New Wave Coffee

One of the best sandwiches I've had in a long time. No notes. Flavor profile is AMAZING, the bread…read moreis *chef's kiss*. The meat is perfectly moist and is paired very well with the sweet caramelized onions. I just selfishly wish it was a bit more affordable (just because in that case, I'd come by a lot more often:) ) My bf and I were enjoying a coffee nextdoor at The People's Cafe, and it was an option to order pickup from TriBecca and eat it at the cafe (due to limited seating).

I went there today. The only employee working was washing the outside windows when I got there. I'm…read moreglad she wasn't cleaning the toilets. The menu was on a hand held. I ordered the Italian and when I went to look for chips there was no chips. Sixteen dollars for a sandwich is high for me. The owner must be passing on City Halls rules on me. Then they want me to tip the employee for washing the windows.

3.1 mi•Ravenswood, Lincoln Square

Menu... or use the laptop kiosk for photos

Sausage Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sandwich "The Sophia"

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Crispy Mozzarella Plank

Falcon's Handcrafted Sandwiches

4.7(92 reviews)

09/12/26 - I saw this last night on Yelp & knew I had to check it out. I saw a picture of Falcons…read morePork Tenderloin w/green apple Cole slaw & knew I had to have it. This is one of best sandwiches Ive had in a long time. The pork tenderloin was fried in buttermilk to the perfect crunchy texture w/the interior pork tender & moist. Add the green apple coleslaw for a great crunchy texture, the yellow mustard to add the perfect vinegary flavor & you have an awesome meal. This comes w/fries cooked to an excellent crunchy texture. They have a pretty extensive menu but this sandwich was so dam good I'm sure I will order it again. Yolanda was the server in Falcons. She did an awesome job being the only person working the dining room at the time. Look at this menu selection. There are so many items but you know how it is when you find something that is for me near perfection you know anything else you order will not live up to what you had. You will be left thinking that you had stayed w/the original option. Like they say once you've had the best why try the rest. Maybe after eating it multiple times I will be willing to try something else.

This little gem is a must try. My personal favorite is the chicken caesar wrap, but I've been happy…read morewith their sandwiches and burgers. They offer a student and teacher discount during the week, but even without it, the prices are reasonable, especially considering the quality of the food. The owner-chef, who previously worked for Eatly, also serves a variety of pasta dishes and gelato. They have a rotating soup menu and seasonal specials. During November, you don't want to miss the thanksgiving sandwich. I'm looking forward to finally trying the gelato this summer.

Booths

Left: Fried Chicken Sandwich Right: Cheeseburger

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JT’s Genuine Sandwich Shop

4.6(223 reviews)

1.9 mi•Irving Park

Amazingly tasty and bravely unique sandwiches being made in this joint. Upset with myself for not…read morechecking it out sooner. Can't go wrong with any choice. Super friendly service, Chris was mad cool to me and the wife. Very relaxed and home ambiance. Pull up

took out their pork tenderloin sandwich and fries. pretty darn good!…read more would suggest dining in next time to keep the food fresh and warm :)

Order counter

Fried Chicken Sandwich

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More notable mentions

Rosie's Sidekick

3.8(135 reviews)

0.4 mi•Logan Square

Stopped on a whim and my friend randomly lived right above! We got the muffuletta and the burrata…read morebaby. They both were flavorful which is much needed in a sandwich. The muffuletta had delicious fresh and crisp bread. We were admittedly starving so I was her new biggest fan. The giardiniera was my favorite part! There wasn't a lot of meat on it but it complimented the bread, I felt. The burrata baby had some balsamic notes and the cheese was tasty but I think it would've been better if the bread we had was more fresh and if I could've somehow warmed up the cheese, I would've liked it more. My friend got the eggplant Parmesan sandwich and it was pretty FULL. Overall decent experience. I would try something else and come back for the muffuletta! The cashier was a sweetheart. Small shop but they had somewhere to sit while we scarfed down half of it while waiting for my friend to come down.

Love this sandwich shop so much! I get the Al Pacino usually. Service is always friendly and fast.read more

Counter

Al Pacino sandwich

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Italian

L&M Fine Foods

4.6(80 reviews)

2.6 mi•North Center

One of Chicago's many virtues is its sandwich game, and L&M sits at the top of the short list!…read more The shop doubles as a specialty foods store selling hard to find items, with a standalone station carving up fresh meats and assembling the sandwiches. I appreciated that they have ample seating room for eating them at maximum freshness. We ordered the turkey & Brie and roast beef sandwiches. The bread was super fresh with the perfect crunch and chew. No ingredients were skimped upon with the perfect balance of flavors. I loved how the crunchy apple contrasted the slab of Brie on the turkey sandwich, and the roasted garlic aioli brought a great savory balance. The roast beef sandwich was pretty spicy and I loved the slight smokiness of the provolone. We left very satisfied and with leftovers. I would 100% stop by again in a heartbeat and absolutely recommend paying a visit!

Ordered the chicken salad sandwich and it was great! Loved the selection in there as well.read more

Sub ordering area

Turkey Ruben

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Roast Beef

La Nonna

4.6(448 reviews)

1.3 mi•Avondale

The cutest little spot in the city…read more The service was attentive and better than good. But the food. Omgoodness. The food. We went for my husband's birthday and they did NOT disappoint. We ordered the Parrillada Argentinian for Two and the Parrillada Deluxe. So good. The salad that comes with. Delicious. The empanadas. Also delicious. Even the fries. So good. Everything. Delicious. The skit steak - my most fave. But everything just AhMazing. I will say if we do it again, we would just order two of the Deluxe meals. City street parking... we just found a spot on the side street so we didn't have to pay for parking.

Food : 10/10 get the Milanesa Napolitana Service: 10/10…read moregreat service Ambiance: 10/10 nice warm cozy and nice

Beef Empanada

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Sottomarino

4.8(33 reviews)

2.3 mi•Irving Park

I'm new to the area and was really crazing a good sub sandwich. When I walked in the tables were…read morefull so I took that as a great sign, I was taking my sando to go, so no big deal. Place was clean and orderly, small spot. Quick order at the walk up counter, got a 9" turkey and hard salami sub with all the fixings, a coke and a some chips. $17 and change and worth every penny. Bread was perfect blend of soft but still had chew, lunchmeat was very fresh and veggies crisp. The mayo and seasonings really took it to the next level! I'll definitely be back often!

Paid street parking. Some indoor seating. Great quality meat and cheeses for subs. Coffee is…read moreexceptional and fair priced items . Service was fast

Inside/Front counter.

Tuna Sub

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Chicken Sub

Tuscan Hen Market

4.6(161 reviews)

2.3 mi•North Center

A friend of mine told me about Tuscan Hen, and she was right. I was met by a lady with a warm,…read morepleasing smile. I ordered their meatball sandwich and a cup of the daily special soup, similar to Pasta Fagioli. It was wonderful; the broth was outstanding. I would order that again next time. I tried their Meatball Sandwich with Hot Gardiniera; the meatballs tasted especially good with their fresh bread. The ambiance was very colorful and airy, seating is in the back patio, weather permitting. Tuscan Hen would be a good place to order catering; they have an extensive menu.

Excellent service, friendly and engaging staff, and the meatball sub was exactly what you'd want…read more The side of red sauce was also a nice touch.

Menu and ordering station

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Patio seating

Philly Bros

3.9(42 reviews)

1.7 mi•Irving Park

Stopped in for a Philly cheesesteak and was not disappointed. It's a nice and clean fast food…read morespot. Priced competitively for what you get. Service was friendly.

I cant tell you how many times I've driven by this place and my husband and I always wonder how it…read moreis. We've been on a mission to find a decent philly cheesesteak in the city. We just got the traditional cheesesteak and added onion and bell peppers. Ordered fried pickles as the side. Overall greasy meal. It was good but nothing crazy. Good enough to satisfy a craving.

2.9 mi•Ravenswood, Lincoln Square

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Piccadilly Market

3.8(12 reviews)

This place is awesome. Great spot to pick up coffee, or wine. Really good sandwiches as well, these…read morepeople leaving negative reviews need to get a life.

Waited 20 minutes for a greasy, wet sandwich. Inedible waste of money that went right in the trash…read more Really disappointing. Cute shop. Just don't bother with the food.

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Order your food here

Tomato soup

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Piccadilly Inside

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48 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

David K.

16 years ago

Omfg some of their employees are really just dumb as rocks. You would think you're in another country and suddenly you don't speak their language. Try to be genuinely nice to many of them and you're asking for some serious non-approval unless you happen to be a 20-something hipster in tight pants looking like you own urban outfitters, American apparel, or goodwill circa 1989. Bla-ach! It's like a Scott Pilgram renaissance with a vindictive Jane Addams kitsch museum indigestion farted an unbridled pretension and hipsters in there. I hate the fact that this place is the only coffee shop I can get to in less than 10 minutes, as well as that bull*ish with the bakery on the corner. No one should have a monopoly on sub-mediocre croissants esp when the bakery 25ft away serves real French croissants which brake the mold. The only original thing there is their idea to open a cafe when no one else was trying. If they didn't serve Metropolis Coffee, which I jones for, they would be just another flamed out hipster dream sleeping on a dirty sofa somewhere. Though, I have found many a great cup of coffee other than Metropolis mainly due to the aggravating employees with all their boundary issues and regular hating. It's a nice place when you have to punch a biscuit. read more

James S.

13 years ago

I wrote a longer [now removed] review, but this will be a bit shorter and to the point. -- If you want a cup of coffee, there are much better alternatives in Logan square. Their coffee is fine, nothing special. -- Their tea is not great, way over-priced. -- Their sandwiches are over-priced and hit-or-miss. For me, it was mostly miss. -- The staff is AWFUL. I have never had a good experience with the staff here, not one single time. I do not like to feel like I'm a huge burden by ordering, god forbid, a coffee. Don't even bother going over if they give you the wrong sandwich: if sighs and eye-rolls could kill. It's not even mean in an endearing way. Oh, and don't try to order something that they have a sign up for, but no longer serve. That'll give you at least two more sighs and an eye roll, and that's AFTER trying to explain to them what it is you're trying to order. "What? What? What? Oh, that? No, we don't have that anymore; we haven't had that for a long time." -- If you love hipsters or are a hipster, you'll like the atmosphere. If not, why are you even considering going here? Just go somewhere else. read more

Mike D.

16 years ago

Are you a hipster who loves showing off his/her Macbook Pro? This is the place is for you! Are you one of the insufferable asses who rides a fixed gear bike because it's the hip thing right now? This is the place for you! Do you enjoy paying far too much money for good coffee? This is the place for you! Do you enjoy waiting an eternity for your drink? This is the place for you! Do enjoy shitty, overpriced food? This is the place for you! On top of all of that the owner of New Wave has been enforcing a ridiculous non-compete clause with the wonderful La Boulangerie. This is a textbook example of cutting off your nose to spite your face. Does the owner think that by making it unbelievably restrictive to be next door that any similar business in its right mind will want to open and pay rent? Does the owner not understand how bad the economy is and that there isn't a queue of business lining up to be next door? When Logan Square fully gentrifies and there is a Starbucks on every other block New Wave is going to fail fast. Good riddance. read more

Ramona F.

16 years ago

I tend to marathon coffee shops alot of the time and depending on where I am in the city at the time, I try to find whatever ISN'T Star Bucks. I've heard alot of great things about New Wave and came in. Having the arcade games set up was a great touch and while I've heard that they came around LONG before the Wormhole, I think it's great that the Chicago has two different 80's themed coffee shops to call its own. I got a cup of their basic roast on the day I went in as I wasn't looking for anything too fancy and was satisfied with the darkness of the roast. The set up of New Wave lends itself to hanging out and talking but as is the case with anywhere where there's wi fi, the amount of laptop surfers is a bit suffocating. I should just try to document all the great Chicago coffee shops I find in the city on Yelp. For Logan Square, New Wave is the only option! read more

Elin V.

14 years ago

Blah blah New Wave is mean. Blah blah blah poor La Boulangerie is only allowed to sell me 25 croissants. Yeah, that's right. Bread dude signed a contract promising not to sell coffee and croissants. Bread dude has now made it his life's work to subvert that contract. Yadda yadda, life is but a cruel hoax. The coffee here is really good, and I fancy myself a Gertie Get Well when I'm grinding my teeth from overcaffeination. I also like that I can hole up here for hours to work, and they have enough food options to get me through lunch *and* dinner when necessary. Having said that, I wouldn't mind so much if New Wave gave up the croissant dustup in favor of some high-quality bagels. I also wouldn't be put out in the least if they made a table & chair upgrade. Some of those seats have seen hard times, man. It hurts to look at, and to sit upon. read more

Elizabeth B.

Elite 10

16 years ago

This place sucks. The coffee sucks. The sandwiches suck. The vegan baked goods suck. The people that sit and drink coffee for hours and hours and hours suck. The people that come in and buy nothing and sit for hours and hours abusing the Wi-Fi that's supposed to be provided for customers suck. All of the clowns outside smoking suck. That stupid cowboy guy that used to be friends with my old sucky roommate that goes in there sucks. The ugly art on the walls sucks. The people that come in to meet with other people suck. The dogs leashed outside suck. The bathrooms suck. The whole place looks like The Max, that crappy cafe where the kids from Bayside High would hang out after school, and that sucks as well. I do like the staff, though. They are pretty nice. read more

C. R.

18 years ago

This is exactly what this neighborhood needs! I was a little worried about the 80's connection (not being my favorite of decades stylistically) but I have to say this place takes only the best aspects and in moderation. I like the decor and friendly, hang-out vibe. There are tons of outlets (great for laptops) and comfortable corners to nestle into if you're feeling like being alone. The artwork is beautiful and suits the space well. The music was good when I was there and not to loud. And most importantly the coffee is great! I was also impressed with how involved the owners seem to be. They seemed genuinely interested in my opinion and were eager to accept suggestions. I am looking forward to more breakfast options. I will definitely go back. read more

Genie M.

17 years ago

interesting that one of the last reviewers enjoyed the coffee and the service, but was compelled to score this business a two star rating because of the customers weren't hot enough for their liking. Personally, all I know is some of the best espresso I've ever had in my life has come from that gorgeous machine and the fact that the place feels like the neighborhood living room is good enough for me. If you feel uncomfortable at NWC 'cause it didn't live up to a Craiglist expectation, yay for me, cause if you leave, I'll get a seat on the couch near the nintendo, or the cushy blue leather chair. The more people find the most superficial reasons not to like this place, the better my chances of finding a place to hang out for as long as I want! read more

Algun D.

18 years ago

Its funny how white people like hanging in "ethnic" neighborhoods but only go to the gringo hubs, pubs & cafes. Smells like more gentrification to me. This Cafe has NO neighborhood connection (no clue) LETS SPREAD THE WEALTH PEOPLE! Don't get overly excited about "new" spots. SUPPORT LOCAL! There is plenty of coffee in Logan Square Walk around and search out the many small Mexican/Guatemalan bakeries that also serve lattes or Boricua/Cuban cafe con leche hang outs. Many of you don't consider yourself yuppies but YOU ARE. Be conscious of that and your spending choices before this neighborhood becomes just like the ones you detest. read more

Ryan D.

17 years ago

I love this place for the atmosphere and the good prices. Its really hard to find a seat here. What I dont think most people understand is that it doesn't matter if they add more seating. The place is so popular that they'll always be full. I wish they didn't hire so many hipster assholes as of lately. They use to have really cool down to earth baristas when they first open. Now I see them walking down the dark path of becoming a lame cafe for the condescending hipster dick heads that live in the neighborhood. Hey, I'm a 22 year old trendy artist too. That doesn't mean that I have to act better then you. read more

Henrietta W.

13 years ago

Sooo. Here is the sitch. Rude people. Good food. The drinks were good, and reasonably priced, and their food menu is quite unique...the people on the other hand were less than pleasant. I felt like I was inconveniencing them when I approached to place my order. Last time I checked, you are being paid to offer a service...to me...how am I the inconvenience? They were cold...they did not strike up any conversation....they talked more with each other before I approached the counter than they ever did with me. RUDE. Moral of this Yelp: Good food....the customer service is lacking...a lot. read more

Lucien H.

16 years ago

Finally! This cafe is just what the neighborhood needs! A place where the useless hipsters can go hang out and leave everyone else alone. Coffee drinks taste like ass. Sandwiches taste like ass. Pastries (har har) taste like ass. Speaking of pastries, the no-competition clause with La Boulangerie is an assy thing for them to do. I'm not kidding. I'll seriously judge anyone who would be stupid enough to frequent this assy place and support their assy behavior. Also, please train your baristas! They are useless! read more

Eileen B.

18 years ago

I enjoy coffee places where your ass can hang out for 3 hours without being hassled by the staff. Don't get me wrong, they are busy every time I go in, but it's such a great relaxing atmosphere you want to spend all day there (and I often try to). Prices are excellent, which is a wonderful departure from every other coffee place I've been to. My only friendly suggestion would be to have the menu in larger type up on the wall. Try it, if you hate it then you can go back to starbucks... read more

Abby L.

113

12 years ago

Everyone who works here is such a crabby snob. And not in that cutesy Daria-esque coffee shop kind of way. No, they're just jerks. Also, if you miss La Boulangerie, you have New Wave to thank for that - they ran them out of the neighborhood. You'd think after running a pastry shop out they'd at least offer decent pastries ... but no. If you don't want your good mood completely ruined with your coffee, do yourself a favor and walk the five minutes to Gaslight. read more

Jeremy G.

16 years ago

Had to knock the stars down due to the very bad decision by the owner to stifle my choice of eating establishment. I love New Wave, but they need to grow a pair and let La Boulangerie sell individual croissants. Seriously dude? This isn't about keeping your business afloat, it's obviously about lining your pocket with profits from a distorted market. Do the right thing and be cool about the croissants. read more

David C.

18 years ago

Great Place!! There hot chocolate rocks!!! Logan Square needs more of these places! I hear Cafe Bella on Fullerton and Spaulding is opening there doors soon! It's suppose to be like a mini Ambria but cafe style!! hmmm.. sound interesting! I might just buy a condo in the neighborhood:) i was thinking about moving back to Pilson but sounds like Logan Sqaure is starting to be a happening place! read more

Paul M.

3 years ago

Awesome coffee shop! It sounds like they roast at a different location though, but the staff here were very helpful in selecting between their coffee roasts, and both my drinks and my sandwiches: Excellent presentation too, and there was a good amount of seating and parking so I'll definitely come back to chill! read more

Joe P.

12 years ago

Colorful coffeeshop enhanced with vintage album covers, this corner hangout, while not necessarily amazing, is necessary. I can't say the same for the actual coffee, which is middling, or the food that often emits burnt scents. Servers are friendly, though, and that's a good place to start. read more

S P.

125

14 years ago

Love this place and convenience of so much leg room and tables. Staff is great and the ambiance is conducive for any type of purpose: conversing, studying, or lounging. read more

Gisela C.

17 years ago

this coffee shop is one of the best in Chicago. The music is not too loud, so you can study, the coffee is good and not too expensive, and the people are nice. read more

New Wave Coffee - coffee - Updated September 2026

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I go here once a week and though I am always glad to support a local business I am a little…read moreirritated at how expensive everything is, I find their food selection to be limited and they never write your name on your order which makes no sense. For real milk they only have whole or skim as options. Mainly I go because of the convenience of proximity and the staff is pleasant. I've not looked too closely into it but rumor has it the place is owned by a Jesus cult but I think they do stand by "everyone is welcome" and there is nothing overtly religious about the place. Also the rewards system is not the greatest. You only earn 1 or 2 points per visit and there is no easy way to view points to redeem them. They are closed on Tuesdays. Foodwise, I'm not impressed. Eggs are overcooked. The biscuits are too dry and dense. Silver lining: tried a lemon cookie that was to die for

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Best coffee, excellent ambiance, love the staff and their insightful, informative conversation.10/10read more

I wouldn't give 5 stars to a cashless place because right off the bat it's an inconvenience…read more Barista was friendly - greeted me and people in line, promising to get to us as soon as he finished making someone's drink. Pleasant atmosphere with peppy alternative music and adequate seating. The latte I ordered tasted fine but seemed pricey to pay over 7 dollars for a 12-ounce drink. Definitely in the $$-$$$ category if you get something to eat.

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Super phenomenal perfectly fluffy sourdough cinnamon roll with an abundant amount of icing. The…read morehitchhiker scone was very flavorful and had the perfect outer layer of crunch and a soft inside. However, this place is kinda overpriced, esp the cinny roll. It's the smallest cinny roll I've ordered from a restaurant & it's $8. Should be like $5.

Nice little coffee shop! Stopped here before my visit to Charm bar right near here. The service was…read moregood and my drink was ready fast. I ordered an iced cardamom decaf latte with oat milk. It's cute too in here. My latte was really good. Was the perfect ratio of milk to espresso and the cardamom rose was really good, not too strong or syrupy. A little pricey but not overly expensive and was worth it, would stop by again!

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The espresso is delicious and the baristas are kind. Oftentimes these two things don't correlateread more

Service was very good and my coffee cake was delicious. However, be aware that the whole milk is…read moreunpasteurized. They have a small sign by the pick up counter stating this, but I was not aware when ordering. The milk was chunky and due to health concerns I was not comfortable drinking unpasteurized milk. They ended up remaking our drinks with oat milk instead, but I really feel as though this should be more clearly advertised. Unpasteurized milk can contain bacteria that cause serious illness, and there is no reliable way to tell if raw milk is safe for consumption or not by smell, taste, or appearance. Also a bit expensive for what it was.

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