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    Fairgrounds Coffee and Tea

    4.1 (225 reviews)
    Closed 6:00 am - 7:00 pm

    Order Fairgrounds Coffee and Tea Takeout or Delivery

    Fairgrounds Coffee and Tea Photos

    FAIRGROUNDS COFFEE AND TEA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Trendy
    Classy
    Casual

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    Recommended Reviews - Fairgrounds Coffee and Tea

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    Inside June 2025
    Nathan P.

    Connected to the hotel, also next to the elevators that lead up to Cindy's. Conveniently located across from Cloud Gate. Ordered: Vietnamese cold brew 2.5/5 - was expecting more of a Vietnamese coffee taste with condensed milk. It's just a cold brew with no elements or resemblance of Vietnamese coffee. Iced Honey lavender latte 5/5 - on par, delicious. Pickup 2/5 Order came out separately. 1st they called my name and gave me 1 drink. I had to ask them which drink it was, the barista had to look it up on the system although he just handed it to me 5 seconds ago. Confirmed it was the honey lavender latte. I took the drink and left the counter to give my wife her drink. As I was giving it to her I heard the other barista call out "Vietnamese cold brew" and not a name, then another patron went up to take the drink. I then went back to the counter and waited for my Vietnamese cold brew. 30 secs later barista calls out "I have another Vietnamese cold brew" and she hands it to me, I ask is this for Nathan ( my name) and she says I don't know. I looked at it and it's a small. I ordered a large. So they called the other patron back and ask if he ordered a large, he didn't and ordered a small. He brings the drink back to the counter and gives it to me while the small goes to him. I just think they should keep the orders together and call them out by name to avoid the confusion.

    Vietnamese cold brew and the Grilled Cheese & tomato soup combo
    Dorothy P.

    I love the proximity of Fairgrounds to my office; is very convenient to grab lunch or a quick coffee from there. The ambiance is fun - a little industrial with a good soundtrack. Today, I ordered the Vietnamese cold brew & a grilled cheese and tomato soup. If you're looking for a rich, punchy Vietnamese coffee, this isn't it. While I do appreciate the mint and cinnamon in the drink, it bears very little resemblance to Vietnamese coffee. The grilled cheese & tomato soup are on point, however. At $11, it's easily one of their menu's tastiest combos.

    Alexis M.

    This is a solid coffee spot to stop in and stroll before wandering over to Millennium park across the street. This location is in the Chicago Athletic Club Hotel and has its own entrance from Michigan Ave. It has a limited amount of seating available but it is worth walking around to check out the marble staircases and mosaic-tiled interiors. The coffee is solid and they have a rotating selection of beans! I would even grab some beans to roast myself at home.

    My finger after getting smashed by their door

    Please be cautious if you attend this location of Fairgrounds. I love Fairgrounds and have patronized several of their locations. This was my first time attending this location. The door slams violently, which I was unaware of. I was unable to get my hand out of the door fast enough and it smashed my right middle finger. The staff said, "I'm sorry" and eventually got me a grocery bag with some ice in it. I didn't even get a coffee and nothing further was done to make the situation better. Please if you go to this location be extremely cautious of the slamming door. Below is a picture of my finger after the fact.

    Iced strawberry matcha w soy milk
    Sharon J.

    Wandered into Fairgrounds craving a light iced tea or coffee on this hot summer Sunday. Loved the vibes and stayed to do some work. The drink came out so quick and tasted great! The floral matcha balanced well with the strawberry. Happy I came in!

    Iced Chocolate Truffle Mocha
    Charissa H.

    Terrible. The place looks cool and fancy, but my drink was underwhelming. Iced Chocolate Truffle Mocha - Horrible. It was so bland, and the mocha was just powder that wasn't even mixed into my drink. Once I mixed it, still no flavor. With the name "Chocolate Truffle Mocha", I expect to taste chocolate or even a hint of any flavor. Nothing. Absolute disappointment. I was so thirsty from all the walking I did, that even a half decent drink would have satisfied me. For around $7.50 ish after tax for a 16oz drink, I might as well have gone to Starbucks. At least Starbucks has flavor.

    Juice
    Iris P.

    What a beautiful weekend to visit Fairgrounds Coffee in the loop! You can sit out in their patio and enjoy the city while sipping on your drinks! The loop location is a little smaller than the other locations but the outside is really nice and the service is also kind and quick!

    Caramel Latte & Vanilla Latte
    Anu K.

    First time grabbing coffee at this location before heading out towards the river on st Patrick's day. It was a cute and cozy coffee spot with quick service even on a busy day. Not pictured but we also got a scone and bagel which the cream cheese seems to be made in house fresh and was delicious as I loved whipped cream cheese. The coffee was good but disappointed that they didn't have brown sugar to make a brown sugar latte!!

    Henry K.

    The pictures of the interior fooled us! Felt like I was back in my college dorm room with the limited number of square footage/space of this almost coffee stand-like spot nestled in the forgotten corner of what feels like the lobby of a janky hotel building. The baristas had some recommendations for coffee, but I felt like I was a burden for asking about the menu. In the end, I rushed with the Vietnamese cold brew, which was your average cold brew with some grainy cinnamon sprinkled in. I ended up consuming my iced drink in the Chicago winter cramped and huddled next to the other patrons who also frankly probably hated their life choice of coming here.

    Peach blossom tea

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    Really easy in and out and yummy beverages and breakfast sandwiches. I loved the tahini latte.

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    1 year ago

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    1 year ago

    The coffee was great. The workers work really fast, great atmosphere around the coffee shop and great part of town

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    1 year ago

    Decorations super cute! The chocolate exlir was really good and the service was really good

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    4 years ago

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    9 months ago

    Frequented here when staying at Chicago Athletic Association. Great coffee and quick service. Not much sitting room, but there is some.

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    Page 1 of 6

    Ask the Community - Fairgrounds Coffee and Tea

    What brand of oat milk?

    Hi Eileen - At Fairgrounds we use both Oatly and Pacific Farms. Thank you for reaching out and please let us know if you have any additional questions.

    What brand of coconut water do they use in their elixirs?

    Hi Michele - we use Coco Libre, organic and no sugar added.

    View All 3 Questions

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    Cafecito

    4.2(1k reviews)
    1.2 miStreeterville, Near North Side
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    4.3(1.1k reviews)
    1.3 miNear North Side
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    Blue Door Kitchen & Garden - Interior

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    Fairgrounds Coffee and Tea - coffee - Updated May 2026

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