We stopped by to try the nitro cold brew on tap but they were having issues with the tap and were unable to serve cold brew. We ended up ordering the horchata and a latte as recommended by the employee but were not impressed. read more

Oh boy this coffee shop is no joke. I went several times during our trip to try out different drinks, including the chai latte and bulletproof coffee. It was next level and I would highly recommend it! Short wait time and obviously fresh ingredients with a unique menu- you would be disappointed! read more

Beautiful atmosphere, friendly staff, fantastic menu. Would recommend to anyone looking for a fun drink or just a good cup of coffee! read more

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My first visit was super fantastic, making me decided to get my coffee here everyday. However, as I came more frequently, I realized the quality is not always the same; sometime I get a really great and well-prepared latte, sometimes it looks and tastes just like a Starbucks quality coffee. Anyway, I'm still giving a four star because overall it's still one of my favorite places to grab a cup of coffee in downtown Chicago. read more

Great little coffee shop in the heart of Chicago. They have a bit of seating inside and some as well outside. I ended up just getting an iced latte which was very solid coffee. I did sample some of their kombucha which they had on tap, that was also fantastic, but I was looking for something with a bit more caffeine. I would highly recommend it though if you're a fan of the stuff. The shop itself has a very chic design. The outside is quite relaxing since you're sectioned off from the busy sidewalk. It's a great place to people watch. Overall, great little coffee shop. Probably wouldn't recommend it though if you're looking to get some work done. Some people inside were working, but it is very noisy. read more

Loved the coffee! The taste was spectacular, rich, and dark. I got the 12oz americano, and I was extremely pleased with the flavor profile!! I believe the 12oz americano comes with a double shot of espresso. Also, the location is great! Right in front of Millenium park, so you can grab a coffee for to go and take a stroll in Millenium park when the weather is nice out. read more

Fairgrounds Coffee and Tea - Americano & chocolate croissant - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This was my first time. They were really really knowledgeable and had a fun experience with the flights. Takes any coffee drinker to the next level. read more

Probably the best matcha latte I have ever had. Definitely not cheap (I ordered the ceremonial grade, ended up being 7$) but well worth it.

I love this spot for quick coffee, sitting outside, or grabbing a cup to take to the CAA lobby for studying or working. Any way you want-- it's great! I love the concept of a bar-like coffee experience. They have several "brews" on tap and different coffee "cocktails" (even an old fashioned!). A super fun twist that sets it apart from the many, many coffee spots in the city. read more

This is my absolute favorite coffee and tea in the loop. They are creative, friendly and make their tea properly. There are small touches that make their drinks feel special, but I won't spoil the surprises. Just order a chocolate based drink and see for yourself. Their chai is boiled from tea leaves and spices at the counter, not a pre-sweetened box prep. I wish they had indoor seating. The lobby upstairs is not terribly welcoming about guests from Fairgrounds sitting there too long. But since it's summer, what the heck - their outdoor patio is open for people watching! read more

This place is more like a coffee counter than it is a coffee shop. The service was friendly and timely. I got an oat milk chi latte that I waited a reasonable amount of time for. I don't think the have any food options but there is a restaurant and lounge area above the counter that serves a limited menu. I didn't have any reasons to deduct starts. read more

Super delicious coffee shop in the best location! I was in town to watch the Chicago marathon recently. It was a very early morning for us so I knew we would be needing some coffee throughout the day. We found this shop based on the proximity to the race course start line and the fact that they were open at 6am. Their menu was great - I was torn between "building" my own latte or a specialty drink. I went with the a latte with oat milk - the shot of espresso was to die for! Later in the morning, we actually stopped by again for coffee round two! This time, I went with a matcha but also tried a sip of their chai latte that my husband ordered. Everything was super delicious - will happily recommend to anyone visiting Chicago! read more

It was so hot in Chicago today and I was looking for shade and ended up at this cute coffee shop. The menu was simple and they even had cold brew coffee on tap. How awesome is that! I ended up ordering my usual Vietnamese ice coffee with condensed milk. It actually had a hint of cinnamon and mint leaves which gives it a kicker. It's a nice relaxing place and the bean is just across the street. read more

Fairgrounds Coffee and Tea - Vietnamese ice coffee cold brew - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I love this place, but was bummed to find an extremely weak pour-over there...took it back, they were kind enough to make me another one...which was weak, too. Wondering if they're not actually sampling their own coffees every day? read more

Drink was good, but maybe a little expensive and not much dining space (although there is a small patio with seating) only reasons for 4stars instead of 5. Service was great and offered suggestions for my iced matcha latte! We also ordered breakfast sandwiches from the cooler and there were a tasty and quick way to begin our day of exploring Chicago. read more

Fairgrounds Coffee and Tea - Coconut milk iced matcha latte and cold brew coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Amazing matcha green tea latte w oat milk. I upgraded + the only thing holding me back from a 5 star is that it cost me $10 for the one size drink. read more

Nice place for a quick snack if you are wandering around the Millennium park area. I had a nice cup of tea and a yummy lemon poppyseed muffin. Very small dining area inside. read more

Every time I come into Fairgrounds, I love it a little more. The baristas are always incredibly nice. Usually I'm running in and out for a caffeine kick but their seasonal drinks are very tempting. Vegan food options are hit or miss but we all just live for coffee anyway, right? Today there were a lot more food items in their fridge than I'm used to seeing (breakfast, salads, sandwiches, overnight oats, and parfaits) -- don't know how quickly it sells out though. I'll keep coming back, love the vibe. read more

(As I sit here with my dark roast coffee) Damn good cup of coffee. Lots of available brews, hot and cold. Definitely would come back again. read more

Best kombucha on tap!!! Also their coffee is like on point!!! It's solid,bold, creamy. It's wonderful

Delicious matcha latte with oat milk, they make authentic matcha here. Peanut butter chocolate muffin (banana? Maybe) was good and huge. Good location and free wifi. read more

I went in with the impression that it was going to be a great experience since following them on social media. I finally went in and it wasn't. I asked for vegan options and the woman at the register didn't know anything. Lacked an apology for the lack of knowledge about the products there. I got a coffee. It's cute place but it needs better customer service. The coffee was delish "stumptown draft" read more

Nice service however my latte was lukewarm and very weak on coffee. Pure milk and foam and in a paper cup. Not what I would expect for almost $5. read more

If you are looking for a specialty caffeinated beverage, and quality is important to you, i would check out Fairgrounds. Their baristas are awesome and always willing to provide you with interesting spins on the drinks they offer. I tend to go for their matcha tea- the power flower is a unique blend of jasmine and coconut milk. I haven't been able to find a matcha latte in the downtown area to rival it. My only critique for Fairgrounds are the prices- but its location would give them reason to entertain a high price point. read more

Great latte and chocolate croissant. Small space with limited seating, but enjoyed the food and beverage.

Tasty coffee! I love the logo and colors. They seemed to forget about making our coffee but the lady eventually caught on and quickly got it together. read more

Curdled half-and-half (in my drink and another customer's drink). No apology - just attitude as if we did something wrong. No fresh half-and-half offered. Terrible customer customer service. read more

Located on the ground floor of the Chicago Athletic Association, it is the best place for coffee, espresso, and cold brew in the Loop. With plenty of subway tile, the decor has a classic feel with some barstool seating facing the outside wall, which you can park to see Michigan Avenue. I like the options of cold coffee flight that includes nitro and kombucha. They also have various roaster beans and some merchandise. I would highly recommend a visit and if you can't find a seat on the patio, you can go up a floor inside the CAA. read more

Delicious coffee! I got an iced caramel latte and it was sooooo good. Plus the cashier and barista were beyond friendly!!! They were super welcoming and conversational. It's a cute little shop, and it has outdoor seating which is always nice. I'll definitely be sure to stop by whenever I'm in the area. read more

Great selection of coffees and teas. Cold brews on tap. Helpful and friendly baristas made it even better

My favorite coffee shop in all of Chicago! I love all their coffee and espresso options, it's especially neat how they tell you where the coffee beans are from for the pour overs. They also have amazing matcha lattes, would definitely recommend. If you're not that into drinking black coffee [honestly their pour overs are life-changing], I would recommend their Vietnamese iced coffee or the horchata latte. Both are delicious, with the former a little sweeter and the latter reminded me of gingerbread. I love this place! They have a great patio, too. read more

This location has been open for 2 weeks. It is a very welcome addition to cafes on Michigan Ave with outdoor seating. We had plain espresso. It was bitter and acid. Next time only team or a mixed drink. read more

I liked their other location so much I had to visit Michigan Ave as well. I had, a Grandpa Irv's old fashioned and a chocolate croissant before grabbing one of their to go chopped salads for lunch. read more

Small little spot inside the lobby of the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel with a separate entrance on Michigan Ave. Great coffee selection, with a number of Cold Brews and Nitros on tap. They source their beans from a number of different places, and they expertly handle brewing a perfect cup. Great pastries, too! read more

Great location and outdoor seating to enjoy coffee and people watching. Pour over coffee in 7 roasts, and was delicious (I opted for Dark Matter, a local Chicago roast). Pastry selection was not huge or special, but the coffee was! read more

Great little place outside a theatre. Fine selection of quality coffees, teas and matcha drinks, organic snacks, friendly staff.

pros: - right next to my office - great coffee & espresso drinks - fantastic tea (try the turmeric mango on ice!) cons: - some of the staff is really nice & informative, some is cold & quiet - i always forget how expensive this place is. $4+ for an iced tea is insanity. $5-6 for an almond milk matcha is too. read more

The girl who helped me was the sweetest. The coffee was great. So was the view of the millennium park and the interior. Loved the tiled floor. And that matcha was something read more

Fairgrounds Coffee and Tea - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Definitely a fan of this location since it's easier to get to than their Wicker Park one (for me personally) It's a small location with not too much seating so don't expect that - but you can still get the same Fairground faves and just take them to go! They have nitro and cold brews on tap as well as kombucha for you non-coffee drinkers. However, my go-to at Fairgrounds is always one of their matcha drinks. They have amazing matcha drinks. I'm super excited to keep visiting this location and ordering more food next time I'm here! read more

I think this has been the highlight of the food portion of our weekend in Chicago. Fairgrounds is right on the ground floor of the CAA where we're staying. They make an excellent iced mocha, and have a great selection of pastries. Nitro and cold brew on tap, among many others! We've come here every morning this weekend. They've also got outdoor seating. The people behind the counter are quick and make great suggestions. read more