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.

Even though it's on the expensive side , the mouse fruit cakes were absolutely outstanding!…read more Had the hazelnut, mango , raspberry mouse fruit cake and the pistachio tiramisu cup. By far the raspberry mouse was the best one! Maradi coffee is a bit in the expensive side but the service is outstanding and the food delicious. The place was packed so we couldn't eat there but it looked very cozy. A must in the neighborhood.

5 Stars for Hannah, Love her service! She is the vibe! That's why it's easy to come here…read more Food is good, fries were a little overcooked and ambiance. We need Hannah's service everywhere, she makes the experience pleasant. Location while you shop is great, beats all the fast food.

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.

Friendly staff. Standard coffees. Giant wall art with a ceramic mug, and yet for table service it's…read morea post-Covid paper cup. The Argentinian chicken empanada was okay but not made in store, and lacked any real savor. Baklava type pastry the size of my big toe was dry as a squirrel turd. Beverage cooler sparsely stocked. One t-shirt dangling from the merch rack. No side table for the wall sofa. This business needs to rethink its posture toward customer comfort. Anyone can sell coffee and pastries from a hole in the wall. I might stop for a take out coffee if my car breaks down outside, but other than that a poor business model tells me to grab a cup at my local greasy spoon.

Absolutely loved the spanish latte! A great location with spacious seating areas for…read morework/study/chill time. The empanadas are a bit pricey. I tried the feta cheese and egg and it was decent.

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.

Dip and Sip is a bit hidden, tucked in a corner. I made it in right before they closed. Their menu…read morehad a variety of donuts to choose from. Being the first time there, I wasn't sure how it worked. Could I order only what's in the display or were there some in the back? The man working there was super nice and helpful. He advised me that I can choose from the menu and he will make it in the back. I went with the Mexican hot chocolate donut. The first bite was into a crisp exterior and a soft, fluffy interior. The combo of glaze and cream was slightly sweeter than I'd like, but perfectly complimented my black cold brew coffee. I definitely want to come back and try the strawberry fields signature donut.

This is my favorite local donut spot right now! I love all of the fun flavors and they are…read morebeautifully decorated. My favorites are the Boston creme and the apple cider. They also have a "donut bar" where you can pick your own flavor and toppings. There are a few tables in there and it's decorated really cute. It is pricey but it's worth it!

What a great coffee shop in Downtown Winnetka! The patio out front is rather large with some…read morecovered tables. The inside is also spacious, bright from natural light, had a simple design. Upon entering, one can walk right up to the ordering counter. They have a standard coffee and tea menu, specialty drinks, seasonal drinks, and some pastries for purchase. Their specialty/seasonal drinks aren't posted outside of the register so I recommend looking online as a preview if needed. I got the Funky Monkey as the barista said it was their most popular seasonal drink. I loved the subtle banana flavor and slightly sweet notes. The espresso is also house roasted and great quality. My husband tried their Chai Latte which was okay. We also shared an Old Fashioned donut which had great flavor. Coffee flavors definitely seem to be their sweet spot!

Good location, nice atmosphere, clean, bright inside the shop. Good coffee! I had a decaf oat…read moremilk latte! It was yummy!!

Nice bright chill coffee shop with nice selection of pastries and gelato ice cream. Good service…read morehere with relaxed vibe. Can come and sit a while and read if you'd like. My latte was excellent. Will be back.

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

THE ABSOLUTE BEST…read more This is Paris quality right here in Winnetka!!!! Service is great, staff is helpful and the bread and pastries are on par with any spot, PERIOD!!!!!

One of my family members went back to Hewn and brought home two more pastries for me to try!…read more The Chocolate croissant and the Morning Glory muffin! The chocolate croissant, like the plain croissant, was lacking. Not only was it missing the underlying buttery taste I've become accustomed to, but there was very little chocolate-it was almost a plain croissant itself! See picture, a thin layer of chocolate on the bottom. Again, the texture and flakiness of the pastry is spot on, but it pretty much ends there. Okay, I've 'saved the best for last'. The Morning Glory muffin! I don't know where to start, except it was amazing with each bite I took. Carrots, apples, walnuts, raisins, sunflower and flax seeds - it's a plethora of flavor and textures, with underlying notes of cinnamon and ginger - it's one of the best muffins I've had in awhile!