Mud and Char

This was my first time trying Yemeni coffee, and the experience was truly unique!…read moreThe space is beautifully decorated with a great vibe, and the staff was super friendly and welcoming. Since it was my first visit, they kindly let me try a few samples before ordering. I tried the Jubani and the Mofawer. Both have very exotic, distinct flavors. They lean on the sweeter side, and because of the strong spice blend (lots of cinnamon and ginger), the aftertaste ended up feeling a bit like ginger/scallion aromatics to me. It's definitely an acquired taste if you're only used to standard coffee or espresso drinks, but it's very interesting to experience. Top-notch service and a lovely atmosphere overall. Even though the traditional spiced coffee flavor profile wasn't fully for me, it's a wonderful spot if you love spiced drinks or want to try something culturally authentic!

This place was beautiful on the inside. Not overly decorated but nicely decorated. A great place to…read moremeet friends, study, or get a nice beverage. The options were decent and included Turkish coffee, drip coffee, macha, lattes, and chai. The desserts looked really good and fresh. Although I didn't order food this time I would if I returned. The service.. the girls were friendly... The guy not so much. He just took the order without a smile or thank you and kept moving along. I ordered a pistachio matcha mostly because the pistachio was homemade and I love pistachios and flavors. The drink was made pretty quickly and was nice with a nutty balance. Open free parking lot with plenty of parking in the shopping area near IKEA. If I'm in the area I would return.

Inside

Main cafe seating area

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Mofawer big pot

Shaghf Cafe

4.6(13 reviews)

6.0 mi

Came here in the afternoon for a caffeine pick me up and sweet treat. Service was very friendly…read more Not too much in the food/dessert area but it is mid afternoon. Very clean inside and ambience is great.

Driving through the area after a solemn occasion and needed a pick me up to get me back to the Chi…read more The cafe was kinda quiet until a rush hit. Being that Ramadan had recently started, I assumed this was post iftar, the evening break in the fast and peeps were coming for drinks and desserts. The drink menu is on a display but it doesn't mention what flavors are associated in some of their custom drinks. I was split between a Habibi, coconut or Biscoff flavored lattes. A conversation with the barista pushed me towards the aforementioned and they said they could lighten the sweetness. I don't remember the details of exactly what gives its "Middle Eastern flair", the flavors worked and kept me awake for the drive. Judging from the many orders being called out, I picked the most popular. If you dig chill spaces to work & or meet new peeps, seek out details on their IG page. They host lively events to discover their new menu items and or trivia nights engaging popular topics Ie Star Wars, Marvel, and more.

We got there shortly after it opened. Quiet at first, but it picked up throughout the day.

Family friendly, and good place to hang out with friends.

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Menu 8/2025

Arcadia Coffee

4.4(44 reviews)

3.8 mi

Well, they do open at 6 AM. The inside does not open until later so if you wanna place to sit, you…read morehave to come after 8:30. The cold brew was incredibly watered down and barely tasted like coffee. It feels like they have reused the grounds several times as the color and taste was very off.

Don't know what it is but I've been really into banana flavoring this year so it was fantastic news…read moreto find this locally owned coffee spot a short drive from an appointment in Bolingbrook this past weekend that has a banana bread latte on their seasonal menu. I ordered at the drive-thru window. Staff were friendly and service was quick. I agree with others that $9 is on the pricey side for a 16oz drink. The banana bread flavoring tasted good but it could have used more banana. Still, it was really creamy with a nice ratio of sweetness. I'd be interested to try other options the next time I'm around.

Outside

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Doughnut

4.3(89 reviews)

4.3 mi

Excellent donuts, fresh nice variety, friendly service, and reasonably priced highly recommend…read moregiving them a try and the bagels are also good

This is my favorite go-to place for donuts & bagels! Everything is made fresh daily and tastes…read moredelicious! The staff is always friendly and they always greet you when you walk in the door! I highly recommend it and my customers love it! I gave it five stars for delicious donuts & bagels, excellent service, clean store, good prices and friendly staff who make all the difference in your experience! Go to Donut Co now! You won't be disappointed, and tell them Ann sent you!

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The Ridge Bar and Grill

3.4(155 reviews)

2.5 mi

Excellent biscuits & gravy, came for breakfast, our first time here. All food well prepared. We…read morewill be back for lunch and dinner soon.

Today was the worst. This could easily be one of my 5-star hidden gems. But I'm done. First time…read morehere I ordered a Skirt Steak Sandwich. It was superb. Came with fries and soup of the day. 2nd time here I ordered something else. Just plain average diner food. But ordered the steak again for my third time and was impressed once again. Kept coming back, if only for that one standout. Been here at least a dozen times, ordering the steak to go mostly (actually sat down with family twice). Sadly, subsequent steaks were not as consistent. Often, they are tough. Once, they forgot the jalapeños. But twice now, they've messed up my soup. I never tasted their minestrone, despite having ordered it twice (not counting a third time where it was eaten by a family member). Got cream of chicken rice both times. WTF is wrong with these people? Less than a mile from home, great service. They just don't know how to make steak or differentiate between soups (Hint: Minestrone is reddish-brown, cream of chicken rice is white). Really gave this place too many second chances based on my first 2 steak experiences (and a few other ones scattered in between the non-acceptables). Today, not only shoe-leather steak, but the wrong soup once again.

Ham and American cheese omelette off the grill with fruit, made to order and I wasn't disappointed.

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Bloody

Vannie’s House

4.8(27 reviews)

4.4 mi

brown sugar oolong is my go to- so freaking yummy it reminds me of cereal milk :3 all the workers…read moreare baddies and they have fire music taste i have consumed thousands of black boba balls from vannie's. will consume thousands more.

This review is coming from someone who typically does not like boba. I had head many good things…read moreabout the Aurora location, so when they opened one up in Bolingbrook I knew I had to at least give it a try. My dad and I came mid afternoon and they were quite busy. A few of their tables were occupied and many people were picking up orders to go. I ordered the brown sugar matcha and my dad opted for the lychee freeze with boba. Both drinks were delicious! The boba was the perfect texture. We will definitely be regulars!

Inside

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Karak Cafe

4.6(27 reviews)

2.3 mi

Great food place. Band Kabob burger nd Taj falooda was amazing…read more Family business so the service was very personable. Will come back again for sure.

Such a cute little hole-in-the-wall spot! Karak Café has a cozy vibe with lots of options for chai,…read morelassi, and coffee, plus a nice selection of snacks and small bites. Service was fairly quick, and there's decent seating inside, perfect for catching up with friends or relaxing solo with a drink. We tried the karak chai, which was super flavorful and refreshing, and the madras coffee -- which honestly stole the show! It tastes just like authentic filter coffee from India, rich and perfectly balanced. The bun with malai and honey was light, fluffy, and paired perfectly with our drinks -- a simple but absolutely delicious snack. Definitely recommend this spot if you love authentic chai or South Indian-style coffee -- a true hidden gem worth visiting!

Kheema (Beef) Samosa (2 pcs)

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Brewed Awakening

3.9(86 reviews)

3.9 mi

How did I not know about this place? These folks have been here for twenty six years…read more Cool, comfortable, and lived in. The couple that run this place put their heart and soul in it. It's kind of my new iteration of Quinn's for those of You that remember.

Unfortunately, Brewed Awakening was not my favorite. The menu is a bit overwhelming with signage…read moreeverywhere in shop (and no menu online), so I wasn't aware when I was ordering a latte that adding a flavor would be a whole $1.25 more. They also put my iced latte in a hot latte cup because she said the espresso was hot... which is odd because yes, fresh espresso is always hot. And they didn't have skim milk or oat milk., which are my two go to's. My daughter wanted a scone though, which was the best part! Service seemed rushed (i.e. before I was even done putting my card back in my wallet, she was taking care of the next person by shouting over me), which made me feel frazzled. However, it is just a short walk to the park, which was perfect. Just not sure I would be rushing back anytime soon, which is sad because I love supporting local businesses when possible.

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Pisces Cafe

4.4(104 reviews)

2.9 mi

Food: *Zesty lychee - this was a seasonal summer item and on…read morea humid day in Chicagoland, it was definitely refreshing! Ambiance/Service: I had to take pictures of the Year of the Dragon art and the Spring has sprung art because it's great that there was a celebration of the season and the year. I appreciated that the staff took the time to make this set on a chalkboard. It could easily be a poster. There are also places to take pictures. Overall: When I am in town (which isn't often) I like to stop by here for boba. The staff is friendly and patient (because I don't know what to order since I'm not a regular) and it is a happy place. Even the details (the little signs that have the wifi password) are fun and inviting. And next time I come by it will be a different sesson, possibly a different year and I look forward to seeing the signs and all the ways Pisces Cafe captures the present moment.

Chicago Burbs Coffee Tour Stop 20 @piscesbobatea. …read more Rating: . Order: Americano. (Slight burnt espresso taste, with some acidity) . More of a Boba spot? Stop in while son was at Basketball practice. Quiet hidden spot on the edge of Naperville.

Outside

Boba Waffle and Grapefruit Refresher both AMAZING!

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Tierra Distilling Co. & Cafe

4.6(33 reviews)

5.0 mi

I've come here on a couple of occasions to try cocktails. The inside where you order feels cramped…read more Drinks are pricey. They do have a good size patio when the weather is nice. I have not tried any of their coffees.

I really want to love Tierra, but it's been a miss for me multiple times now. The holiday drinks…read morewere okay, nothing overwhelming. I tried the eggnog (not the buzzed version). It's a tiny place. It gets cramped quickly. I feel like they need an awning or heaters on the outside during the colder months. The drinks, as mentioned, are OK. The prices are really high for what you get.

Things to do in Downers Grove

Latte

Bar area

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The bar and cafe: interior

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Vina O.

Elite 21

559

741

8 years ago

Modern and chic, yet Mud and Char still maintains that warm and cozy vibe that you look for in a cafe. Aside from its beautiful decor, they serve amazing coffee, tea, smoothies AND breakfast/brunch fare. I haven't had Tugboat coffee/espresso prior to Mud and Char, but it's definitely one of my favorites now! It's a perfect roast with a smooth finish and all of the caffeine strength without the bitterness. I almost always get an Americano whenever I come here or their cold brew if I'm trying to cool off from the summer heat. I also LOVE their seasonal smoothies! The one I had was the pineapple-mango-coconut smoothie and it was perfect. This was definitely a high quality smoothie made with fresh fruit and coconut milk. The food. Oh my goodness. I literally have not had anything I that I didn't love! For small bites, you absolutely have to get the chia seed pudding or the PB&J overnight oats! The chia seed pudding is perfect... it's healthy, incredibly satiating and absolutely delicious! And the PB&J overnight oats tastes like a more filling, grown up and better tasting version of a classic PB&J. It's nostalgia for me! I love the cucumber mint bagel sandwich as well. If you want something that's big and might, you cannot go wrong with the chocolate nut butter power bowl! It is one of the best power bowls I've ever had and the flavors are out of this world! I could literally eat one of these 2-3 times a week and be completely content with life. But I'm still trying to eat my way through the menu because I'm amazed at everything I try! I highly recommend this place! The service is SO friendly and the place is so inviting. What a lovely and much needed addition to Downers Grove. I can't wait to return! read more

Sagarika G.

Elite 26

1420

270

824

1 year ago

We just found our new go-to bagel spot in Downers Grove -- Mud and Char is an absolute gem! We tried the everything bagels stacked with cream cheese, egg, chicken sausage, lettuce, tomato, and mayo, and they were amazing. The perfect mix of crispy, creamy, and savory -- every bite was flavorful and so satisfying. You can tell they care about quality ingredients and good flavor combos. The chai latte was a standout too -- warm, cozy, and perfectly spiced. It seriously felt like a hug in a cup. The café itself is super cute and inviting, with a relaxed vibe that makes you want to stay a while. The service was also great -- friendly, quick, and helpful, even with a bit of a morning rush. Only small wish? A bit more outdoor seating would be perfect, especially on nice days. But honestly, that's just nitpicking. We're so happy to have found this spot and will definitely be back often! read more

Chloe S.

5 years ago

My favorite coffee place in the Downers Grove area, definitely a place I recommend to give a try. Their coffee is really good and they have a wide variety of coffee, teas, lattes, espressos and seasonal drinks. They also have food that's freshly made, and I definitely recommend giving it a try. There are certain foods like the Blt and bagels you can customize right there and the food is always fresh. read more

Jonathan H.

8 years ago

Such a great spot. Stopped in for a quick coffee and ended up staying for breakfast! Very friendly staff and management took the time to run through the variety of healthy options that they offer. Ended up with the Chocolate Nut Butter which checks both the healthy and incredibly delicious "boxes". Easily the most innovative spot in DG. Will go back again and again. read more

John B.

4 years ago

Always friendly, always clean. PBJ Oats is a stable in our household so love when they have those. Scones are decent. Try the oats though, you won't be disappointed. read more

Joseph M.

7 years ago

Great spot, was just passing through and stopped in. Great service and food. Worth getting out of your car in the morning to stop in!

S N.

4 years ago

I decided to only get the coffee as some lady was in there complaining on her order! I Got food poisoning - Buyer beware!

Steve F.

8 years ago

outstanding coffee and breakfast sandwich. People are very friendly.

A B.

8 years ago

Cozy cafe, friendly service, good latte. What more could you want?

Mud and Char - coffee - Updated September 2026

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An adorable locally owned coffee shop with custom art work. They roast their own beans in the shop,…read morewhich is such a rare feature among coffee shops today. This place is a gem! Coffee was great and well balanced. They have a few food options as well, if you want to grab a quick bite. Wifi worked great. The barista draws cute drawings on your coffee mug and food packaging, which adds to the charm of this place. Bottomline-- a shop worth visiting if you appreciate good coffee.

Service was quick. My cold brew was yummy. It's a good space to come and hang out with friends and…read moreenjoy coffee or tea. They also have some non coffee/tea beverages options. Pastries available as well. This is a cute little spot.

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Oh, yeh. This place knows what's up! Awesome vibe in the center of the store offering EXCELLENT…read morecoffee. I ordered a small latte and was VERY pleased at the size of the cup: petite as a small should be! Which means that the large is not unrealistically gigantic like most other coffee spots. People behind the counter were friendly and conversational, which is a plus in times like these where everyone is slow and stupid and mean. Got the chai cake because it is so similar to the autumn spice cakes I remember growing up with on the east coast. Which reminds, the Midwest SUCKS, so this whole little happy coffee experience was very pleasing to me. Ideal. All their homemade take-away items looked pretty incredible, too. No complaints!

Came to have some pastries and coffee and get some nice groceries for Christmas, ended up waiting…read more15 minutes for no service. We got to the coffee counter with no line and waited 10 minutes before finally catching an employee's attention. We were told he needed to grab a barista even though there were 5 people behind the counter taking people's pastry orders. The barista didn't come for another 5 minutes so we gave up and went elsewhere.

Arcadia Coffee

4.4

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Sparrow Coffee

4.1

(421 reviews)

Sparrow Coffee is amazing -- great coffee, pastries and other items. Their avocado toast and even…read morePB&J are good. Their pastry selection is always so interesting. For example, during our visit, they had sweet basil rhubarb muffins -- you might think that this combo wouldn't work. Wrong -- the muffins were delicious! Staff are always pleasant, despite having to handle large crowds, especially on weekends. Pro tip: order ahead and the items will be waiting on a pickup shelf. The vibe is modern industrial and many tables have places to charge devices. We've only been here on the weekends, and as another reviewer pointed out, it would be challenging to work here from a laptop during this timing, due to the noise. We always look forward to visiting Sparrow Coffee.

Sparrow coffee is a necessary and great option in the downtown Naperville area. Even on a Wednesday…read moremid morning the place was consistently busy. They do have an online ordering system making it convenient and quick if in a rush. The space is large and I noticed a lot of people huddled up with laptops. There's also some outdoor seating as well. My order was ready at the estimated time given and I tried the honey lavender latte. It was a little too sweet for my liking so I may try something different next time. My husband got an iced mocha and I preferred his drink. The mocha tasted authentic and not too sweet. I loved how rich it was.

Sugar Milk Cafe

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My husband and I decided to stop in for brunch. We opted for the chilaquiles verdes and green…read morejuice! The juice and food were both delicious. I love the fact that they offer a mixture of healthy options like paninis and their drink menu has a good variety of different milk shakes, smoothies, coffee, agua frescas. We sat in a booth close to a cute decorated wall with a phone booth you can take cute pictures at. I highly recommend this place because the ambiance is nice and service was great.

Absolutely adorable atmosphere!…read more From what I could find, there is only one bathroom, labeled "Women", however I witnessed a man coming out of it. And I didn't see any other bathroom except "Employees Only". In addition, the toilet doesn't flush properly; the hand dryer appears to be a fake; the door is hard to open and close; and the soap dispenser was empty. The booth seats are obviously not new. I could feel the springs when sitting down. They are very uncomfortable. My friend and I were forced to split the bill at the cashier counter. I've never encountered that method. We would've liked to see the bill at our table and decide our method of paying at that time, BEFORE going to pay. All of this being said, the food was very good! The menu doesn't list regular drinks, i.e., plain coffee, fountain drinks, etc. The aesthetics in this restaurant are lovely! We loved the Frida Kahlo theme and all of the matching decor especially the beautiful flowers!

MOTW Coffee & Pastries

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Cute coffee shop with fresh and tasty drinks and pastries…read more We tried the banana bread and graham cracker flavored drinks. All were delicious. Lots of options to pick from and the staff was friendly and efficient

Cute place, I got a refresher that was not good. Tasted like juice. Also got a cream cheese…read morecroissant, that was good a bit too buttery for me. But it was good. A bit pricey I paid $13 for a medium refresher, and a croissant Medium refresher was listed for $6, so the croissant was also $6.. service was ok, did not greet us or acknowledge us, no pleasantries at all. My friend got a Biscoff latte she really liked it, got a muffin and baklava.. both pastries good. We took the pastries home, still warm and fresh.

Cocomero

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I haven't been to Cocomero since they first opened and I was truly blown away at how much this…read moreplace has upgraded. Adorned with beautiful fig and monstera plants, it's quite welcoming and comfortable inside. A huge step up from the average frozen yogurt shop. They also offer boba and shakes and as someone who can pass on ice cream, I thought was a great add on. I see why this is such a popular spot in downtown DG.

I love the cafe interior, Icecream flavors, toppings, and drinks too!! This place is so awesome…read more The workers were so nice too

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