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    Sawada Coffee

    4.5 (1.2k reviews)
    ModerateCoffee & Tea
    Open 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
    Updated 2 weeks ago

    Order Sawada Coffee Takeout or Delivery

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    SAWADA COFFEE ATMOSPHERE

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    Loud
    Good for working

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    Recommended Reviews - Sawada Coffee

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    Inside
    Jo L.

    DRINKS I opted for their black camo latte. The hojicha flavor was strong, and the drink itself was not too sweet. Their military latte is their iconic drink, so if I'm ever back in Chicago, it'll definitely be something I'll check out! FOOD They have a limited selection of pastries like donuts available for purchase. Selection was limited near the end of the day. SERVICE The staff are kind and friendly! It gets busy fast, but they are efficient in pumping out orders. AMBIANCE Ample seating is available inside the store that is shared with the BBQ place adjoining the coffee spot. I visited around 2:30pm and it was filled with people working/studying or meeting with friends/coworkers. Complimentary wi-fi is available (password on the menu board). Finding the entrance was a bit confusing despite all the signs, but it's the one with a lot of stickers! PARKING Paid street parking is available at a limited capacity. BATHROOMS Restrooms are available downstairs at the back of the establishment.

    Sour cream donut and Matcha Latte
    Anna M.

    Not a long wait at all despite there being a long line. The staff definitely seems to have a good flow of service down! The reason for only 4 stars is because the matcha itself was only okay, admittedly I have had better. I just do not personally prefer matcha that tends to be on the chalkier side, and this one was (only slightly). Also, the milk to matcha ratio was a little too much, I prefer a stronger tasting matcha latte. As you know, street parking in the area is expensive, so just be aware of that before coming. Couldn't find any cheap options nearby. I will say , this was my first time trying espresso and matcha together for the Military Latte, and it was pretty good! I'd get it again to switch it up. Also the sour cream donut was FIREEE. Sawada shares a dining area with Green Street Smoked Meats, but they don't open til 11 am. If you plan on coming by around that time, be aware that they may ask you to move if you don't order food from their restaurant. We were not asked to do so, only because we got there around 10:30 and we were planning on eating anyway. Overall, I'm glad I checked this place out. The mood and ambiance is very calming, with the plentiful warm lighting and ample seating options (again, if you come before 11). If your goal is to try the best quality matcha though, I'd aim for elsewhere.

    Michelle C.

    The black camo latte is good. I didn't really taste the espresso to be honest, only the hojicha. But the hojicha tasted pretty good and not powdery like many other places. I like the cocoa powder on top. The matcha they use could be improved, doesn't taste as good quality so I'd recommend the coffee or hojicha over the matcha. Super crowded during the weekend but as expected since it's right next to other popular food options in a food hall like environment.

    Diana H.

    A solid 4 star experience. Came to Chicago and wanted to try this coffee place. I tried the iced military coffee. Coffee was good, not too sweet. Service was good and the shop inside was connected to another restaurant.

    Inside
    Alexandra A.

    EXCELLENT quality matcha from here. The authentic kind that isn't drowning in sugar. Sawada Coffee is in the same building as green street meats and high five ramen, so the open seating is shared. They do have a few seats along the window but there is plenty of seating if those are full. Service was quick and I was surprised to see that it was fairly busy for a very cold Monday AM. My husband and I shared the military latte (decaf) and it was delicious. Everything a latte should be. I enjoyed how this latte is unique to most coffee shops. It was bold, creamy, and very good. Pricing is fair when compared to other small business cafes.

    Military Latte
    Jenny C.

    Sawada is so well-known and highly reviewed so I was very excited to come try for myself! I do think Sawada is beautifully decorated and has such a great vibe. There is lots of seating and plenty of space for studying/wfh. Unfortunately, I was not as impressed with the drinks we got. I got the infamous military latte and hot latte Tokyo style. The military latte was good, but the combination of the matcha and espresso was just ok to me. The usually strong espresso/cocoa flavor gets lost and the matcha tastes watery? I can see why some people are fans, but it was not for me even though I usually love both espresso and matcha. The hot latte was ok, but regular sweetness was way too sweet. I wish I got 50% or less-- just a tip for those who aren't into super sweet coffee. Great crema and body though. I think Sawada is good for the "tourist" experience, but there is better coffee in the city.

    Deepti A.

    One of my favorite coffee spots in the city in Chicago! There's always a huge line to order so best to plan ahead and avoid peak hours. The spot has plenty of picnic style seating and great music to catch up with friends, grab a drink, or a slice of pizza! I typically go there for coffee. Their cold brew and lattes are fantastic! I like the Tokyo style syrup in my oat latte (1.5 pumps). The baristas are very friendly and have great recommendations.

    Matcha Latte
    Mai D.

    Sawada has some quality, potent matcha and its shared restaurant, Green Street Smoked Meats, has equally as delicious, well-seasoned elote! It's honestly ideal for when you want to put yourself in a food coma then jolt yourself awake to eat some more. There was a 15-minute wait to order and get your drinks on a Saturday afternoon, but the baristas are doing the best they can while maintaining quality. The vibes are friendly and communal. The long tables are great for big groups, but you might have some trouble finding seats on weekends. Just don't come here to study like I did - there are cafes across the street for that!

    Milo
    Tray

    The Military latte was my first time trying hot matcha and honestly, it wasn't for me. The Black Camo was better and tasted more like a milk tea. Overall, it was kind of a letdown considering how hyped this spot is for coffee and matcha. The vibes are cool though, and I might come back to try other drinks.

    Daniel L.

    Awesome coffee shop that is in the same spot as a barbecue shop that I have been to that sell Mom barbecue. Got the military latte here and this is a flavor bomb. It is coffee, Matcha, vanilla, and cocoa all mixed into one. The matcha part of the drink is nice and earthy and overall the drink is not sweet at all. Drinks are on the price side. Recommend a spot and will come back.

    Military Matcha Latte
    Generous Y.

    Saw Sawada on Yelp's top matcha list some time ago and made sure I visited before work. A mix of user skill issues (ordering the military matcha latte) alongside my expectations being high made me disappointed. Typically when a shop has coffee in the name, it's probably expected their matcha isn't a highlight but purely based on perception, I think their other matchas would be tasty and authentic. Military Matcha Latte - after reading through the hype, I was pretty disappointed. The drink's camo appearance looked promising but in reality it was just an espresso with a skin (like that of a game, a bit pay to win). There weren't any earthy undertones present and the matcha may as well not have been there.

    Drinks
    Megan K.

    When it's 5 degrees outside and there is a line leading outside...you KNOW it is a good coffee spot. I met up here the other day with one of my coworkers and it was amazing. Very clean inside, lots of seating, but also totally packed because they have delish coffee and blueberry muffins. I snagged us some seats and then we did mobile order pickup because it just seemed like that would be smarter instead of standing in the line, and it was a pretty good idea. I got an iced white mocha peppermint latte and it was delish. Def will be back to try more of their coffee and food!

    Jemyra I.

    I love coffee and I am always trying to check out new coffee shops. I cannot believe I have probably passed Sawada Coffee a million times without realizing it was there, especially since it is connected to a BBQ spot I have been to a few times. Once I was finally introduced to it, I have already been back twice. Everything I have had has been so good, super flavorful and well balanced. On my last visit I tried one of their specialty coffees and it was phenomenal. Definitely a new favorite and a must try if you are a coffee lover. Service is cool! It's small but it's a shared space so plenty of spots to sit.

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    Sawada Coffee Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Sawada Coffee

    Is there outdoor seating?

    Yes, it’s on the side of the building. Appears to be shared with the other businesses there.

    Do they take Apple Pay?

    Yep.

    Can't tell on website, do they sell their roasted beans here?

    Does Swada offer free wifi to customers? Also is there indoor seating available?

    Yes they offer free wifi. Seating is very limited.

    Is there a place to eat inside sawada? The space I see pictured is what I know to be green street meats. Is that the space the coffee shop uses when it's not GSM open hours?

    Yes you can sit at the benches inside to eat/drink items from sawada. The space is shared between sawada and green street meats. You can also sit at the benches in the alleyway.

    Is Sawada really open in this time ? I went the other say and it was closed.

    Sawada is currently open.

    How is the noise level? Is it easy to carry a conversation in a group? Am I likely to find space for 6 people at 1pm on a Sunday?

    It's a large space, so unless the place is packed you should have no trouble holding conversation or seating for a group.

    Do they have non-dairy milks available for the lattes?

    Of course! Almond milk, macadamia milk, and soy.

    Where is it? There is a lot of construction and I couldn't find the shop.

    Look for the tiny door with all the grafitti

    View All 10 Questions

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    Geeeeez my sis *inhaled* the old fashioned donuts lol. She's a big fan of old fashioned donuts and…read moreclearly she enjoyed the ones that we got here. :p For me, they were a little too sweet (I have old AzN lady taste buds in which "not too sweet" is a strong compliment), but wow the crispiness for old fashioned donuts was on-point! The buttermilk one particularly gave county fair funnel cake vibes and the lemon poppyseed one reminded me a lot of a lemon bar lol verrry lemon-y (in an indulgent-good way). Friendly lady at the interior counter nook. We visited on a Monday at 9 am and there was no line at all.

    After two whiffs at Do-Rite and Firecakes, Doughnut Vault was Chicago's last chance at glorious…read morefried redemption. We pulled up just around 7:30 AM and service was super sweet! Recommended some items to us and after hearing we were on a donut tour, even threw in a freebie. Only outdoor seating available, but the weather was perfectly lovely. Everything led up to (finally) some lovely, super soft fluffy fried donuts. Glazed Donut and Strawberry Glazed Donut were exactly the pillowy, yeasted texture I was looking for and the latter even had a little extra tartness from the strawberries, which you could tell was made from real fruit! The Lemon Poppyseed Cake Donut ended up being a banger as well; great balance between sweet and sour, not dry at all, and cross between crumbly and a melt in your mouth texture. The Apple Fritter was the only miss. Had an odd aftertaste that almost reminded me of curry powder and was texturally super hard, like bits of cardboard.

    Photos
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    Vanilla Birthday Cake

    Sawada Coffee - coffee - Updated July 2026

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