Cafe 44 is a cafe that in the Morton Grove 'hood, offering various cold and hot drinks and…read morepastries. We came here for a caffeine fix, ordering the following: +Turkish Coffee +Latte with almond milk +a Pistachio Latte +and, a Spanish Latte We also tried their mini bird's nests, a few filled with chocolate, and another few filled with pistachio - these were actually pretty tasty! Unfortunately, the coffee was not brewed well and was extremely weak; they looked aesthetically pleasing, though, with the latte art and/or the toppings. Staff were friendly; once you order, your items will be ready for you on the side counter. The space is bright, and they have a handful of seating inside - the place is popular, so you may have to wait a few for a table. Street parking is available off of Waukegan. +weak coffee +stick with the mini bird's nests +street parking available

Came here after work to finish up some task. Coffee is pretty good…read more I see some complaints about price, yes they are same price as Starbucks, at least from what I ordered. Also they have a 3% credit card fee. Nice. I don't remember they warned me about that. Service is odd. No one greet you or say anything. I was just standing there and they were working until I speak up. All the customers already sat down and have their drinks so I don't understand why I wasn't greeted. Bake goods are dry. Taste like 5 days old

I've gone to Glenview Grind a number of times, but usually via the drive-through. I love…read moreindependent coffee shops, including this one! I ordered a soy latte and asked for a ceramic mug since I was staying inside their establishment this time. There's plenty of seating; they really pack it in there and utilize every space. This coffee shop really has a community field to it. The beverage was made well and tasted great. The staff were very friendly and helpful. My only complaint is that I wish they had vegan options for food.

I love this place! I've been many times and every single time the coffee has always been excellent…read more My favorite is the peanut butter cup, but recently I tried the pistachio dream (I think that's the name, pistachio with chocolate). It's a very cute and cozy cafe that always seems to be busy and bustling. They have a little library where you can grab a book and sip on your coffee. Everyone is always friendly and helpful with questions. Lovely local coffee shop to check out!

I have been excited about the addition of Bean Bar to our neighborhood in downtown Northbrook for a…read morewhile.  We finally had a chance to visit together before we went to the Art in the Park the Saturday of the Mother's Day weekend!  It totally justified all the hype! Given it was a Saturday, there was an annual art fair in the Village Green close by, and the Mother's Day weekend, we expected it to be very busy, and it was justifiable so.  There was a rather long line placing orders at the cashier, but it moved quickly.  There were many laminated menus for us to read while waiting in line.  The cashier was friendly, patient, and helpful in answering questions.  Our daughter ordered an Avocado Toast and a Berry Zen Refresher.  My husband and I found that a good idea, and each of us also ordered an Avocado Toast, although I had hoped that I got different types of dishes to photograph, lol.  Husband had a Cappuccino, and I had a large Iced Pistachio Latte (oat milk).  This simple brunch came up to $77.34 with tip, and it's worth it. All 3 Avocado Toasts were perfectly made.  All the ingredients were very fresh, although there wasn't a lot of seasoning, the taste of each ingredient worked well together to achieve a delicious dish.  I especially liked the over easy egg and the crispy edges of the warm toast.  My Iced Pistachio Latte was very good without being too sweet. Although the food and drinks were the star, the ambiance was so pleasing and relaxed that totally elevated the entire experience.  The dining room with high ceiling and chandeliers was spacious and beautiful.  There were many different types of seating for patrons -- big comfy couches, regular tables, high-tops, small booths, conference rooms with long table and chairs, small private rooms... not to mention about the large sheltered patio with many tables and seats!  As I have mentioned, we went at a busy time, there were not a lot of tables left for dining purposes, we opted for a high-top.  Even though the venue was almost filled to capacity, it still felt very airy and comfortable.  I could just chill there happily for half a day with my latte! However, there were small hiccups that fortunately did not ruin our first experience there.  My husband's and daughter's drink came out almost instantly after we sat down, but I had to chase down a staff (there's no servers except for the staff who delivered the dishes or cleaned tables) to tell him that my drink was missing.  I told him that it's supposed to be cold but with no ice.  He immediately got me a Pistachio Latte but with ice.  The cashier lady had specified no ice on when she placed the order for me, I talked to her about this and she offered to make me a new one, but I had already had a sip and didn't want to put the drink to waste, so I just kept it.  I later scooped out all the ice so that it did not dilute my drink, and it was good.  I must mention that the food came out in just 5 minutes even though the place was busy. Our high-top table wobbled when we used our knives and forks to cut the toasts, not a very big deal, but the restaurant could easily have that fixed as I am pointing it out now, It's one of the high-tops under the BB sign. This brunch kicked off a very happy Mother's Day weekend.  I was in a very good mood going to the art fair from Bean Bar.  We will definitely return to try the many other items on their menu.

This place is excellent. I work remote and you really cannot ask for a better place to work…read moreremotely l. The coffee is incredible, all the more so the ambiance. There's a wide selection of pastries and each one is more tempting than the last. This cafe really feels like it can be something out of a daydream. There's no doubt I'll be coming back

I would give Matari 4.5 out of 5 stars, so I'm rounding to 5 based on service and ambiance! I heard…read moreabout their fruit mousse cakes online, so we knew we had to stop by to check it out. The cafe is immaculate and service was very friendly. The person who took our order was patient as he explained the different pastries in the case. I wish they had signs explaining what each pastry was so I could have decided while waiting in line. We ended up sharing an iced pistachio latte (delicious and 10/10!), the pistachio cheesecake (10/10!), and the strawberry mousse cake (7/10 - a subtle sweetness, great texture, but needed more cake or crust inside as it was mostly whipped cream and the shell). The mousse cake was $12.00, which felt steep considering it was mostly whipped cream, even though it was obviously beautiful. We would definitely come back for the coffee and to try more menu items! Check this place out!

I wanted to like it. I did. But after a few visits, it's just not for me…read more The first trip, I tried the Matari Tea: Green tea, Himalayan pink salt, milk, and spices, topped with roasted pistachios. Sounds good, right? Alas, it could not have been blander. I couldn't taste any "spices" or even the hint of salt. The profile was that of very watered-down tea mixed with milk, and a ton of pistachios floating on top. Like, barely crushed pistachios. Huge pieces, covering the top of the drink, bobbed around like tiny icebergs, and even they somehow had a toned-down flavor. The drink was definitely a swing and a miss. Fast forward two weeks, and I tried Matari again. This time with a simple cortado. I sat at the table right by the door, and the espresso was pretty good. Solid body, not too bitter. It was on the pricy side ($7+), but I was ok with that. But then, I'm hanging out, sipping my coffee, and I catch a burst of perfume-like scent. I'm shocked, but whatever, I figured someone in heavy perfume walked by, no big deal. A few minutes later, wham, I'm hit in the nose with another burst of perfume. Then, I see it. A slight haze around me. So, not a heavily perfumed woman after all, but an automated air-freshener. After further inspection, I see the unit plugged in on the ground right behind my chair, which sprays up and out on a timer. That's right, an air freshener right next to a table where people consume food and beverages, shooting a mist into the air that slowly rains down onto my head and table, and into my coffee. I ended up tossing the last few sips of my cortado, as I could taste the scented whatever-it-was in my cup. I'd have gone to the counter and asked for a new one, but I was so over my visit by then, I just opted to get out. The staff aren't very friendly. Not rude, but they don't give off a welcoming aura, and I didn't feel like trying to explain the issue. Lastly, can we talk about their little "your order is up" beepers? We've all seen them. The little electronic things that blink and make a noise when your order is ready, so you can go snag it from the counter. When I think of a coffee shop, I think quiet and peaceful, or perhaps a bit louder, with bustling people and well-paired music. At Matari, it's an insane BEEP BEEP BEEP that goes off every few minutes when an order is up. I get it, you don't want to bring the food out to your customers. But does it really need to feel like an airport Chili's? It's a bummer, because Matari is beautiful inside. It's clean, it's chic, and its location is at a notable crossroads in Skokie with plenty of parking, leaving it extremely convenient. They've even got an easy-to-use website, which so many coffee shops simply do not have. There aren't a lot of coffee shops in this particular part of town, which is why I so, so very much wanted to love Matari. But subpar drinks? Air freshener spray intrusions? Frequent and obnoxious beeping? I tried. I'm sorry. I just can't.

I just recently discovered this place. I work in Lincolnwood. It has a great ambiance to talk with…read morefriends, co-workers, or just chill by yourself and sip on coffee. More than enough seating and outlets to do work. My go-to drink is the iced café latte with whole milk. The coffee quality is far superior to Starbucks. Also, I love the gauva empanada with cream cheese! Also its good to know you are supporting a local business. Happy to know 5% of their proceeds go to charity. Overall highly recommend!

Such a warm and cozy cafe. Grab something to go or stay awhile, this place is IT. They have…read morecoffees, teas, and specialty lattes. I went with an iced peppermint tea and it was very refreshing. I also tried the guava and cream cheese pastry and my goodness this was insanely delicious. The pastry dough is crispy, flakey and fluffy. The guava jam and cream cheese was sweet and not overly sweet. I stopped in on a weekend morning and throughout my time here there was a constant flow of customers coming and going. Staff members were able to keep up with the influx of weekend customers. Within 5 minutes of placing my order my items were ready to be picked up at the front counter.

I tried the apple butter toast and it was amazing. The staff were very friendly and promptly took…read moreorders and delivered items to the tables. The atmosphere was the both great for meeting up with friends or reading your favorite book and having a coffee.

Consistent service for this coffee place whether you are at this location here in Glencoe or in…read moreWinnetka. I always get the same drink when I go and it is consistent.

ooooh probably one of the best for chicago suburbs. they have a wide selection and they are all…read morepretty solid. i got the Vietnamese coffee and tastes v authentic. the interior is cute and the staff is super nice. not sure if the staff was super overwhelmed but my friend got the ube coffee drink with milk and it just straight up tasted like ube milk not coffee. :/ recommend altering proportion since the coffee taste isn't even subtle!

Stopped by this bubble tea spot and had such a great experience! The inside was super clean and…read moremodern, and it was really easy to order using the kiosk. We couldn't decide what to get, so of course we ended up with three drinks for my bf and I. A refreshing mango drink, a crème brûlée cold brew, and the cutest cookie cake drink served in a little bear cup (I paid extra for it). They also offer food, which we didn't try this time, but definitely will next visit. The staff were friendly and welcoming, and there's a parking lot right in front which makes it really convenient. Will definitely be coming back!

Super fresh food. Part of a chain of stores. Outdoor seating, so great to bring your dog. Local…read morehangout spot. I remember the original corner restaurant that used to be here. Yes, I'm that old, lol. This is a great little spot. Will come again.

Came here on a sunny day and it was bustling! The inside is very welcoming and clean but can be…read morevery crowded and loud - if busy would not be able to focus and get work done. Outside seating is cute as well. Food: my salad was delicious! 4.5/5 - I got it with hummus on the side which I definitely think it needed(or maybe avocado!) Avocado toast: 1/5 honestly the avocado tasted like smear from a plastic cup. For $10 it is very bad. They should use fresh avocado not mashed. Just make it at home. Smoothie bowl: 4/5 was pretty good! Could have been a tad bit bigger for the price but still delicious.

Good coffee. Love the vibes they put out. Busy place, but not so much that you wish you'd have…read moregone to another place. The folks who take your order are proficient. Some coffee places you only order coffee since the food selection is weak. That isn't the case at Backlot. I get the Classic( somewhat spicy) and my wife gets the Monty breakfast sandwich. A great start to your day!

They have a wide selection of drinks, pastries and local fare. The staff is very friendly and the…read morevibe is a friendly neighborhood coffee house full of art, plants, fresh pastries and local fare. It's always good to support local.

****LONG POST INCOMING****…read more I wanted to take this time to write a through post about an experience we had at Cupitol this Sunday. We are frequent patrons of the Evanston location (Grove Street) and love it. It was my daughter's baptism, and we had many people traveling from out of town, so the Cupitol location near the highway made the most sense. Knowing that brunch service is semi-self service and there are no reservations, I went to the restaurant beforehand to speak to the manager (Vlad) and maître (Racheal) and give them a heads up about my party's intended arrival time and number of guests. They were very receptive and explained while they could make no promises, they would do their best to help accommodate. Fast forward to morning of, our guest count doubled. The manager, Vlad, had made sure that we had space and even worked with the surrounding guests to see if he could move them to other areas in the restaurant to accommodate our party. He did this in a way that didn't feel intrusive or inappropriate to these other parties (I asked them). Since there are no servers for the brunch service, my wife and I collected the orders, and Vlad did his level best in entering in the order with names, food, and beverage options. Everything came out wonderfully and as expected. If there were items that took longer to prepare, he assured guests were informed and asked if there was anything they needed while waiting. A plus. Moving on to the support staff. Luis and Andres worked diligently to help with drinks (not their job), attended to spills(whoops), deliver food, bring condiments (not their job), pre-buss, and did this all will grace and smiles. They did most without asking and helped with any requests we had outside of the scope of their typical requires tasks. Hats off to these rock stars and their colleagues. All of our guests were blown away at the food, drinks, service, and ambiance. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. Did I mention there were 8 children! They had food, drinks, and enough space to prevent any potential melt downs. The owner even came by a couple to ensure that everything was up to par (golf reference intended), and we explained that it was far better than that. Birdie, eagle, double eagle, condor, albatross, or ace. Take your pick. I will recommend to anyone, when looking for a place that goes above and beyond, with a staff that will bend over backward for you and guests, Cupitol is the place. Thank you so much, and you will see us again very, very soon! This is not a paid ad, lol

The food is okay, a bit overpriced and not much vegan or vegetarian options. It seems like they…read morejust want to make money selling things to people who eat dead animals. Plus when the check came, they gave us another table's check which was double, and they said that they cleared it up, but they wouldn't give us avoided receipt. The story, the waitress told us, and the story, the hostess told us were completely different. So we're still not sure if we got charged over $130 for the other tables check. My check was less than half of that, because I only ate by myself and my party that was with me, just had water. They said they fixed the bill, but they charged my card twice, with no voided receipt, shown to us, so you be the judge. They did give me a free vegan cookie, supposedly it was vegan and when when I got home. It was not fresh at all and I threw it out.