I think this might just be my new favorite cafe. The ambiance is cozy? comforting? I'm not sure of the adjective but I get a nice feeling from the atmosphere. I plan to bring my cafe buddy with me next time for a full review. I ordered the cranberry coconut almond oatmeal and a seasonal drink. I didn't particularly care for the drink and the menu stated cranberry almond but not coconut (unless I missed that part) good thing I'm ok with coconut. I'm definitely going back though and trying out some other drinks. read more

Rivers and Roads Cafe - Oatmeal - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This is the closest coffee shop to my place, so it gets a bit of an edge due to convenience. They remodeled recently which is cool. The staff: I think they are super friendly and sunshiny. The cookies are good, but it's impossible to finish them. They are just so huge. It's more of a cookie that you would eat with a group of friends. I do think overall, the place is a little pricey. But for a coffee or treat, it's solid. read more

Stopped in for the first time this morning. Cozy place with friendly service and really good coffee. Nice selection of food (savory and sweet). Great outdoor seating spaces too. read more

I ordered the BLT, but requested to have it on a rosemary bagel instead of white bread. This was stacked with bacon and had very good flavor. Along with the BLT, I had an ice drink one of the June specials with cinnamon in a for here glass. Appreciate not adding to the waste. read more

I stopped in and ordered a blueberry cobbler iced coffee. The guy who helped me was very nice in answering all my questions. The drink was great, and I would go back to try their other seasonal specials and pastry selection. A cute spot to people watch at. read more

Rivers and Roads Cafe - a hand holding a cup of iced coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This spot is a great addition to the neighborhood, however, be aware their kitchen closes at 3pm even though the coffee shop itself stays open until 4pm. So I guess only drinks are available in that last hour. read more

I recently tried Rivers and Roads in Edgewater. It is really crowded and more of a young crowd there. The coffee is fine, but I am more interested in an older person vibe where I get my coffee. No offense to this place, but I just felt out of place. A little too loud for my liking also. Other than those things the baristas are very Friendly. They also offer some very good pastries. read more

I love this cafe for its inclusive (im dairy free) dietary options for anyone! And not to mention delicious and affordable! Used to be called ellipsis, but I love the new aesthetic! Also, the employees are very friendly and helpful to people who have food restrictions. Thanks guys!! read more

My favorite coffee shop in Chicago! The name, decor, kind staff, delicious food and drinks reminds me of home and all the things I miss in the PNW read more

They have great food and drinks! I especially love their banana bread and seasonal lattes!! They also have a great ambiance and sitting areas both inside and outside, I definitely recommend going in the warmer months and sitting in their outdoor seating! All of the workers are always very friendly and the service is great! read more

Best coffee shop in the area!! The staff is incredibly friendly and welcoming! Super cute and cozy atmosphere for studying, meeting up with people or just chilling! Food and drinks are amazing!!!! Their iced/hot chai is unmatched!!!! read more

I live nearby and love visiting Ellipsis! The drinks are always yummy, they have fun specials all the time! The staff are AMAZING! We love the big cookies they keep at the register. The bagels and cream cheese are delicious as well. You cannot go wrong with this cute, vibey coffee shop! read more

Rivers and Roads Cafe - S'mores Cortado! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Nice intimate café. New owners have expanded offerings and now regularly have bagels and muffins available. Very comfortable Setting with very friendly staff. read more

Cute little coffee shop. Has the open faced bagel sandwich and it was delicious. Sat on the patio for a delightful breakfast.

my favorite neighborhood coffee shop! everyone who works is here is wonderful. they have great outdoor seating when it's nice out and cozy indoor seating if you want to sit and work or chat. usually crowded, and rightfully so, because they have an awesome rotating seasonal menu, delicious coffee, and yummy baked goods! read more

Rivers and Roads Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I cannot say enough good things about this cafe. Great coffee and I had a great dark chocolate sea salt cookie too. My son works there and loves the place. He gets coffee there on his days off! My wife and I also meet the owners who are a terrific couple and running an excellent business. I loved the park theme as well and the place was full showing how popular it is!! Just a great cafe. read more

The food is delicious (the chocolate chip banana bread is so melt in your mouth good). The baristas are all very friendly and knowledgeable!

LOVE this place. Everything is delicious. I especially love the bagel and lox. And they have lots of great GF options (bagels, pastries)!

Cute, relaxing cafe with friendly baristas. I had a yummy amound croissant. They get all their pastries from Dollop so if you are a Dollop fan you'll be in good company. They have tons outlets.- they added individual outlets for each at the high table area. My only complaint is that they kept the temperature a bit too low. Lots of people kept their jackets on. I'll definitely go back! Hopefully they can turn up the heat read more

Rivers and Roads Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Wandered in after searching for a breakfast place close to the Loyola campus. Coffee was ok, nothing special. The only food was a small glass display of a couple of muffins and what turned out to be stale croissants. read more

Ellipsis is one of my favorite coffee shops in the city! They make all of their syrups in-house for the specialty drinks, and every time I try a new one it becomes my favorite. The baristas are cool as hell, knowledgeable, and kind. The atmosphere is buzzy but not loud- it's a place where you can work comfortably alone or catch up with a friend or two. The almond croissant is amazing. Their seasonal drinks and food specials are delightful. Highly recommend!!! read more

I'm starting to think Ellipsis is one of the better neighborhood craft coffee spots in the city, and really overlooked. That's partly cause of the un-trendy neighborhood: it's right on the border of Edgewater and Rogers Park in the Loyola district. But owner Chris is friendly and fastidious (sorry, big words) about his coffee selection. And cause it's obvious he loves it, he's willing to talk to you about it in a way that doesn't make you feel dumb. I just tried an coffee cold brew he's been perfecting--said he tried multiple varietals to zone in on the right nose and taste with ice. Explained that while many coffee shops try for dark blends to get chocolate in there, a light roast is more refreshing. He was right. With an aroma of strawberry shortcake (really), this is one of the best iced coffees I've ever had. Strike that: I didn't even know that well done iced coffee could smell as interesting as a cup of hot coffee. Now he's starting a launch a line of custom sodas, including a Juniper soda that might make the rest of the summer amazing. My only wish for this place is that they'd find a way to do a egg sandwich. Not really the focus (and they've got good pastries), but it keeps me from stopping by sometimes I'm craving a little morning protein. Outdoor seating has shade in the morning. Wifi speeds are well above average for local places, so this means I can actually get some solid work done here too. read more

Rivers and Roads Cafe - Cold brew is one of the most refreshing I've ever had. Blend of strawberry (really) and perfect acidity. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Here's something to keep in mind when a university is near where you are: look for a local coffee shop. Furthermore, have I told you the "rule of Chi-town foodie?" Yes, I bet I have. Pull out your Yelp app. when seeing a national-chain spot, here are the steps to follow: 1) purposely skip the "green logo" or a place where they sell cloying donuts and mystery coffee. 2) don't ever hesitate, because an independently-owned coffee shop is really in proximity. Ellipsis is located a couple blocks west of Broadway, on the corner of Devon and Lakewood. Unlike many other coffee shops in the city using Metropolis, Dark Matter, and Intelligentsia, Ellipsis has a business relationship with "Counter Culture," roasted in Durham, North Carolina. Mr. Americano and Ms. Iced Chai were quite delighted with their drinks, not to mention that free wifi was graciously available for me to get intimate with my i-pad mini. The noise level was moderate, so it was appropriate to have conversations with Daddy J. I also saw some serious-looking essay composers around, so I would assume that types of patrons here were pretty diverse and inclusive. After a brief repose, we checked the #36 bus schedule on the CTA bus tracker and soon headed out to the bus stop. Thank you, Ellipsis. read more

Rivers and Roads Cafe - Americano and iced chai - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I've tried three times before downgrading my review. Their coffee (roaster) is great--no one can doubt that. If you come in for atmosphere, a cup of joe, and good service, you'll get that. I come in for the coffee grind to go, ground for a french press. Unfortunately--as is my third try there--they can't grind it correctly. Their settings are Way too coarse: I add so much grind to my press (waiting well past a 5 minute steep time) that I can't even press the filter all the way down, and my coffee still always so diluted you can see through it. Proper French press grind should appear like coarse salt; some of their grind measures over half a centimeter. read more

Rivers and Roads Cafe - Alas, after 5 minutes of steeping in a french press, their french grind yields lighter--in taste and in opacity--than my tea. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Nice service and ambience. I will be back. Very accommodating and the coffee is really good.

A coffeehouse that fits the good vibe groove of relaxed setting with good music. Straight ahead coffee menu (no on-the-edge offerings). The pastries look great. read more

Rivers and Roads Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

My last time coming here was my second time I love it it's beautiful and comfortable to be around espically work wise. I had order a chai drink can't remember exactly the name but it was my first time and it taste like to me cinnamon toast crunch the milk part but mix with something else I cannot really pinpoint I had also order a bake red velvet cookie which taste great. However when you open the bag it smell weird, but overall it was fine. read more

The staff is soooo friendly it warmed my heart. pain au chocolat was delicious too :)

As the photo shows they promised to be open until 5pm today. The sign on the door, though, said they'd closed at 1pm. Please keep your Yelp info updated! read more

Ok coffee, but noticeably more expensive than other independent coffee shops without actually having the best coffee drinks. I know inflation is coming, but I'm not ready to spent $7-8 on a latte yet. read more

Unfortunately I would have to give this place a one-star for today. I came in for a croissant and tea. I ask the young man behind the counter for a cup of ice so that I can make my tea Ice-T. He told me no initially because it will ruin the Integrity of the tea. I told him you're not ruining the Integrity of the T I'll be the judge of that. Reluctantly he said I'll do it this time and gave me a cup of ice. He didn't actually give it to me he slammed the cup down on the counter. SMH... Who the hell does he think he is? The sad thing is I always come here. I'm never coming here again. There are too many very nice tea coffee shops around my area to deal with nonsense. read more

I was sad to see Stella go, but I welcome Ellipsis with open arms. I love how open, airy, and bright it is even on a dreary day. There are tons of tables and chairs and one big communal table (which I always love!). Their roaster is Counter Culture based out of North Carolina. I must say... they made one of the best iced Americanos I've had in some time. The espresso is smooth, silky, and has notes of caramel and chocolate... (at least that's what I gather. I'm by no means a coffee expert. I just know what's good and what's not!) I'm very particular about the espresso coffeehouses use for their Americanos so Ellipsis passes the test with flying colors. Their iced coffee (which was my second beverage of recent) is also quite tasty. The baristas are incredibly friendly and want customers to enjoy the cup they consume. Much to my delight (and somewhat eerily), it feels like they imported my iPod into their playlist. In a matter of several hours, they've played fantastic indie and indie pop-ish music. (I know, I know. Cliche to play indie, but still... it's the soundtrack for the coffeehouse crawlers like me!) Let's see... Phoenix, Fitz & the Tantrums, Bird & the Bee, Foster the People, Matt & Kim (Oh, but of course!), Fun, Regina Spektor, Chairlift... Oh, and of course, they have free wifi (and it's fast and not spotty unlike many places... oh and no codes! I hate internet codes!). Coming back again VERY soon... and often. read more

Rivers and Roads Cafe - Droll wall art. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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This place is spectacular. From its cozy decor to its friendly baristas. Had a chance to meet the owners Chris and Meghan Zimmerman. What a wonderful pair. My wife and I will definitely be back. Oh... ...the coffee is awesome. read more

Rivers and Roads Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The atmosphere is open and inviting, with beautiful wood tables, tall ceilings, and some fun coffee-related artwork, like an old ad for percolators. They serve Counter Culture coffee and local pastries. The cappuccino and blueberry muffin we ordered were both exceptional. The staff is very friendly and Chris knows his coffee. At his last job, he consistently gave us excellent coffee recommendations. We are delighted he is still here in the area to guide us to tasty beans. read more

Rivers and Roads Cafe - Tastes even better than it looks. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I used to go here daily because of their amazing chai lattes but now I don't even care cause they charge me different prices for the milk substitutions every time! No consistent pricing and always rude. The girls there are snooty and always give me the wrong order and the guys are broody and unpleasant. Nobody greets or smiles just takes your order and goes. Look customer service, whatever I don't care if you don't smile AND I want to support a small business like this but they charge way too much (more than Starbucks and intelligentsia) for milk substitutes. Not everyone can have dairy. Until they have consistent pricing that is reasonable, I won't be coming here anymore. (I also don't support Starbucks if that was what anyone was wondering, big businesses suck) read more

employees are superrrr rude, i just walked in, today is 10/28/23. i am not aware of the hours because i've never been here before, but door was unlocked and open/close sign was still on the "open" side, so i thought great i can get a bite to eat! as soon as i walk in the girl behind the counter says "we're closed" looking pissed and i say "that's too bad..." and turn around to walk out. as i'm leaving she yells "youreeee out of here!" and laughed. i just moved to the neighborhood and was hoping to make this my new stop on my way to work. not anymore, and i will be telling everyone to stay away from this whack ass place. i work in the service industry as well and ive never felt so compelled to leave a bad review. all you have to say is "sorry we are closed, we forgot to lock the door." read more

Great coffee and services performed with a smile. This area of Chicago has got a ton of cafes and each differs in offerings & performance. Take this one for instance, check out their website and learn that they adhere to practicing the finest brewing, steeping or French pressing methods. (I didn't know there were so many techniques and technicalities to coffee making.) Down to the minute details of the coarseness of the grind used, what the hell you say?! A place for coffee nerds to unite. I'm a simple coffee drinker. Dunkin' donuts coffee won't do it for me, so it's gotta be strong. When ordering I leave the type decision up to the barista. Pair it with a baked good (which comes from Lovely, a local bake shop) and I'm satisfied. read more

This food is delicious! The banana bread is amazing and so is the cheese garlic bagel!

Ellipsis Coffeehouse is the type of coffee shop that attracts the laptop crowd. If you have a laptop that depends upon power outlets, you will not be disappointed here. There are varied seating areas and work spaces which are welcoming, comfortable, and easy to use. I love the in-house coffee mugs, which look like they were carved out of petrified wood. The staff was pleasant and swift. Our drinks were ready before we could blink. Added bonus: there is serious discussion about Wuthering Heights happening near the window. read more

Rivers and Roads Cafe - 12oz house coffee that looks like it's contained in a petrified wood mug. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I've been meaning to review this coffeehouse since we moved to the area just over a month ago! My husband and I are avid coffee drinkers (and honestly just love a good pick-me-up of caffeine and sugar...who doesn't?!). We're so happy to live just blocks away from this place. Every time we've gone we've been met with great customer service, a chill, friendly atmosphere, and the aromatic smells of a great brew. We've tried both their hot and iced coffee options -- the hubby likes it black, my go-to is a flavor shot and oat milk. We love Counter Culture and Ellipsis brews it to perfection. I've been really into their fall options too, especially their Vanilla Bean Pear Matcha Latte (what a drink name) -- if my budget could support it I'd be buying it on the daily. I look forward to it as a sweet treat every now and then, especially after a hectic work day (or in the middle of it). My ONLY critique is wishing it was open earlier! But not a critique that lessens the 5 stars they so rightfully deserve. read more