Hip coffee spot across the street from Millennium Park. I went with one of their specialty drinks and it was good... but I wish I would have gone for one of their on tap brews since that's what their known for. Service wasn't the most friendly but it was quick. read more

First time in Chicago and first meal here. Opted for local coffee shop instead of Starbucks for a change. Lavender latte tastes really great! I got a ham and cheese croissant which was supposed to be warmed but it was super cold in the middle. I asked if it could be warmed one more time and was denied because I had already ate some of it... well how would I know it was cold in the middle without getting to the middle lol Anyway not cool. I won't have access to a microwave until after 4pm so waste of money. read more

Came here one morning while in Chicago looking for a quick bite and coffee. Got a breakfast burrito which the staff happily heated up for me and a caramel oatmilk iced latte with an extra shot of espresso. Everything was pretty good, but nothing remarkable. Liked the interior/ambience of the place. read more

Fairgrounds Coffee and Tea - Caramel oatmilk iced latte with an extra shot of espresso and a breakfast burrito - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Decent coffee spot downtown that focuses on espresso and matcha. Seems like they're part of a building. Good traffic from tourists downtown. The coffee I tried was tasty! read more

We are grateful that the coffee shop is within walking distance of our hotel. The first time we were there, I got one of their blends called Fairgrounds, and it was okay. It didn't have a strong aroma of warm spices or notes of chocolate. For the second visit, I got their Vietnamese cold brew. It was beautifully presented. The cold brew is a bit thin to my liking. I'm glad they went light on the condensed milk, so it wasn't crazily sweet. We were lucky that we came at a good time because a long line formed after our order and there was only one staff member. Overall, both of our visits have been positive. read more

Across the street I was over at Walgreens and I spotted this place so I decided to check it out. When I walked inside I was pleasantly surprised. The decoration and atmosphere is super cute, there's a dining area to the right with a bunch of tables (of all sizes) and then there's one large table to the left where individuals were working on their laptops. The staff were super friendly and their Chai Tea Latte was out I'd this world! Yes, little pricey but in my opinion worth every cent. I definitely plan on coming back to try their breakfast menu (which includes: breakfast burrito, breakfast tacos, sandwhiches) or their lunch menu! I had the Bagel and Schmear because I was in a rush plus wasn't very hungry...it was still good though. - Definitely check this place out! read more

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

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I'll admit I didn't know much about the craft coffee movement, but it makes sense! And the pastries were delicious as well. All in all a great way to start the morning in the Loop. read more

Really wanted to like this place since their outdoor space was so nice and in a great location. The coffee really wasn't great though (the service too, but I don't write reviews based on service). I ordered a coffee flight to taste the different cold brews they had on tap. First, I was overcharged a few dollars more than the menu price. And things were already overpriced as is. Then, only 1 of the coffees in the flight were good - the rest were bitter as if they'd been over-roasted or over-brewed. What a shame. read more

Fairgrounds was my favorite coffee shop in Chicago. It was in a beautiful and convenient location to many outdoor "tourist attraction spots." They had many different local tea and coffee roasts in shop including Rishi tea, Frothy Monkey , Metropolis, Stumptown, Unicorn Blood, and Circle of Life. And the staff were very sweet and authentic! Those who know me well or follow my posts know I'm a stickler for aesthetic when it comes to cafes and espresso bars. While slightly on the smaller and more modern side of things, Fairgrounds had a great vibe to it with neutral tones, urban coffee products on display and for sale, plus multiple picturesque scenes for all your social media (and Yelp) needs. The baristas even take the time to style the drinks for your photo taking pleasures! The cafe is located right across from Millennium Park right inside a hotel lobby area. Don't let this fool you though, there is plenty of room for seating on the beautiful outdoor patio area for groups when not raining. Like many cafes and restaurants in Chicago, Fairgrounds has a wide variety of colorful planters filled with beautiful, trendy blooms, Spring to Fall, I cannot vouch for what happens in the Winter. Chicago has a million little unique cafes throughout the city and all have their perks but Fairgrounds was best on all levels for me. Strong, smooth, creamy espresso + perfect location for walking tours of the city's best outdoor scenery + kind service + cozy atmosphere. All of that and then some. They do have wifi, outlets, and food options as well for those looking to grab breakfast and/or post up and work. Check 'em out! read more

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Overpriced, empty menu, below average quality roast, and diabetes inducing chai letting down a vibrantly antique atmosphere serving super friendly service in an ideal downtown location. My friend and I wanted to sample the excellent looking crafted coffee menu but alas were told all was out except the chai and hot chocolate. What an unusual turn of events to be unable to make a quick grocery run for common ingredients in the heart of American rail, freight, and trucks! I panicked and tried the chai due to the extra wonderful barista. Big mistake, extremely sweet, chai flavored sugar, watered down powder mix, no self respecting bean counter could recommend. The straight up black stuff my buddy got seemed better until it cooled, let off the steam and any sense of flavors or high end cash worthy drip. I might be biased having a rare Midwest selection of established java joints among the cornfields in Lafayette, IN, yet at skyscraper prices this place is making Starbucks look like superior roasted coffee cherries. Hope these people can fill up their menu again to match the refined and polished classy inside vibes. read more

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Fairgrounds Coffee, nestled within the historic Chicago Athletic Association building, offers a delightful experience for coffee enthusiasts. The ambiance seamlessly blends modern design with the building's vintage charm, creating a unique and inviting atmosphere. What truly sets Fairgrounds apart is their commitment to locally sourced brews, showcasing the rich tapestry of Chicago's vibrant coffee scene. The menu features a curated selection of beans from nearby roasters, allowing patrons to savor the distinct flavors of the city's coffee culture. The service was also friendly and efficient. I didn't have to wait longer than 2-3 minutes for my pour over, although I did go in the afternoon which isn't the busiest time of day, so keep that in mind. My friend had the single-origin shot of espresso and it gave her a burst of energy that helped combat her energy slump. It's a must-visit destination for coffee lovers or even those in the area in need of a quick pick-me-up. read more

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The coffee is decent enough, but didn't strike me an as anything remarkable. My pour over tasted average, as did my partner's latte. We ended with an iced milk tea which really wasn't appealing to either of us, but that may be a matter of personal taste. The seating was fine. One lone armchair and some decent bar seating facing the window. What really dominated the experience for me though was the paper cups. Specialty coffee served in cardboard? Come on. Overall a perfectly fine place to grab something to go, but if you really want to enjoy a nice mug of coffee this isn't the right spot. read more

This coffee shop is very cute aesthetically and has a great vibe. Staff is amazing, so welcoming and the drinks that we had were great! My only complaint is that is I was only one spot to plug in my laptop. We had to leave because we both needed to plug in and the spot that had the outlet was inconvenient. I will never understand these beautiful new coffee spots that don't think about accommodating remote working people that may need access to outlets. Had to go somewhere else. Sad. read more

Good vibes! The baristas were so helpful to us out of towners. They were able to give us great recommendations and over the top service. The outdoor space is a beautiful place to sit and sip with an up close view of the train speeding by above you. If you stopped by you definitely should, read more

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

Got the matcha latte. It comes unsweetened but they were able to add a little simple syrup to make it sweeter for me. The matcha latte wasn't bad. They provide little indoor seating, but tons of outdoor seating. They provide free still and sparkling water as well read more

I needed to kill some time and I wanted a treat, so I popped in for a Vosges mocha. The location is small, but fully stocked, efficient and the staff was friendly, but my mocha was kind of watery and bland. I really liked the salted caramel chocolate that was added as a garnish though, and the best part is that if all the seats are taken, you can take your drink upstairs to the CAA lobby, which is one of my favorite places in Chicago. read more

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

Yummy! This is a quaint little coffee shop in the Chicago Athletic Association building where we stopped by before we went upstairs to Cindy's Rooftop. I was feeling a bit sick that day but I remember I loved my first drink and the quality of coffee so much that I went for another warm latte on the way out. I especially loved their coffee drinks on tap (peep my pictures) and the ornate tile flooring. I'd definitely come back. Not to mention, it's in a beautiful area in the city where you can go out and about and check out museums, shops and parks. read more

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Located inside the lovely and historic Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, this beautiful coffee shop offers different roasts and varieties from various local roasters and others around the globe. Upon entering you'll notice a large board behind the cashier with the list of the different varieties they are currently offering. All of their "drip" coffee is pour-over, so you get an individually prepared cup each time! Their varieties range from mild, mediam, to dark, so they have a flavor for everyone! My go to is an Americano, so I took that, while my brother opted for a mild roast pour-over, both were excellent and prepared with craft. They also have a variety of pastries and breakfast sandwiches available for purchase as well. The interior is small, with a few seats along the bar at the window, but they have an amazing outdoor patio on the sidewalk, great for people watching coming to and from Millenium park across the street. Fairgrounds made for the perfect spot for my brother and I to grab a crafted caffeine beverage and to hang out and catch up. read more

Fairgrounds Coffee and Tea - Loved the giant F located behind where you pickup your beverage - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I've been here a few times in the past with great experiences and today I was hoping to continue that trend. What I didn't expect was to be blatantly made fun of by the baristas taking my order. If you're going to make fun of me at least wait until after I'm done paying and out of earshot. Going to be hesitant to return from now on, pretty disappointed. read more

High-quality coffee and tea paired with a cozy ambiance! I was delighted with the fast service I received and was even more delighted by the quality of their beverages. 10/10 recommend stopping by! read more

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

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Coffee shop that's attached to the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel. It's definitely more of a get your coffee and go kind of place. Hot latte was great as well as the ham croissant. There was a bit of a line in the, but not surprised as people are trying to get their morning coffee on the way to work. They have a variety of quality beans that they use, so you know your coffee will taste great. read more

I came here with high expectations. I loved the aesthetics of the place and there were so many brews to choose from. I don't even remember what I got, but whatever it was, it was terrible. I might as well have been drinking water. Very disappointed read more

Stopped in while talking down Michigan Ave one morning and so glad I did. The space is gorgeous (albeit small). Lots of bright light and funky designs. Coffee was phenomenal, as was the service. There was starting to be a line and with only one barista I was a bit concerned, but they handled it with grace and efficiency. My coffee was perfection. Love the options for espresso and the ability to customize. read more

New fav coffee shop that's nearby. Already stopped by twice within the last 48 hours. So far I've tried their iced matcha w/ almond milk, jungle juice elixir, and Vietnamese cold brew. All three were wonderful. They have nitro & cold brews on tap, which I will be coming in for next! Super cool that they offer a flight option (you can choose any 3 of the 8 seasonal taps). Both times I've been here, there service has been STELLAR. This is one of the reasons why I will now choose Fairgrounds over Starbucks or Peet's. The staff is very welcoming, helpful, and beyond friendly. What a great addition to Michigan Ave! read more

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The man who took our two drink order did not care and messed up our order. I ordered decaf, received regular, when I addressed this with the barista - she flatly offered to remake my drink. I declined. Rude service but decent coffee. The old timey building is really cool to sit in or walk around! read more

Walked by this coffee shop dozens of times but never stopped in to try it till now. They have a bunch of cold brew coffees on tap! What kind of coffee shop does that? It is pretty awesome and they have a good mix of coffee from different brands all over. They do not have drip coffee but they have pour over. They literally make each cup fresh for you. They grind the beans and literally do the pour over in front of you. It's super fresh. Definitely grab a cup of Joe and head across the street to enjoy the views of DT Chicago. I had the Colectivo cold brew and enjoyed it a lot! Super smooth and tasty. I think they have flights if you can't make up your mind. I know how difficult it can be! read more

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

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The staff here is great and the location is conveniently right across from millennium park. The power flower latte was alright but was too bitter for my liking. Glad I tried it but probably wouldn't come back again. read more

Fairgrounds Coffee and Tea - Cheese danish, espresso shot, power flower latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

First came here in May, and was happy to see that it's still consistently good with lattes. It's right across the street from the park, so it's perfect to stop and get your drink before walking thru millennium park. They don't have much indoor seating but there's an outdoor patio. read more

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

Love this place! They have lots of cold brew on tap and the chai latte is so good. The building it's in is very cool too. Be sure to go upstairs and visit the lounge if you have time. read more

Matcha lovers must try the flower power drink iced. Was a bit hesitant from the reviews but the further down you drink it, the better it tastes going through each individual layer. Can't wait to taste it again the next time moving forward. Also, very friendly and welcoming vibe inside the coffee shop. read more

Fairgrounds Coffee and Tea - Flower power! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Great coffee and food! Employees were very kind and helpful as well. Glad I was able to experience some Chicago coffee while visiting read more

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

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Was impressed by the wide selection of cold brew and the beautiful setting. This coffee shop is in the lobby of the Chicago Athletic Association hotel, and the interior is so beautiful. Really liked the coffee and service was great - we were able to sample some of the varieties before we ordered. read more

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

I loved the kombucha on tap, one of the best I had. Friendly staff and great selection of coffee brews, I definitely go back and try more stuff :) read more

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

If you can skip going to Starbucks next door and walk a tiny bit more for fairgrounds, 10/10 DO IT. The coffee was phenomenal. It was my first time here and visiting this place felt so warm. The staff was so kind and the barista knows what he is doing! Definitely a good coffee spot to check out before heading over to millennium park. read more

This place offers a variety of pourovers and the most nitro cold brews I've seen. 5 stars for the wide offerings but I had to take off 1 star for the overall experience and another for the baristas lack of knowledge on any of the coffees and beans they had. It was so frustrating because my group was after a few bags to take home and none of the staff could tell us anything about the beans. The bags didnt have any descriptions either. Some were as pricey as $20/lb, which we might have paid for if someone could tell us something about them. "All the beans we offer are pretty good." was the most input we got. The cashier did offer us samples of the nitro cold brews, which was nice. -especially since he couldn't tell us much about those either! read more

Fairgrounds Coffee and Tea - Matcha Oatmilk Latte for me, 2 espresso shots for the guys - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Excellent coffee! I love fair trade coffee so I was very excited to find this little gem in the city. They had plenty of comfortable outdoor seating with a nice view of the park. I had a vanilla latte with oat milk, a matte chia pudding and a cheese danish. Everything was delicious! Highly recommend! read more

Fairgrounds Coffee and Tea - Matcha chia pudding, cheese danish and vanilla latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Love love lovedddd the atmosphere here. Wish I could've stayed here longer and enjoyed the atmosphere. Good music, great staff, delicious coffee, and beautiful interior!! Recommend. read more

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

This place is an aesthetic dream come true for me, a coffee-obsessed human looking to try all of the Chicago coffee spots in existence. Let's begin, shall we? I was meeting some friends today, and chose Fairgrounds for two reasons: One, because we'd planned on meeting near Millennium Park, and two, because I wanted to pick a coffee spot to accommodate our seating needs. Unfortunately for me, I misinterpreted the photos I'd found online when it came to seating. The inside of this particular Fairgrounds location only had enough seating for maybe 5-6 people. There was, however, quite a bit of outdoor seating, but we've been cursed with an extended winter/weak excuse for springtime, so that wasn't really an option. The good news is, the shop was located on the ground level of the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, where anyone is welcome to sit in their gorgeous lobby on the second floor. The lovely gentleman at the desk on the ground floor lobby connected to Fairgrounds gave us this information, and the second floor lobby was where we ended up finding many others with Fairgrounds cups as well. I arrived earlier than my friends, and was pretty hungry. I chose a Mexican Chopped Salad from the refrigerator area and bought a medium black coffee. I was a bit shocked at the $13 price tag on this combo, especially since I was only so lucky to find somewhere to sit and eat it while I waited for my friends, so that's something to keep in mind. I've had quite a few large, fabulous cups of coffee for $2-$2.50 at some smaller, local spots, so eek! The salad was very delicious though -- filling, but not to the point of making me tired. The barista also gave me a little bag of tortilla chips to crush up and put in the mix. I liked this little addition, because it ensured the chips weren't soggy once I started eating my salad. Good move, Fairgrounds. I don't really discriminate too much against coffee, though the Metropolis medium roast I chose wasn't my absolute favorite. The good news, though, is that unlike many other coffee shops, Fairgrounds had about 6-7 roasts at the ready, so I could've chosen another that I probably would've absolutely loved. If you are looking for coffee to grab and go, this Fairgrounds location is the perfect spot for that. I'd love to come by when it's warm out to sit in their outdoor patio area. read more

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Such a nice staff. They enjoy what they are doing. Best London Fog I've ever had for a really long time. Housed in a great historical Chicago building. read more

Beautiful ambiance, food was good, the pepper aioli was amazing in my turkey sandwich. Loved all the options and the service was pleasant.