If you enjoy getting sour cream on a bagel because the baristas "didn't realize" they'd mixed it up with the cream cheese (!!!), New Wave might be for you! If you enjoy getting attitude and sipping your coffee in the brick and mortar equivalent of a dirty sock: you guessed it. New Wave! If you're a fan of watching the people behind the counter have a staring contest where I can only assume the winner begrudgingly has to take your order, then absolutely come here. If you want quality and service, try Damn Fine Coffee. Gaslight. Even intelligentsia. They might seem elitist, but at least they can make a pour over. read more

This is my only review and I'm just doing this cuz i couldn't find an email address for shop. I went in today after hearing about it yesterday and it totally made my day. I ordered a sandwich, the vegetarian one, and the guy who made it (who I think was maybe one of the owners, dunno) asked me to give some feedback but I couldn't find him when i left so I wanted him to know it was super good. I love the whole-wheat ciabatta and the fresh veggies. good sized, reasonable price. The only thing I would suggest would be to provide a vegan option, maybe a hummus etc. And the only reason I am actually willing to mention such small request is because everyone there seemed so nice that maybe it would actually be considered. also i have a feeling this place will get busy so I hope they have more tables and chairs in storage. cool! way to go and congrats logan square on your new coffee shop. we deserve it. read more

YAY! Okay, I've only been here once for about 1.5 hours, but I already know I'm going to be back ... again and again and again. I had the Blood Orange Green Tea and the Lavendar Brownie. Both were delicious however, the Lavendar Brownie literally blew me away. So GOOD. If I didn't have these damn New Years Resolutions to lose some of my holiday chub, I definitely would have eaten at least five of them. And then taken a dozen home. I think I'm going to dream about Lavendar Brownies tonight. The space is great ... well lit, nice tables, couches, etc. It's not too crowded yet, but I have a feeling it will be soon. Enjoy it while you can! (Writing this review probably isn't helping). They also have these great books just sort of scattered around the area. And of course, the video games. I will definitely be back for some sandwiches (all from $5 - $6, very reasonable) and coffee. Hope that they have more snacks and stuff soon. Oh, and some interesting art work too. Yay for New Wave! OH! And they take credit card ... of any amt. God bless. And the staff is so super nice. Love them already. read more

I was really sad when Filter closed and turned into a Bank of America. I'm currently at a point in my life where I have to study a lot. Like 2-4 hours per day, and to tell you the truth, I can't study at home. Filter was the place where I could show up, get a halfway decent drink, and study until midnight, and when they closed, there was no other place to go and study late at night. Luckily New Wave opened, and I have to say, I like it even better than Filter. I met a friend here for coffee a couple weeks ago, and it was really great. I had a blood orange green tea, which was hot, large, and cost about $2. I was feeling peckish, so I ordered a bowl of black bean soup. The soup was hearty, vegan, and very flavorful, with hints of cumin and cilantro. After a couple long hours of catching up, I wanted something sweet, so I ordered a coconut cookie, which was buttery and delicious. I like that the space is bright and open and the music is good and not too loud. New Wave is a great place to study, work, or hang out with friends. read more

Finally! A coffee shop I actually want to go to, and only two blocks away from my apartment. The first time I stopped in was yesterday, apparently five days after they first opened. At first I thought it was just on Logan Blvd, but there's actually another entrance on Milwaukee, making New Wave fairly huge for a coffee shop. There's a lot of space to spread out and a good amount of tables and couches. I was going to take a star away for seeming almost too sterile, but people were playing Duck Hunt on a very large TV, so the star is returned. Also, I didn't have too much interaction with the baristas, but one server did forget about my coffee order after he had to brew a new pot. He did, however make it up to me with a refill and another coffee (for my girlfriend waiting outside) for free. The fellows next to me also got free sandwich samples. So... yeah, that makes up for the forgetfulness. It happens. The coffee was delicious, too. I will be back to New Wave. I didn't see the hours posted, but if they're open late this would be a six-star find. read more

Logan Square deserves better than this. Don't get me wrong the place it's self is lovely, big room lots of seating and on a great corner to people watch. The drinks are ok and the sandwiches are tasty it's the service that I have a problem with. About half of the time I walk in someone takes my order right away and the other half the employees that theirs sweet time. The drinks take a bit longer than I would like but the sandwiches take ages. Today I sat and stared at my sandwich sitting half made waiting to go in the press for minuites even when there was room. When they're busy I understand but the guy was just standing there staring off into space. The employees themselves are very hit or miss. Some are friendly and seem like they care about doing a good job. Others(mainly one girl with multicolored hair) are slow at best and rude. I've had eyes rolled at me for saying I wanted my sandwich to go, and on more than one occasion had someone nod when I said I didn't need a bag then give me one. Small things yes but they add up. I realize this is a trendy coffee shop and I like it for some of those reasons but it could be great if the employees stopped acting like assholes. read more

Let me just start off by saying I don't get it. I love coffee, I like Metropolis, and New Wave is okay in a pinch... But how is this place alway crowded? Everything about it is just "ok" Every americano I have ever had here was watery and every "breakfast sandwich" (it's just a pretzel bun with cream cheese, bacon, and tomato) is just okay. The sandwich I had today didn't even use appropriate tomatoes!! I feel like I am not cool enough to come here or something but I desire more then a smile and an eye roll with my coffee. read more

Still pretentious dumb baristas who stare at you when you come in, take their sweet time, and wait to the last possible second to help you even though they're not doing anything. I used to live above this place..decor may have changed but atmosphere is still shitty. read more

The fact that everybody is doing some sort of work or studying provides a good atmosphere. Great motivation. I never feel like slacking when I'm here. There are both comfy couches and tables, that's a plus too. Hopefully you get there during a time where there's a seat still available. The people behind the counter are a mixed bag. Some are very friendly, some not, but overall are pretty good. P.S. I have noticed an insane amount of missed connections posted on craigslist with new wave as the site of said missed connection. I think that the only reason people come here is because they secretly are dying to have a missed connection written about them. Maybe that's why everyone looks so darn cute all the time. read more

Late night Wi-Fi. Desperate late night WiFi. The coffee I have here is mediocre every time and the place just needs a makeover to become more comfortable, inviting, and stylish to meet the standards of an every more trendy Logan square. The place is dingy with uncomfortable chairs and old mismatching furniture, but not in the cute way like at filter. It's just a late night WiFi option. read more

Hooray for New Wave Coffee! This coffee shop is like that person you just barely met, but feel like you've known forever. I live and work in Logan Square and thus walk right by this place at least twice a day. Let's just say that they have brought more quality espresso and piping hot yummy coffee into my life and that makes me happy. Plenty of seating, very friendly, and generally a feel goodness that seems to transfer itself right to the customers. The kind of place that gives ya the warm and fuzzies just by supporting it. read more

All your coffee shop questions will be answered with the authority only thousands of yelp reviewers can provide: coffee: drip coffee is metropolis. from Chicago-so thats good. tastes like crap- so thats bad. competent baristas make a good cup of espresso (super concentrated, thick and bitter) food: sandwiches are pretty tasty with a nice variety, for meat eaters, vegetarians and vegans. BEST croissants at any coffee shop besides Beans and Bagels, where they get them. GET the chocolate croissant (I don't doubt someone will take my advice and then decide its nothing special, but believe me, I get chocolate croissants all over the city, and usually am disappointed that they are not as chocolaty, buttery, and flaky as they are here). music: wow- what the hell can i say about this, everyone will have a different opinion, no doubt. from well volumed Pavement, Bikini Kill, Arcade Fire, DJ Shadow, the Pharcyde and tons of other stuff I love, to an obsession with blasting new wave (hmmm....didn't see THAT coming), crappy Scandinavian metal, and other genres so bad I am not exactly sure what their followers call them... ambiance: not bad. interesting people to look at. dont let themt make you feel embarrassed that your plastic frame glasses were not made forty years ago and are not twice as thick as they are. the bathrooms are kind of dumpy. look at the photos to see whether you can see yourself burning hours high on caffeine and doing next to nothing here. service: ok, its a coffee shop, you are not going to order a five course meal, and anything you do order you will be picking up, so how could the service be that bad? well, say you order a muffin, the girl behind the counter takes your money, gives you your change, walks over and starts talking to a coworker and checks her phone, and after looking in disbelief for a minute, you ask her for your muffin, and she responds "oh, right, i forgot..." That is how you could have bad service. I don't mind I actually find it pretty hilarious. workability: you can get stuff done here as long as you don't require complete silence. if so, i suggest a library, or your closet. meetability: you can definitely meet people here to talk to, but i must warn you, most people you try and talk to will likely look up from the "work" they are doing on their mac in confusion/disgust/disinterest considering your fairly thin plastic frames. read more

Please watch Portlandia's skit Coffee Shop Manifesto before coming to this place, and you'll fully understand. CONS: Everyone working there will hate you, but you'll learn to accept this. One time, a barista drew a frowny face on my receipt, for no apparent reason. They also weirdly refuse to serve iced coffee before spring. PROS: Americano is solid. read more

I agree that New Wave is a badly needed addition to Logan Square. I was very excited when I first heard (and saw) it was under construction. Even happier now that it is open. I haven't had anything other than a soy latte (two days in a row) but it was wonderful. Very flavorful and much less sweet than Starbucks. The space is very nice and roomy and everyone I have encountered has been super friendly. As one other person said ... a vegan food option would be nice. I'm patient though. Keep up the good work. read more

I used to be a fan of New Wave -- hanging out there almost everyday when I could stay home to work "from home". However... is it me or the people that works there has now some serious attitude? Anyway, in a nutshell: Pros: - Spacious, plenty of seating - Noisy. That's a pro to me because somehow I get things done in that kind of atmosphere - Good coffee. I like it way better than starbucks but no more than Intelligentsia. Regardless of employee's shitty attitude my coffee is always very well done. - People watching. It's entertaining. - You can hang out for hours and nobody bothers you. Cons: - the goddamn attitude. what are they angry about? what the hell happened? they used to be nice. read more

I'm really sad about the redesign of this place that used to be one of my favorite coffee shops. When I first noticed the changes this summer I thought maybe they just needed time to get the fun back.... 1) The menu is so limited! Where are the queen teas? The hot chai? Other non-coffee drinks? There were so many options for us non coffee drinkers before! The cashier had no idea what a queen tea even is, so I guess there's been staff turnover. The barista knew, called it a tea latte, which wasn't on the menu. Why not put all the things you make on the menu so we know what to call things and don't have to confuse the cashier? 2) The music is quiet and the sound is low quality. I used to love the happy fun atmosphere at this place, bustling with people and a nice moderately loud soundtrack over the din made it feel more cozy, kept the conversations more private. And the music was always happy and fun and energizing. Now the music is just obnoxiously quiet. The room feels more like a gymnasium than a party. 3) All the kitchy 80s/90s stuff is gone. No classic records on the wall, no Nintendo to play. That stuff just gave it a great themed vibe. What's New Wave about this place now? You can't compete with Starbucks for mediocre offend no one experiences. Why try? read more

Would like to go here more but the espresso and any espresso drinks are always bitter. Its not the beans because I've had really good espresso from the same Metropolis brand. Looking for a good espresso/latte/mocha near Kedzie and Fullerton? Try La Bella on the south side of Fullerton just past Spalding. They're much smaller but also have free wi-fi, to-go cups and good food. read more

New Wave Coffee is Logan Square's "hip" coffee joint. They do not have a very unique selection of coffees and teas, just your basics. The prices are about average for what you would find in this area of Chicago. It's a fun place to meet friends for coffee or bring in your study load. There is lots of seating, however, it gets very crowded on weekends! If you need to find a place to sit, try to go on weekdays or before 10am, after 3pm on weekends! read more

If I need a sandwich, coffee and a place to get laptop-faced for hours on end, New Wave does the job. I've never had problems with the service and my main complaint is not being able to get a seat sometimes. So there That being said. I would like to extend a middle finger to all the hipster bashing in these reviews. Not because I'm a huge fan of hipsters - they can be annoying as hell. But bitching about hipsters in a Logan Square coffee shop is like going to Pilsen and complaining that everyone's speaking Spanish. I mean seriously, did you not notice the fliers on the windows, the single-speed bikes locked up outside and the fact that its called "New Wave"? Hipster behind the counter have an attitude? a. yeah, they do that b. why do you care c. would you rather be served by a trixie who's going to play Dave Mathews Band on the overhead? read more

I like New Wave plenty. The coffee is consistently good, everyone is friendly and the place is open and bright. I wish getting a seat here wasn't such a frequent challenge but I consider it a testament to the fact that it's a good place to hang out and talk or to get some work done. Metropolis coffee is awesome, and New Wave makes it right. Also, the baked goods are nice, including the croissants. I am ever so sick and tired of hearing everyone rag on New Wave about La Boulangerie. If a building has a non-compete clause in its lease and the building's owner explains to you that you will not be able to peddle your desired wares if you take over a space in that building, go somewhere else. Please. Don't snatch up the space and then forever saddle your customers with the chore of having to hear you whine about your painful predicament every time they come in for some of your (very delicious) bread. Shrug off the haters, New Wave. read more

Dear New Wave, Turn down your lights. I don't need to get a tan the same time I'm tanning my teeth with your delicious coffee. Otherwise, bout time Logan Square got a nice coffee shop, that isn't the 24hr Starbucks. Keep up the good work. Your soon to be overlord, - Errk P.S. Get a backgammon board. read more

This is a cool little hipster spot. I had a meeting there, and other then the lack of comfortable chairs and tiny, tiny tables, it was cool! The coffee + croissant were delicious. Lots of cool kids hangin' out - great people watching. Unless they're watching back. read more

Are all coffee shops in Logan Square cut from the same hipster cloth? New Wave looks and feels like the long shuttered Mercury Cafe with its mismatched couches, tables, and chairs. It also feels like a nearby cafe further down Milwaukee Avenue. I came here for a knit night recently. Upon entering the cafe, I was greeted by plenty of awkward stares from customers sitting in those mismatched chairs and couches. I made my way to the coffee bar and ordered an iced mocha. The drink menu was a little confusing as I really wanted an iced chai latte. Their menu didn't seem to indicate it. Otherwise, I got my tasty coffee beverage and sat down to knit. As I talked with the other knitters, I still got icy stares throughout the night from patrons. Weird. All in all, New Wave is a nice Logan Square cafe. It's definitely not my favorite, but it's a decent one. read more

I wish New Wave had been open when I lived closer to the square. Delicious freshly brewed coffee at the right price, comfy chairs, and a warm staff. I visited with a friend of mine on our respective off-days and we chose some cozy pale-pink clam-chairs to spend a good 3 hours getting giddy on caffeine and talking trash. Clean bathrooms with toilets that flush and doors that lock. Again about the warm staff. Love it. Will be back. Did I mention that they have free wi-fi? 'Cause they have free wi-fi. read more

Point off for awkward vibe. Point off for my mocha that was too sweet. Point off for aloof, unhelpful service. And the colors hurt my eyes. This place just didn't do it for me. read more

Isn't EVERYONE excited about the new business in the neighborhood?!?!!?! We stopped in just to check out after brunch last weekend, and I get a good vibe from the place, It was busy and the chairs looked comfy. They have food, coffee, free wifi and cute chairs. It is the Filter (even has 2 doors) of Logan Square and I'm psyched that we have it. I dont really care if the decor is sorta distracting, I just like the fact that these people seem to appreciate their customers, unlike the other coffeeshop in the neighborhood (My House). The Tv with the Nintendo hooked up to it is genius. They actually have cute and comfortable furniture, even though it totally clashes with the floors and wall colors.They also have windows! which let sun in, and is another huge bonus because it doesn't feel like a dungeon (My House does). They also serve reasonably priced coffee which My House DOES NOT. Obviously, needed and appreciated by the neighborhood. Some body please shoot the lame duck in the neighborhood. read more

Okay...had my say about the La Boulangerie controversy and now can review New Wave on it's merits. It's all right...coffee is good...buying a treat is more problematic because their selection leans towards vegan items which I just don't get. Butter and eggs are pretty important ingredients in most baked goods. Sometimes I have felt that the selection of food stuffs was a reflection of the personal political views of the owners and not for their customers satisfaction. So I am very disappointed that I can't grab a croissant at La Boulangerie. read more

Typical Logan Square vibe... stripped down, reclaimed seating, video games, plenty of places to pop a squat and do some work. A buddy had a vegetarian sandwich that he said was really good and they make espresso drinks right. A great community vibe, lots of natural light, good service. read more

I have been buying my beans from New Wave for the past 7 years. You can't beat the price of their Metropolis 1lb bag, especially with the other 1,000,000 coffee shops and roasters within the 4 block radius of this place. The vibe there has always been odd, too cold, too hot, the music is always too loud, it's too crowded on the weekends, even with a recent renovation, it still looks like your cool uncle's apartment from 1996, but I don't care, I'm not in school or working from home so I don't need a public sanctuary to drink bottomless coffee and work on my stuff. You can get an excellent cup of coffee and I'll keep buying those beans. read more

I don't frequent coffee shops. Not because I don't like them, and not because I don't like coffee. I love coffee. Espresso specifically. I just get bored if I don't have a real reason to hang out there. But this place is in my neighborhood so it was inevitable that I would stop in at some point. The coffee I did have here was damn good. Real damn good. And the place itself is very cool and comfortable if you are inclined to hang out all day or meet up with someone. read more

These guys COULD stand to work a bit on cleanliness overall, and on keeping the bathrooms well stocked, but this is my only complaint about this place. I LOVE New Wave. Great place to work. Comfy couches and great ambience. I love their limitless drip coffee.. I used to spend hours working here, and having unlimited coffee was a huge perk. Love the artsy vibe of this place, and I could spend ages just reading all the entertaining bathroom graffiti. read more

I need to address the misconception Logan Square didn't have a coffee shop. My House was a great place to catch a cup of coffee on Fullerton. It was more comfortable and served better drinks and food. During a recent trip back to my old 'hood, I discovered My House had closed, and I asked friends where people grab coffee these days. They said New Wave. It's too bright, too loud and too packed with kids I never saw around the neighborhood last winter. But coffee was cheap and delicious, and the huge slice of pumpkin cheesecake was well worth the $4 pricetag. I'd rather have My House and Humbolt Pie back, but New Wave will do. read more

Ever wonder what a 1980's New Wave themed coffeeshop run by hipsters would look like? Stop digging, you've found gold. (P.S. New Wave - a REAL '80's shop would have neon somewhere. It was The Thing To Do back then. Just a heads up) read more

It seems to be the common trend now to discuss the impact New Wave is having on La Boulangerie. I personally think it was probably a smart decision for New Wave to include this clause in their lease. Whoever before mentioned that if it was a Starbucks everyone would be singing a different tune was spot on. I also think it was incredibly foolish for the french bakery to open in a restricted spot knowingly. That aside. I was excited for the bakery to open. I don't go to New Wave anymore anyways after having SOOO many terrible cups of coffee, bad food, and bullshit attitude. It would be nice to get a real cup of coffee next door along with a fresh croissant. Ultimately, New Wave didn't lose me as a customer to the new place, they lost me b/c they're coffee shop sucks! How do they make really good beans taste so bad? And, can they enforce a clause that their employees should have to shower at least once a week? read more

I don't know who owns New Wave now but they did not respect the atmosphere that it had cultivated for YEARS. I don't care if the coffee is good, or even if the coffee is BETTER. I will NEVER give them business again. Absolutely heartbroken. read more

Absolutely love this place, and I say this as a regular customer of both Starbucks and unique local coffee houses (also: I didn't previously know any of the owners, but I got to chat with one today). This place has great atmosphere, the staff is wonderfully pleasant, the chairs are cushioned and comfy, we're encouraged to hang out for as long as we want, WiFi is free, and there are even a few couches and armchairs scattered around. Outlets for notebooks are bountiful, coffee is good, they serve soup and (soon) other food like sandwiches, and there is even a big screen with a Nintendo hooked up. This is definitely my new hangout for both work and personal stuff. I'm an Assistant Editor working out of a home office, and this is the perfect place to get out to for the day. Absolutely love it. read more

I was shocked to walk into such a spacious coffee shop! I feel like all my usual places (other than mercury) are pretty small, yet this one did not feel as baron as Mercury. The decor is bright and and they have a nintendo! The coffee was yummy and served in really unique ceramic ware. Suggestions: Lower the lights a little, I found it a little too bright and obnoxious. And, this place is BEGGING to have scrabble tournaments, so get some scrabble boards. read more

In the midst of having too much time on my hands I strapped on some boots and packed up the notebook to see what was up here. I started my taxes as the guy next to me sketched the red-haired girl next to him. I got some dirty looks from Mac owners as I unfurled my 17" HP. A triple group of college-aged girls with iMacs came in and started meeting. I'm not a coffee fan so I didn't get anything but a lemonade. During my visit such classics as "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" and "You Could Be Mine" by GN'R and "Molly's Lips" and "Breed" by Nirvana played in the background. I ordered a hot chocolate and the turkey on a pretzel roll. Both were very good. The Wifi was up and down a little. All in all I enjoyed my experience and will be back. New Wave has a good start in the neighborhood. read more

All right, so I was very skeptical of this place when it opened. wasn't a fan of the staff being slightly short of attention, the crowds, and the general "scene" of it. I was glad for a few things, though. Now that I've figured it out, however, I've come to love New Wave and call it my own. here's why: - I previously was not much of a coffee drinker. Now I would consider myself a snob, because most coffee I have that is not from New Wave is CRAP. they don't burn their coffee, and it ain't bitter. yay new wave, yay metropolis. boo starbucks. - i don't expect to sit here unless it's early AM, and even then, i'm usually on the way to work... I get my coffee and am on my way. - the croissants are good and so is the vegetarian sandwich (flashdance?). oatmeal, when available, is a great breakfast option. - try an iced hail mary, it's divine. - i've warmed up to the staff. they've never not been nice of course, but they've also figured out the cash register. I was unnecessarily harsh to them in my previous review, and for that I apologize. if someone called me an undereducated moron while reviewing my work performace, i'd cry, quit, then probably go cry again. I've noticed i take the long way to the train now, almost every morning, because I want to stop at New Wave. I am a fan. keep it up! read more

You have to come here with an open mind. I've been a regular here for a year or so now and it really depends on the night whether or not I'll feel good about my choice. The quality of drink depends on who's working. I've had some god awful excuses for lattes and chai teas, but I've also had a bangin Gertie Get Well. You can never go wrong with a drip of Metropolis- always delicious. Writing a novel? Get the bottomless. In fact, get a bottomless and a blackheart (sandwhich) and have a laugh at your cleverness while you try to hear yourself think over the screaming loud music infiltrating your soul, ice frosting over your skin as a winter breeze whooshes through doors on either side of the cafe simultaneously. If you accept the fact that you might be walking into an 80s horror movie you're only watching because it's a rainy hangover Sunday and now you can't stop because you can't imagine it getting any worse, you'll be okay here. Why do I keep coming back? - It's open late(r). Recently changed their hours, but 10pm is later than most cafes in the city. - Plenty of seating and lots of outlets, including small tables so I don't feel like an asshole when I'm goin solo - Bike racks right outside - ATM with a only a $1 fee. My wallet thanks you. - Vegan treats - Sometimes, it ain't that bad and it's close to the blue line - Quality bathroom graffiti The baristas aren't bubbly and chatty but they're not pretentious either. Be kind, rewind! read more