This was my fiancé and I's first stop once we arrived in Chicago. It was recommended to us from a…read morefriend. I was skeptical at first because it is a local chain, rather than a singular location. However, it lived up to the hype. Service: it was extremely busy when we came in. The line was almost out the door. They have a system in place for ordering and seating so it worked well and fast given how busy they were. We didn't have any questions on where to order or where to stand when waiting for a seat. The staff were friendly and helped us find a spot to sit at. Ambiance: classic cafe in a city. Loud chatter, but it's a vibe. Very colorful and fun interior with cool textural elements. We had a seat that was facing the street so it was fun to people watch as we sipped and ate. Food: amazing breakfast selection! We ordered the morning sandwich and barbacoa bowl. The morning sandwich had THICK scrambled eggs which were super soft and tasty. I could've used more salsa verde on it. The bread was barely toasted. I'd rate the sandwich a 3.8/5. It got the job done. The barbacoa bowl was "really good" according to my fiancé. A great source of protein, fresh ingredients, nice flavor, and great portions. He would rate it a 5/5. Coffee: I am a coffee snob so I am quite harsh when it comes to reviewing it. Their machine is a cute La Marzocco. Appropriate sized "for-here" glasses according to the drinks. Plus, they were really cute. Wide variety of drink selection from your standards to the more girly-drinks (if there is such a thing). We ordered a cappuccino and small hot mocha. Latte art 4.5/5, temperature 5/5, flavor 4/5. The espresso didn't stand out to me, very standard flavor profile. However, the chocolate in the mocha was delicious. It's more of a rich, dark chocolate. Nice thin layer of foam. Would recommend to try at least once when you're in Chicago! Glad to have stopped in.

I walked over from my hotel right at the time they opened, and it was raining. There was no line,…read moreonly a handful of people waiting for their order. I got the pistachio croissant, shakshouka pastry, and berry crunch oatmeal. It took about 20-25 minutes, which made no sense because the pastries are in the case and the oatmeal......is oatmeal. I suspect they opened without having all of their prep done because the delay made no sense. Their staff looked frantic. The croissant wasn't filled, it just had pistachio cream on the top with a couple of nuts. I would order the shaksouka pastry again. The egg was cooked well, and the tomato was very good. They were supposed to heat it up, but it wasn't warm.

Really easy in and out and yummy beverages and breakfast sandwiches. I loved the tahini latte.read more

Hit up Fairgrounds after a class in the Chicago Athletic Association. Had a delicious coffee, and…read morebaristas were very nice. It's a very small space - perfect for pick up and go. There are a few seats, but it's pretty tight. They were a little slow BUT my drink did end up coming out well. I've enjoyed their other locations where there's a bunch more space to sit and chill.

Latte was made with just the right amount of milk and coffee (for me, at least). Did not get to try…read morethe pastries but they looked delicious. Service was quick and efficient. You order on a tablet which was pretty easy to use. Restaurant was pretty chic and clean with huge windows facing Millenium Park.

I was in the area and decided to try this place for breakfast. I really liked the cafe... has a lot…read moreof natural light and a chic vibe, and it's close to Millennium Park. I ordered an iced mocha, an almond croissant, and the le chevre avocat tartine. I really enjoyed the coffee and the tartine in particular. I also noticed a few people working as there are power plugs, As I went in the morning, it was peaceful and quiet. I'd definitely come back to try more from the menu as this time it was a to -go order

I stopped by Intelligentsia Coffee and really enjoyed it. I ordered a matcha latte with almond milk…read moreand my husband got a cappuccino with oat milk. Both were excellent. I appreciated that the matcha can be customized. You can choose sweetened or unsweetened and even adjust the matcha strength. Since I am sensitive to caffeine I chose light matcha and it was perfect. Smooth flavor and not overly sweet. The cafe is also a really nice place to sit for a bit. There are big tables and lots of natural light which makes it feel relaxed and comfortable. The staff were nice and the drinks came out quickly. Great spot for a quality matcha or coffee in the area. I would definitely come back.

Stopped into this coffee shop on a weekday right after landing in Chicago. I needed somewhere to…read moresit, work, and kill time while waiting for my accommodations to be ready--and this place did the job. Hella busy, the staff was semi-helpful while I was trying to decide what to order--not rude, just not super engaging either. I ended up settling on a latte, which... whew. $8 for what felt like a few swallows. The cup was hella small, so that part definitely hurt a little. Menu isn't substantial. Despite how packed it was, I was able to take a meeting without too much trouble--shoutout to my noise-canceling headphones, because they were doing the heavy lifting. The space itself is on the smaller side, so if you're planning to camp out for a while, just know it can feel tight. The bathroom could've used a little attention. Nothing major, and maybe expected with a lot of people. Overall, it's a decent stop if you need coffee and a place to sit for a bit, especially in a pinch. Just be prepared for crowds, limited space, and pricey drinks that disappear way too fast.

Stopped here for breakfast after our original choice was booked solid…read more Located in-line with other businesses, this isn't a large place but it was clean. I ordered the original pancakes and an iced vanilla latte. Both were good. Staff was friendly.

Arrrgghfhgg!!! Where I came from (The Bay), they didn't have a spot that specialized in Soufflé…read morePancakes. And I suck at making them. So when Hanabusa Cafe appeared on my search for brunch in DT Chicago it was a no brainer for me. I dragged my husband with me first thing in the morning so that we don't have to wait in line. Thank Goodness there was no line but the menu was a little confusing. They gave us a menu and we had to order in line first, and of course it being our first time here, we were attracted to the pictures and didn't notice the handwritten strawberry cream flavors (also our heads were down reading the menu rather than up looking at the TV advertising (which has the SC flavor - obviously we missed out on that). I had checked the menu on yelp before going and already knew I wanted the earl grey pancakes. When we got there, I saw that there were two favorites. I asked our teller which would he recommended between the fan-fav of Custard Vs the Earl Grey. His answer was "... well... they are very different flavors..." and that was as descriptive as he got -- so I just stuck with my Earl Grey. My husband told me I was being a butthole and why did I ask for their recommendation if I was only going to go with my original. I told him I asked for their thoughts and recommendations and he didn't really sell it to me, duh! I'm very aware that those are two different flavors but maybe if they can tell me more about the flavors and why he liked one over the other, I may have been sold. Be excited about what you sell/serve! Anyway. The husband had the plain and I had earl grey and no regrets. Only regret I had was not being able to go again before we had to leave Chicago and my husband's regret that he didn't see the strawberry cream earlier as he would have gotten that one. So don't miss out on that! 1 star down because service could have been better.

We really liked their coffee. Bought extra to bring home with us. Super cute coffee spot super…read moreclose to the hotel we stored at.

There is a theory about why Garfield hates Mondays so much. He's a cat who stays home, so what is…read morethere to not like? Well, this is the day after a weekend when Jon goes back to work! With that in mind, the phrase "Happy Monday!" is an oxymoron, even though I send it every week in the Teams chat. Something that helps fight the Monday blues? Coffee! Yet, despite their oxymoronic name, Happy Monday Coffee is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. As someone who doesn't often make coffee runs during the workday, this means my coffee time is relegated to lunch. Some more expanded hours would be helpful not only to me and others like me but also to boost business. Where the coffee itself is concerned, I love the creativity displayed in the latte selections. Even as someone who is not a big latte lover, this is the kind of beverage I always get here. Are these the greatest things ever? No. However, I can't fault them too much, as lattes by design hide the bite of espresso under milk and often sugar. The vibe inside is relaxed and modern-boho, with a tasteful DJ set playing at a reasonable volume on the flatscreen. While I always take my coffee to go, it seems like a comfortable place to relax with a cup for a bit. Finally, I want to give credit to the service. While there isn't often a long line, service is consistently friendly, welcoming, and fast. Their prices aren't the cheapest around, but they are in line with what I'd expect for premium beverages in a high-traffic, downtown area. Final Verdict: Does Happy Monday have the best coffee anywhere that has me stopping in religiously? No. However, as someone who drinks soda rather rarely, when I am craving a solid and creative latte while at the office, Happy Monday is the first place that comes to mind.

Amazing food and great staff! Everything was delicious and even though we waited an hour for our…read moretable it was worth it. Highly recommend.

Always get Cookie Dough Waffle, Blueberry Danish Panckes are great, Don't get crepes…read more Blueberry Danish Pancakes: 4.5/5. Better than I'd remembered. Fluffy pancakes, lots of blueberries, nice sourness to balance the sweet. Cookie Dough Waffle: 5/5. Must get. Had to hide some or my 3-year old would have gobbled it all up. Sweet, chocolate-y. Creamy Nutella Crepes: 3/5. Not nutella, some other chocolate sauce. Crepes overly thick. Still OK but a far drop-off from top-tier pancakes and waffles.

Morning coffee and tea with a pastry! Two Raisin Danishes, a Grim Steeper, and a Applely Ever After…read morehot beverages.

Finally came back to check out a different drink. Ended up getting the London Calling Latte, which…read morewas much better. I have tried a latte with honey and sea salt before; that one I didn't like but this one was much better. Like last time, pretty fast & friendly service. Coffee place seems nice and calm; I would come back and work next time! Note: London Calling Latte is usually made with oat milk but I ordered mine with whole milk.

I stop in afther saw it on instagram.... They closed at 4…read moreonly orders to go I got hot chocolate $11 Was pretty good i love the heavy whipped cream and the sprinkles on yop cute cozy place i saw the big balls $40 for hot chocolate and huge croisant $40 & up enogh to share whit group nice decor christmas love the chandeliers too

As its name implies, every single item in this store is full of sugar. Heaven for pre diabetic…read more Hell for diabetics. Let me be more clear, everything is painfully sweet. Visit at your own risk.

Slow service Inside an apartment building. Which is not in…read moredescription of the coffee shop Very quiet Uncomfortable very low stools, difficult for elderly to sit or stand. Small table with 4 stools but its very small for 4 people to sit. Good for 2 or max 3 people The light globe in the center is bright and is uncomfortable for eye.. while talking across the table, it glares way too much in your eyes I dont think so I will go back again Coffee - we ordered 4 and all 4 were extremely sweet and none of us finished or enjoyed- everything went into trash

Last day in Chicago. Last Riverwalk. Last cappuccino because you know what time it is? it's midday…read more It's "CAP" time. Most every day midday my way cappuccino today. Enough alliteration. Time to taste my ritual coffee libation. Taste good. Robust flavor notes on the darker side. Silky creamy smooth foamy whole milk, layer on top. Got my midday CAP! Very cool coffee shop to check out. It's all glass enclosed. If you take a picture of the outside, you will see the tall skyscraper reflecting in the glass. Friendly service and lots of seating. Good coffee vibrations.