RCR reminds of me a star quarterback who winds up going pro and warming the bench every-other-game. It has all the right ingredients to throw touchdowns -- good beans, roast their own, unique drinks, welcoming hipster vibe, great location -- but can't bring it all together to consistently get into the end-zone. It comes down to execution. Now to the review, which is an edit (and 1* increase) to my prior 6/13/15 2* review. Almond-Maple Latte. Micro-foam...check. Latte art...check. Speed...check. Friendly service...check. Lukewarm latte with literally no almond-maple...check. So. Darn. Close. Like five yard-line close. That said, I'm liking this place more and more. The improved review stems from solid improvements on customer service and a broadened product offering (like the yummy sweet rolls). I'll keep giving RCR a try, and if history is any predictor for future performance, RCR seems to be making consistent improvements. I look forward to what's to come. read more

Incredibly mediocre. The prices of a high end roaster without the quality. Small sparse space. $3 for a mug of percolated coffee that I could have made at home. As someone who knows and appreciates good coffee I was disheartened by the pretentiousness of this half way done attempt at good coffee. Mediocre all around. read more

I just discovered this place. I know they are approaching their year anniversary at this location and I'm so sad it took me this long to try them. I think it's a great space and set they have going inside with the decor. The service is always excellent and I really like everyone I met so far. They have a smaller selection of drinks than you would see a chain coffee place but this is so much better than any chain. My favorite drink is a Tea Latte called the Belle of the Ball and it's seriously my new addiction. If you're in town, support your small business and try them out I'm sure you'll love it. read more

Great coffee. That's it. I walked in to check it out with a friend of mine today. There was a sharp, acrid smell when I walked in--not of coffee, more like...varnish? The menu was simple and I was in the mood for a tea latte. I asked the barista which one he would recommend and he said, "I don't really know. I'm not a tea drinker." I decided I didn't want a non-tea drinker making my drink so I went with a basic cup of coffee since they are a roaster and I'm glad I did. Excellent cup. Ambiance needs serious work. Very spartan and the temperature was unbearably warm. The pastry case had just a few things in it, but nothing really looked good. I'm not sure If I'll go back because while the coffee is good, it's not a place i want to hang out in. Part of the coffee drinking experience is feeling cozy and welcomed. read more

The staff is on point and always pleasant and knowledgeable to talk to The Baristas have taken time (out of a personal break) to teach me how to use my AeroPress because they love what they do. They had 2 Baristas go to the Vegas Championships that they had telecast live in house. I can't tell you how dedicated they are to the craft of coffee and tea making from beginning to end. All syrups are made in house fresh with no preservatives or trash you can't pronounce on the bottle (*clears throat about the conglomerate across the street). They are operating on a chip and pin system so receipts are emailed to you with a quick survey that takes 2 seconds on your smart phone and automatically tells you how many stars you have on your account. *BOOM! Favorites: Salted Beer Caramel- is what I always imagined ButterBeer would taste like and nobody got right until I visited this place. BOB tea Latte- Berry Flavored Chai that is so smooth you'll order the 16oz twice before you get back out the door. London Smog- Ok, this originated in Seattle but it's traditionally Earl Grey Chai Tea. I hate Earl with a passion but for some reason I can't stop ordering it on overcast Chicago days (300+ days a year) and pretending I'm walking through London. I recently found out they have barrel aged iced coffee. Yup that's right. Ask about it, it's kind of a secret. read more

This place takes me back to college with the clientele, the vibe and the quality. Definitely my favorite little coffee house in the western burbs - great drinks and even beer after 2 PM. We love the salted beer caramel latte. read more

I gave RCR a try today. My usual at Starbucks is a decaf latte w/ hazelnut. They didn't have hazelnut so I got almond. At Starbucks (across the street) this drink is $3.74. At RCR it was $4.07. I didn't care that much for the flavor. The cookies looked old. I didn't see any monkey bread. The decor and atmosphere is very coffee house cliche. It's back to Starbucks for me. read more

This is the best coffee shop in downtown Wheaton. The roast itself is spot-on and has a husky, oaky taste that leaves its drinker satisfied. They also have specialty brews available, such as their Wild Turkey bourbon-aged beans. Oh boy. Let's just say I would come in from out of town simply to buy this stuff; one of the baristas also claims they make the "actual best latte I've ever had" with the Wild Turkey (called the 131 latte). I'll update this later after I've had it. As far as ambiance goes, I'm a fan of the industrial, minimalist, yet inviting vibe RCR carries. They have a nice setup of chairs, tables, lounge furniture, etc. that makes it easy to sit and talk with someone for awhile. Speaking of talking, make sure to talk to the baristas. I came in here right around closing time one Friday night and found the people behind the counter to be really friendly and open - definitely far from the pretentious attitude you find at some other coffee shops. The one noticeable area for improvement is the actual food they have for sale here. Don't get me wrong, the sandwiches all seem fantastic and the one I had was worth eating, but at $7 each they seem a little overpriced. I'd feel much better paying $5.50 for what you're actually getting, and may even make a sandwich more of a routine if the prices went down. Overall, fantastic coffee shop. You owe it to yourself to stop by. read more

RCR is a comfortable place to get a coffee, hang out, and read a bit. This space was formerly a different, independent coffee shop that I frequented, and I'm not sure why that business isn't still running it. The only differences I can detect so far is a sort of hipstery industrial aesthetic that doesn't even really pervade the whole space. Anyhow, the location is still great; the products are still good (and different from the local Starbucks); and the staff is very friendly. Their internet seems to have trouble interfacing with macs, though, so hopefully that gets fixed soon. read more

Coffee is fantastico with a creative menu, but the baristas are grumpy, even vapid when I've been there - which isn't often, but each time. I get the typical and trendy temptation to emit a hipster vibe and all, but I think they went a bit overboard. The shrieking sound of moving the 50 lb medieval chairs around is akin to nails on a chalkboard, and I have to say the on-purpose gritty decor makes me feel depressed whenever I walk in there. Thankfully, the coffee snaps me back out of it. I don't think it would hurt to stop trying so hard to pretend like they don't care. It's a little challenging to hold meetings/conversations due to the echo-chamber the unoriginal decor yields. Sound-absorbing materials, more inviting and thoughtful decor, along with better-trained baristas would earn these coffee bad-boys more stars. read more

The best coffee in Wheaton! The atmosphere is trendy, the location is perfect, the coffee is just right. Pleased every time I visit. Also love seeing them expand yet keep a simplicity about their business. The best is yet to come. read more

Five & Hoek Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Wheaton, Illinois

My husband and I came here for an impromptu coffee date. The drinks were delicious and the prices are reasonable. My husband is a graphic designer and couldn't stop talking about how much he loved the logo and decor, lol! I would definitely visit the establishment again. read more

I stopped in one morning after an attempt at Starbucks, which I ditched due to the line out the door. I will never go back to Starbucks now, River City Roasters is more my speed. Local, comfortable, great handmade drinks and good food. Viva RCR! read more

Five & Hoek Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Wheaton, Illinois

New to the area and was in need of good coffee!! The coffee is great, perfect pour-overs. Also had a dirty Chai latte on one of my visits.... Oh my was it spicy. Loved it!! The people there are warm and friendly. I made new friends right away!! Will definitely be back whenever I'm in the area!! read more

I don't even need to explain this 5 star rating. Just go experience it for yourself...

One of my favorite downtown Wheaton spots to get coffee! The staff is always friendly and the service is fast. I always go for the "High Five Latte", which can't be beat! The outdoor seating offered is great, and I like the location as well. HOWEVER the biggest downside is no bathrooms! Sneaking over to use the Starbucks bathroom can be a little inconvenient, and I wish they had some indoor seating. Overall great coffee, staff, but lacks some ambiance, seating, & bathrooms. read more

This was closed last week for remodeling and it looks nice on the inside! If you are in a hurry this is not the place for you. I stopped in at 4 pm and had to wait to place my order and for my drink. I got a vanilla latte with almond milk and it was delicious! The prices are lower than the place with the mermaid and there's definitely more of a homegrown feel here vs the other place that's part of the corporate machine. I like it and it's my new spot to hangout while son #3 had guitar lessons! read more

I have been pretty impressed with this place. I came in and I was greeted by the barista. No one was in line so I got to chat with her and she made some good recommendations. I went with the Ms. Fiona tea latte. It was delicious. Might be my favorite tea latte. I chatted with her about the shop and she gladly opened up to me. I found out that it is owned by herself and her husband. The only think I would say needs to be improved is the decorations. It is a little bland and could use a little more help. However it has only been open a month now as I found out from the owners and I'm sure they have some big plans for this place. This is their second shop they have opened up so they are obviously doing pretty well. read more

Very bitter americano, I asked for cinnamon and was told I couldn't have it because it will mess up their other drinks for the day....... As a business shouldn't you have a bulk of cinnamon. Definitely wouldn't recommend and wouldn't go back. read more

Decent coffee shop, nothing more, nothing less. Now I'm not a coffee drinker, so take my review for what it's worth. I got two donuts and a chai tea. The chai was enjoyable, a little heavy on the milk though. I also got two mini-donuts coated in cinnamon sugar. Again, they were ok, but not worth going out of my way for and certainly not for seven dollars. I appreciate the quirkiness of the place, including the small bottles of beard oil. Service was pretty friendly too. But it's just not a place I can see myself wanting to head back to, especially since I live a half hour away. read more

Wheaton has a few really good coffee shops and this is one of them. There's a great place to come and study because the Wi-Fi is extremely fast. The barista's work really hard and most of the time the order is accurate. The drinks are amazing and there are so many options. I recommend that you get on their rewards program so that you can get free drinks every so often. Not only do they have coffee but they also have various pastries that you can munch on. The bathrooms are decent although I would appreciate a full remodel in the bathrooms. One thing that I really do not like is that in the back of the coffee shop you almost never have cell phone service. This makes it hard to stay there and study for long periods of time. But in general this is a great go to option in a town that already has a lot of great coffee shops. read more

Love this place!!! This coffee shop has grown to be a suburb favorite for me. The coffee is great and the baristas are really friendly. I love the atmosphere and the rustic design. They are always working on improving the space. Keep it up guys! read more

Five & Hoek Coffee - New beer and wine bar - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Wheaton, Illinois

Walked over this am and couldn't find the shop. Didn't see any signage. Called the number and no one answered. Are they closed?

Great coffee shop! They have a good selection of coffee drinks and teas. My favorite so far is the Lord's Sand Horse; mocha + raspberry+ cayenne pepper. AWESOME! read more

Going for the cool urban thing. The place seems like a work in progress, and I hope they continue to improve. Support your local independent coffee shop! read more

Five & Hoek Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Wheaton, Illinois

I luv the Maple latte!! Ask for Grass Fed milk super delicious!! Also you can achieve points on coffee/product and apply dollars to your purchase. I luv my River City cups a purchased some time ago. The baristas are very knowledgeable and take time creating each latte into a delicious work off art! read more

Five & Hoek Coffee - This is my go to for coffee beans and maple latte!! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Wheaton, Illinois

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So, the Salted Caramel Beer Latte is pretty amazing. It takes flavors that you'd think wouldn't work well together and fuses them into something amazing. It's sweet, pleasantly savory, and has just a hint of beer flavor that quickly catches the back of your palate. Delicious. I've now stopped there twice and will definitely be going back. In addition to having an amazing latte, they have excellent customer service! read more

what a great place! I loved the yorkville location, and its great to see River City Roasters serving their own locally roasted coffee in Wheaton as well! The shop just keeps looking better since they've moved in! read more

Great rustic coffee shop. Great place to have a meeting or just hang with friends. I don't drink anything special, just black coffee, but its brewed right. read more

I tasted a few of their coffees at the French Market, but they never had any dark roast, so I decided to swing by one day to try some. It was very crowded because there was an event going on downtown. The man behind the counter seemed upset to be making drinks and huffed and puffed throughout the process. I understand that it was a crazy busy day, but this attitude really is not good customer service. We waited quite a while for the drinks to be made (of which one was just a black coffee) and then made our way out. We were never thanked or asked to come again, so we most likely will not be returning. With that being said, each time I have seen them at the French Market and spoken with the workers there we have had a great experience. This gives me a little hope that we just stopped by on a bad day. But it is going to take a lot for us to go back to the store rather than just getting our coffee at the market. read more

I have a love/hate relationship with this place. I love their coffee, but have been let down many times by either their early close times or lack of brewed coffee in the afternoon. I, like many coffee drinkers, look for a cup of coffee in the mid/afternoon. However this place either closes early or is not brewing coffee in the afternoon. I'm just looking for some good tasting caffeine, not an expensive pour over or an espresso. read more

Five and Hoek is one of my favorite local coffee shops in the burbs. Their coffee is some of the best I have had, and it is perfect every time. I usually order a Vanilla Latte with Oat Milk. I first had oat milk here and I'm so glad I did. It really changed the coffee game for those who are dairy free or vegan. Their vanilla syrup is housemade and is a great flavor without being overly sweet. I have had some of their seasonal drinks which have been great as well. My boyfriend loves their Hot Chocolate, which is made by melting down chocolate and milk. I drive out of my way to go here, it's that good! read more

Great coffee. Good service and comfortable setting, although most tables are occupied by deadbeats with no where else to go to use their computers. read more

Oat milk is miraculously good. My favorite new combo is simple: rich, luxurious espresso steamed with this perfect oat milk. Highlights both ingredients so wonderfully read more

Wonderful espresso and cortado! I am not missing the italian style here. Worth the ride! read more

Five & Hoek Coffee - Espresso with a glass of sparkling water. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Wheaton, Illinois

A five star coffee shop if there ever was one. This place opened very recently from what I understand, but it's already attracting a lot of people, and for good reason. I was here yesterday, and it was pretty crowded for a Sunday afternoon. Not a bad crowded, just a lot of people coming to enjoy some very good coffee. There's plenty of space to sit and enjoy your brew if you choose to hang around. In spite of being just across the street from a certain behemoth coffee chain that is about as ubiquitous as they get, River City Roasters will probably do just fine, because they offer something different. First, the roast on their beans yields a much more flavorful cup of coffee, and if you get a chance to try their pour over, definitely try it out, it's not at all like a pour over that you've had anywhere else. More than that though, absolutely try the coffee that's been aged in tequila barrels. (The beans, not the coffee itself). I spent a good twenty minutes just smelling it yesterday, and upon drinking it, found it to be easily the best cup of coffee I've ever had. It made it hard to have my Keurig coffee this morning with the memory of that cup fresh in my mind! read more

Pumpkin spice latte with grass fed milk. Mmmm, so good. (Still cheaper than Starbucks.) read more

Five & Hoek Coffee - They have an option for grass fed milk. 50¢ upcharge. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Wheaton, Illinois

My favorite local coffeeshop! Hands down best cup of black coffee in the area. One warning, the in-house ceramic mugs are very wide and without a handle. It is like drinking out of a very hot bowl and requires two hands. Double whammy if you end up at a wobbly table with your full cup! I still love you, River City, but I'd love you even more if you got better mugs for drip coffee drinkers read more

River City Roasters is everything you want in a coffee shop. Trust me, their vanilla latte (perfect temperature, not burn your mouth hot, with just a dash of sweetness and delicious foam always poured in a beautiful design) and london smog (perfect balance between tea, vanilla, milk and sweetness - how do they do it!) will not disappoint. Amazing drinks, friendly welcoming staff, creative rustic decor, lots of space with plenty of tables, chairs AND plugs. Plus it's cozy in the winter, where as I freeze working/studying in most other coffee shops, River City Roasters keeps a warm, comfortable atmosphere. My only complaint is that I live in the city and cannot access their amazing drinks often enough! Chicago has a lot of amazing coffee roasters, but River City Roasters is at the top of the list. Best coffee you can find in the Chicago suburbs, hands down. Come to the city and teach the other trendy coffee shops what and how to make a London Fog - I can't find anyone who make them as good as you guys! Thanks for introducing me to London Fogs- they are now one of my favorite drinks! read more

This is my new favorite coffee shop in the burbs. River City is a cozy, local cafe with excellent coffee that they roast themselves. Their menu includes a variety of different lattes including my absolute favorite, the London Smog. I can't get enough! When I asked how it was made, one of their female staff members was nice enough to tell me step by step. In terms of food, I've had their breakfast sandwich bagel made to order, simple but satisfying. River City has free wifi and lots of tables and plugs, great for getting some work done. It can be crowded, even during the week, but I had no problem sharing a table with a stranger when needed. I'd give it 5 stars, but they need to update their bathroom. read more