also didn't find anything terrible. It was just a place to get coffee if you're walking by, but not the type of place you go to make memories. With the competition of a Chicago cafe's, there are a lot of other options if you're looking for something outstanding. read more

I have an hour to kill so why not check out my new work neighborhood? This coffee shop is directly near Truman College and the Red line Wilson train station. The employee was helpful and knowledgeable with the coffee list and I decided on a cafe medici with whipped cream. A cafe medici is espresso + chocolate with an orange peel & whipped cream--the orange peel is added flavor and is tasted towards the last drop! Yum! The barista looked alert & oriented x3, whereas I'd rather crawl back into bed and escape adulting! The front part of this establishment has board games to choose from! Next time, I will bring my 4 year old during times there isnt a crowd of college students or train commuters around. There's also wall paintings and available for purchase. I sat towards the back area towards the 3 bookcases and piano; I wished I still learned how to play! On a final note, the menu consists of traditional, something different, noncoffee options, and sandwhiches. Parking is challenging: meter parking available. read more

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I stopped in to meet someone. Of all my years living in the neighborhood I never stopped in. On the first step in, I knew this was going to be my place. Sometimes you go to cool coffee places but their coffee kinda sucks BUT NOT HERE! I tried their cafe Medici and haven't turned back yet! Saying it's good would be such an understatement! So, if the environment was cool and the coffee was perfect the staff had to be sub-par right? Not here. I have been here now a few times and every time the baristas and staff have always been sweet and helpful! Will continue to come here and it is a gem to the community! read more

Not my favorite coffee place tbh. Small and dingy. Serves coffee and tea coffee company as the drip brew (which I love coffee and tea).

Emerald City is everything you need in a coffee shop. It's clearly frequented by Uptown locals and I see why Emerald City earns their stamp of approval. I tucked in here early on a Sunday morning and was delighted by their specialty coffees. I tried the meil with soy milk, which comes in an 8oz cup. I've never had espresso sweetened with honey and spiced with cinnamon before but enjoyed this cup! The atmosphere is casual and inviting. The space is larger than I expected with a nice mix of seating options. The staff are friendly and warmly greeted the regular patrons. This is a great local find in the Uptown neighborhood, right off the Wilson red line stop. read more

Emerald City Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I decided to try this place since I walk by it all the time. I tried the caffe medici latte (espesso, chocolate, orange peel, and milk) and the breakfast taco. Yum! Both were very good. I think the caffe medici latte is my new favorite drink. So smooth and creamy! Lots of drinks, sandwiches, and pastries to choose from. The place is a bit small as you walk in, but there is plenty of extra seating towards the back of the shop. I like the exposed brick with the exposed pipes (painted black). They are even dog friendly. read more

The Wilson location is larger than the former Sheridan location which allows for more area to work. Coffee as usual was he was great. Serve staff were attentive & great to deal with. read more

Cute coffee shop! It can be a bit difficult to spot due to some lack of signage. Lots of various coffee offerings, including some unique ones. Also some food offerings. It's nice and quiet during the day, making this a good spot to do some work. (Though, the Wi-Fi password is still a mystery.) There's also a bunch of board games and cool little nooks to chill in. Be sure to try the cafe medici - double shot of espresso with orange and chocolate. So yum! Staff are good. Not the most pleasant or enthusiastic. (But is that really even needed? They know how to make great coffee.) Overall, a great neighborhood coffee shop. read more

Omg this place was so cool and quirky! I had a delicious sandwich and amazing Japanese cherry blossom tea. Lots of board games to play and lots of space to work. read more

Very cute coffee shop. It's a great spot to stop by when you need to work from home or you need a new spot to study. This place is a little quirky with puzzles, board games and a piano. It's a five minute walk west of the Wilson stop, so it's not difficult to get to. The drinks are great and they can be made both hot and cold. There are a decent amount of spots in the coffee shop (along with a decent amount of outlets), but Sunday's can be tough, especially if you come with a friend. I would recommend this place to a friend and I will be going back soon. read more

Emerald City Coffee - Iced matcha latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Ample space for a small meetup to simply enjoying one of their freshly made breakfast sandwiches or pastries. My niece particularly loves the hot chocolate while playing boardgames in the back. Looking forward to sitting outside and people watching in the upcoming months. read more

The food is excellent. Everything is home made. The cinnamon buns are fantastic!!! Also had the cream cheese bagel with bacon, tomato and lettuce. The bagel was without a doubt homemade and fresh. Love this place. read more

Stopped in to kill some time before an appointment and love the vibes AND amazing coffee! Highly recommend for a chill spot to do a little work, read of just enjoy a coffee. read more

Emerald City Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Great, cozy coffee shop with fair prices and no pretense. The drinks, pastries, and breakfast tacos are tasty. There is ample seating at solo or shared tables or couches. Two non-gendered single-toilet bathrooms. You will see immediately people love to stay here and do a little work or studying, and if you go again, you will see many returning patrons. There is even an active open mic night and other events. This is a respite from all the "sterile" looking, bland coffee shops around. Don't come here looking for clean white walls and total solitude. Come here for great cafe fare, service, music, and community. read more

Great local coffee shop right next to the red line train station in Uptown. You can literally enter and exit through a connecting door. I love supporting local business owners. They truly make up a neighborhood and add character. Nothing against the big chains like Starbucks, but those places do not add character, a personal feel or individuality IMO. I ordered a jasmine green tea and had the breakfast taco with beans, egg and cheese and everything was great! The breakfast taco was delicious and so was my Jasmine green tea. I also love the inside look. A genuine coffee shop with a sit and chat comfortable atmosphere. I will be back. read more

I walked in one late afternoon and the store was relatively empty but still had one or two people sitting at tables. The atmosphere was very cozy and I appreciated how quiet the place was- I will definitely return at some point to do some work. I ordered an oat milk latte and a chocolate chip cookie to go. The latte was pretty standard, and the default roast I was given leaned towards a darker, caramel-y taste. Although I did not personally eat the cookie, I was told that it was "thick but soft" and was a "very good cookie". read more

It was a chilly, windy bike ride to the north side of the 1200 block of W Wilson, where a client was awaiting me, and I arrived thinking how nice a cup o' joe would feel. I'm a card-carrying Starbucks man, but didn't see any angels on green backgrounds nearby. What I did see was Emerald City Coffee right in front of me, though, so I decided to see what they had to offer. From the entrance of the store, I could see the menu, which was written in plain English. (Sorry, Starbucks, but I really could do without the mock Italian on the menu!) I quickly located my drink of choice - a 12-ounce cup of Vienna or French Roast - and got in line. At the counter, I was greeted by a friendly barista, who quickly filled my order and directed me to the fixins table, where I found three easy-to-pour carafes of whiteners - skim milk, 2% milk and I didn't see if the third was whole milk or half & half. I added a splash of the 2% to my cup, and headed out to see my client. I found my coffee to be well-brewed, full-bodied and tasty, as a good dark roast coffee should be. I would score it as much better than what I've gotten at most coffee shops, and a cut above most of Starbucks' dark roasts. Well done, Emerald City Coffee, you've earned a new fan! read more

If I ever move from here I'll cry. I can walk here and it's great. Love their cold brew. Good prices and great vibe. And their sandwiches are bomb! The BLT is so good. I love that they're not trying to be hipster. They just are who they are and it's super chill!! Also great study space! read more

I looked for this place, but had a great deal of trouble finding it at first due to all the fliers on the Windows. After figuring out where was, I was pleasantly surprised by the good service. Everything was satisfying. The place is clean and hip. Will go back. read more

Hands down the best Americano I've had. Service and quality has stayed consistently good for years now and I can't imagine a better neighborhood spot to spend my weekends at. read more

Best espresso beverages in the city! I had the Cafe Medici latte and it was amazing. The orange flavor was perfect and the drink was "cozy". The breakfast tacos were delicious and the perfect comfort food. I had the potato and refried bean tacos. The staff was so nice and helpful. The ambience is great as well. I loved sitting in the back and reading a book off the shelf while I enjoyed my breakfast. It is a quiet place to study or work as well. I am definitely coming back :) read more

Good food and coffee, plenty of places to sit, functional WiFi. Nice décor, including board games. And it's quiet! A lot of tea/coffee places in the city play bar-volume music to...draw in the kids I guess? But Emerald City is the place to get work done. read more

Comedy Night completely surpassed all of my expectations! One doesn't generally have high expectations for comedy at a Cafe, but every performer threw down! Talent was raw, young, and millennial that came hard with all the jokes! Everyone was laughing and the momentum lasted the whole evening! These kids were so good there's no doubt they'll end up at the esteemed clubs in the near future. I can't forget to rave about the host/mc whom was phenom! Best perk is, it's completely free to attend! The cafe has a hip and cozy vibe. Not pretentious at all. Come as you are feel. Board games and book shelves are fully stocked. As far as treats and warm beverages go, I didn't order anything because Comedy Night is B.Y.OB. and my friends came prepared with a bottle of tequila and a pack of strawberitas. Held once a month in the Uptown neighborhood this place is a hidden gem, reminding clientele what small independent businesses have to offer! Held on Sunday evenings, theres a row of free meter parking right in front. Makes for a chill and highly entertaining Sunday evening! read more

really nice employee who was patient with me not knowing what I wanted! good coffee and fun atmosphere/ decor read more

Emerald City Coffee - one of the seating areas - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Huge space with tons of seating options. They have booths, couch space, tables, and high top tables you can stand at! The wi-fi is super fast and there is a quiet section in the back of the coffee shop if you want to get work done. The coffee is delicious and they have food options such as sandwiches and baked goods as well! It definitely feels like a neighborhood coffee shop with board games, a homey feel, and kind staff members! I will be back. read more

Really cute spot with great coffee...but why the need to blare the music? Most folks likely want to work or converse.

Iced chai is a killer. What makes each visit better are the personable baristas and the loyalty card! Comfortable, cozy ambience.

Just the best baristas and the best coffee. Emerald City is doing it right. Get the oat milk mochas!

Easily one of my favorite independent coffee houses for miles around, and for a lot of reasons. The coffee itself is of high quality and very good. The ambiance is of a classic old-fashioned coffee house with mismatched furniture inside of interconnected rooms with lots of announcements and postings of events. They have both breakfast and lunch items too, in case you're hungry. They even challenge your mind with a daily, and trust me truly challenging, money-saving trivia question. It's just all the little things here that make this place really special. read more

I love this place. They have really tasty and interesting specialty coffee drinks and, sometimes I forget, but awesome sandwiches. I need to ask what mozzarella they use cause it's so good. The baristas are always friendly and fast. Did I mention it's a pretty large but comfy space? There are games and puzzles, but I've never had trouble finding a table to work or chat with a friend. I think just I convinced myself to go here more often. After 8 drinks, you get one free, so I have one calling my name. read more

Hey hey, a new location! As a frequenter of the location on Sheridan, I was stoked to see this one in my very own hood. Same good coffee, same good snacks. This one is pretty large and has the added benefit of less train noise and random train customer traffic. With two decent sized rooms there's pretty of place to hunker down. Could definitely use a few more electrical outlets, but hey, perhaps, just perhaps you'll read a book or just enjoy your coffee. With two other spots just down the block, i'm glad to see Emerald come in and give them a run for their (expensive) money. read more

Emerald City Coffee - Fireplace and Art - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I just had a date square, and I am transformed. Also, the regular coffee is great, but their non-traditional drinks are always fantastic too. I've had some of the sandwiches and have always found them to be tasty. The vibe is cool - so glad this place is just down the block from me! read more

I live in the neighborhood and am happy to see this coffee shop fill the space vacated by Magnolia Cafe. The staff is above-and-beyond friendly, which I was not expecting for somewhat of a frou-frou coffee shop. Coffee is excellent and they have an assortment of unique varieties to try. The interior is spacious with lots of tables. Seems like it would make a good study spot (I think there are only outlets at the two tables near the wall, however, if you have laptop needs). Welcome to the neighborhood, Emerald! UPDATE: I'm really impressed by the way this coffee shop has integrated into the neighborhood. They host live events, bring in some entertainment, and have hosted a Sheridan Park Neighbors meeting. read more

My absolute favorite coffee shop in the area. Amazing staff, great for working, cool art and several different kinds of events. Delicious pastries as well! read more

Excellent coffee, and service! They are being diligent about following COVID restrictions.

I'm a grad student who needs to do a lot of work from home - and this place has been my workplace ever since it opened. I come regularly and there's always a spot to work + outlets. Staff are great. Drinks are perfect. Sandwiches are exactly what I'd want. Only complaint is every so often their WiFi is a little wonky, but the staff usually gets on it ASAP. read more

This is a great coffee shop for just about everything. There is a very vibrant community and I love being there to get some work done. The lunch menu is great as well. read more

Not a regular but they make a filling, and cheap, breakfast taco. My favorite is the egg and potato breakfast taco. Their soups of the day are fresh and homemade. I had the tomato and carrot soup and loved it! Best described as a light bisque; rich & hearty! Space has a relaxed, comfy vibe. Very chill and no pretension. Sunny, clean and large. read more