Went here for the first time w a friend in Chicago! I wanted a smoothie and the manager recommended their Ginger Peach smoothie - it's not on the menu but it is delicious!! Would definitely recommend the flavor! Beyond that, they have a really cute seating area that feels quiet and calm down even though it's right in the middle of the city! read more

I got the best coconut and pistachio gelato from this place! And the outside seating next to the fountain is so nice.

I met a friend to catch-up at this lovely cafe during my most recent visit to Chicago! We both enjoyed the Heartbeat juice with carrots, beets, apple etc. based on the recommendation of the staff. Such a lovely place to sit outside, people watch and drink a tasty hot or cold drink. read more

This place is NOT closed. Went here on 8/4/17. It is great to see Chicago have more outdoor, walk-up places like this despite not having a desirable year-round climate. But holy shit $1.82 for an extra shot of espresso? That is RIDICULOUS!!!! My regular iced latte ended up costing $8. Wtf????! read more

Good and homemade but they won't put multiple flavors in the same cup. we just got back from paris and had gelato every day and there you could put a spoonful of 6 different kinds of gelato in one cup if you wanted. and at whispers it is one flavor per scoop! and they need plastic spoons the wooden ones don't feel good on the tongue. read more

It was a lovely day and I saw a highly rated cafe nearby that had *GASP* Gelato!!! The park itself is lovely, the gentleman serving it was very nive, but the gelato itself...was fine... I'm not saying it wasn't good. I had roasted coconut mocha type thing. But at $4.50 for a single serve cup, I expected something a little more earth shattering. I pay less than that for my overpriced Starbucks than, and almost every time, I would pick a mocha over it. If you are nearby and feel like a yummy treat, than sure, this is the place to go. If you're looking for a cheap snack...go grab an ice cream from the walgreens across the street. read more

Came on my vacation in Chicago first time and was close to this place. It was very hot weekend and I came here with my friends. I saw big line and my buddy told me "that's means that here is good stuff". And I swear to everybody he was right!!1 my guys got some coffee and they were relaxed with this near fountain. Also I got awesome ice cream "banana and something.." I don't remember sorry guy who worked there recommend to me another one with almond, because it one of his favorite he told that this combination is amazing... Thanks to him I enjoyed it, guy really worked hard there It was good evening in Chicago. Estoy muy satisfecho. gracias read more

Gelato can be a tricky dessert...I don't usually love it This gelato was creamy, not too sweet and the pistachio was filled with....pistachios. Tons and tons of HUGE pistachios. This was one of many great food stops during my recent visit to the city. Can't wait to visit again! read more

Nice spot for a refreshing coffee, tea, or juice drink in a lovely park-like setting on Rush Street. My wife's coffee was very good, and I enjoyed the Ging n' Juice (I think that was the name), a delicious mix of ginger, carrots, apples and other ingredients. It was tasty, and the ginger gave it a little kick. Whispers has a terrific setting for a nice day, with benches and tables among trees and a fountain. What a great and lovely spot in the neighborhood. My only complaint was that the poor, hardworking single employee was working on overdrive to keep up with the line, but we did visit on a remarkably pleasant and unexpected day in late October, so it may not have been staffed for the demand. read more

Our neighborhood park - just around the corner - once again under the management of Tiger and his dedicated, friendly family and employees. I spend most late afternoons there when the temperature's above 60º and it's not raining. The locals like me love it, and the tourists can't believe such a place exists in the heart of the Gold Coast. My favorite treats are the latte and the mango and dark chocolate gelato. The constant diversity and dynamism of the area makes it a great location for my hobby, photography. Come enjoy this venue that's unique in Chicago. read more

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Oh, this is in my backyard..........what a great little place to have very good coffee, an oatmeal cookie and enjoy the people and weather. Gibbons or anyone else comes in.........I am gone. Can't big business take a hike and get lost once in awhile and let us folks that live in this area alone to enjoy this cute European park? What the city did to the park on Chestnut with Argo Tea is disgusting...........I don't go there anymore. You, the city, you want to keep the people that live in this area happy........leave the park alone. It was a damn dump before Whispers came here........now the rich want to destroy it all for what..........profit and money....greed is the name of the game for Gibbons and the like! read more

I have been coming to this place for so many years. I am a smoker and it's so rare that you can buy coffee and sit and smoke at the same place anywhere in the city. Service is also so nice and it has been for so long. Now,I payed for my coffee today(first time this year) $6.56 (only size??!??) and I know for a fact it was a lot cheaper(I think I used to pay like $4.40 ish). I was told the price hasn't changed in a long time(at least 3 years I was told)and honestly I was ok if it did,totally worth it, But the coffee was awful.... Just awful! It tasted like burned caramel and water with splash of milk and a lot of foam(I asked for a caramel late). Staff was really nice as always but the coffee was not worth a penny. They used to have great coffee and really nice juices here. Now It's just a place u come and buy whatever, so you can sit and smoke your cigarettes... so sad.... we can do this at my building's rooftop. Cheaper and nicer??!? read more

Best ice cream in Chicago!!! Mariano park,right downtown Chicago,between all the bars,pubs and restaurants. Grab a fresh mango/ chocolate ice cream,have s seat and enjoy read more

In my own opinion, the coolest coffee spot in north side Chicago, situated in the small cozy park called Mariano Park, it can be easily mistaken as simply small coffee or news stand selling cheap coffee, but no way. I discovered this place one morning during one of my Chicago work trip when I stayed at the Ambassador for a week. On my first morning, I planed to get up early and take an early walk around since this time around I was at the north side vs south side previously. It was only 830am but it was already pretty humid day and usually rain or shine, hot or cold I would go for my usual of extra hot grande white mocha from starbucks, but I decided to go for an iced one this particular morning first before I go hale for a cab for work. so of I go for my little adventure, my search for the local starbucks, yet low and behold, I ended up at this little park, a small fountain, some open seating, then there was this little stand surrounded by and being lined up by dozens of people. Viola! it's Whispers Cafe, excellent coffee, excellent pastry selection and SURPRISINGLY best of all they have Gelato! yum! So for the rest of the week, it was my daily morning destination, even after work destination, it's near all the great Chicago fine dining and drinking with the famous Morton of Chicago jut to list one, can be a perfect after dinner date spot, coffee, gelato at a park, great conversation, how can you beat that? For the rest of the week, it was my frequent destination, I was able to sit under a cool park and tree shades, enjoy excellent downtown foot traffic scenery and enjoy my iced white mocha and a pastry. It was also within close proximity of high end shopping such as Hermes, Barney's and Prada just to name a few, so what's not to like? I'm from California, but if you're ever in the north side Chicago area, a coffee lover? gelato lover? I recommend for you to try out Whispers, read more

I hate publicizing a favorite spot. When you do, you're quickly unable to enjoy it. But there is always value in sharing with others and supporting a great place. Whispers is a wonderful example of a private/public partnership. An enterprising businessman provides a valuable service while also helping to maintain a public park. The Chicago Park District, at taxpayer expense, provides the general maintenance but the Whisper's staff assures its daily upkeep. The coffee is good, not as good as Gloria Jeans, but good enough to be my morning wake up. I enjoy sitting over a cup of coffee and chatting with my neighbors who also enjoy this lovely oasis. There was a lot of Chicago history made here. The brick pavilion where Whisper's is located was built in 1895 and designed by Birch Burdette Long of the Frank Lloyd Wright Studio. In the 1960s, I recall seeing Lennie Bruce at the Gate of Horn, a wonderful folk club on State and Maple. Looking south on Rush brings back memories of the years when Rush Street was the center of Chicago night life. I saw Woodie Allen make his first comedy album at Mister Kelly's, where Gibson's is now located. Kelly's was famous as the discovery club. Barbra Streisand was among the many aspiring stars that got their start here. Lou Mariano Park is named after a newspaper columnist who habituated O'Connell's, a cafe located where Tavern on Rush is now. In those days, pigeons and vagrants were the only life in this little triangle formed by the intersection of Rush State and Bellevue. It was dirty and seedy. Whispers has changed that. It's a lovely place to begin your day or to sober up over a cup of coffee after a night on Rush Street. read more

Whispers Cafe - A pleasant gathering spot where tourists can meet the locals. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Came here to unwind after dinner. How relaxing!. This is located in the heart of the rush dinning area. They serve Gelato in the summer too. Along with coffee drinks and yummy Italian pastries. This is my go to cafe in the gold coast. read more

This place is amazing!! Their coffee and treats are delicious. Always stellar service. I even forgot my wallet there once, and Michelle went out of her way to find me on Facebook and return it!! I can't say enough great things about this place. I'd give 10 stars if I could!!! read more

This place is just dynamite. For a neighborhood coffee shop, it's got great quality albeit with a slightly premium price. The gem at this place is the ice cream. read more

I moved to the gold coast area recently and was very excited to live very close to a cafe. Little did I know whispers is horribly overpriced and in need of a couple lessons in management. When I first gave it a try, I ordered a smoothie that was supposedly fresh. I watched them make it and discovered it was sugary puree blended with ice. The total for the cup of sugar water came out to be almost 10 dollars. A bonus; over the next few weeks I overheard the manager at this cafe screaming at a one legged man giving out parking tickets to get a real a job as well as berating his young employees to the point of tears. Since I do not support excessive greed, abelism, or bullies, I will no longer be giving this place my business and I hope you do the same. read more

Friendly service. I enjoyed their gelato. I tasted the toasted almond coconut fudge and I do not like coconut but this was so great!! I had the peanut butter cup which was so good and not overwhelming with peanut butter flavor. This little stand is located in the perfect spot. We sat on the fountain and people watched and what a great spot to do so!! Felt like a perfect summer night. Will come back when I'm in the area. read more

At the heart of the viagra triangle, this place somehow remains very hip. Coffee is great, gelato is rich, smoothies/juices are made fresh on the spot (and you can taste it!), and the guy who always works here (owner?) is awesome. Oh, and it's a great place to enjoy your coffee outside around a fountain when the weather's nice. If you're into cars, you see some pretty nice ones parked in front of the restaurant next door (Lambos, Ferraris, Rolls Royces, Bentleys, Aston Martins, etc. are all common here) read more

LOVE IT try the gelato (it was amazing although im a gelato hater) & the outdoor seatings are amazing super friendly baristas most amazing location and open late!!! couldnt get any better. Perfect spot for fancy people watching read more

I love this place! I came across it by chance and decided to stop for some refreshments. It's really chill and their drinks are fresh.They are also pet friendly! read more

There's not a bad thing I could ever say about this place. The most amazing coffee. Friendliest service by people who come to know you and are genuinely nice to you. The hands down best fresh squeezed orange juice. All this in a phenomenal park setting. What could be bad about this place? If you're ever meandering around the Triangle on a cool, crisp day, grab a cocoa or latte here and it will warm you up completely! Highly, highly recommended! read more

Great little cafe in the garden in the intersection between Rush and State. It's really nice to sit out I. Courtyard on a warm day with the sound of the water fountain. read more

It's like a page out of a European travel book. A beautiful assortment of gelato, fresh fresh fresh squeezed juices, and a picturesque setting. It's incredibly romantic and a great spot for a treat. read more

The name is dumb, but this is the best place for a light indulgence on a Gold Coast summer night. Whispers has some of the best gelato in the city. The location is great, too: despite its unsavory name, the Viagra Triangle is actually a friendly place with ample opportunity for peoplewatching. Grab five bucks and treat yourself! read more

Great place for relaxing sunny day Good chai latte and ice cream !! read more

LOVE!! The best place.... especially when you live in an apartment with no outside space! Listening to the fountain is SO relaxing. The staff is fantastic and the people watching is priceless! Not to mention they have excellent coffee and gelato!! read more

The outdoor area is a delightful oasis among the trendy restaurants and swanky shops. Great coffee, friendly staff, limited pastries

do not go here for gelato@!!@! the gelato is tasty, but they KNOW they are way overcharging as they WON'T EVEN LIST THE PRICES ANYWHERE! it was $6 for a single and $9 for a double and that is way high. if they didn't think so they would list the prices. is this legal? actually as a business owner, i think it is in violation. read more

Their gelato is amazing! The banana caramel was really tasty. They even pulled off the lemon zesty flavor, which is something messed up by many other ice cream places. Those babies can sell themselves. A little pricey, but totally worth it. read more

My favorite cafe, outside surrounded by beautiful flowers that does fresh squeezed juices. the staff is amazing there, they are super nice always smiling and talking as well! :) I know they do make amazing express, perfect outside caffe where u can smoke a cigar, enjoy coffee, smoothie/juice or a snack! read more

Whispers Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This place is right in the middle of Viagra triangle in Mariano Park. It's just a little stand but their gelato is amazing! Get the dark chocolate or peanut butter cup! read more

Oh yes when they promote freshly squeezed orange and lemonade it is truly delicious. The location is a plus right in the middle of 4 busy streets like a small happening in Italy with a brick road type of situation with plenty of flowers and trees under the canopy :) from what I observed they remember their customers names, hold conversations and in all fairness it is a quick stop & go place where you would enjoy 10 minutes of serenity. read more

I threw my gelato away. Charming location but it doesn't matter if the product sucks. I didn't try the juice bar stuff maybe that's were the good reviews come from. read more

What a terrible place to work. Started here at the beginning of June with an agreement to be employed until the end of August. I enjoyed my first month here serving nice people in the Gold Coast. I got on well and received a lot of positive feedback on my work. I was even offered a position to come back and work here next summer! Until a week later, out of the blue, I was fired. The owner told me I wasn't doing my job properly, despite consistently telling me for the previous month that she was happy with my work and offering me a job for 2018. The owner lied about several things while firing me too added to my disbelief. read more

They have really yummy gelato in the summer. The park at which it is located gets really busy do seating is often hard to find. Their coffee is much more affordable than some of the big coffee chains. read more

I'm going to comment on early morning and coffee...where most of the reviews here are for afternoon/evening and the gelato. This is a gem of a place, I do love it. Coffee/lattes are great. My 3 star review is because I go almost every morning and they almost never (if ever) open at 7am like they're supposed to. I've waited at the window multiple times at 7:15 and no one inside turns around because they're still setting up (if they're even there). So I stopped waiting and if it's after 7:05, I go to Starbucks a block over and bring it back to sit in the park. Also, they don't unlock the tables to sit at....somedays till 8 or 9am! I just don't understand this kind of management. If the hours are 7am open, they should be ready to take your order at 7 and there should be available tables unlocked at 7. This morning I was sitting there with my Starbucks and they opened the window at 7:30. A lot of us local neighbors are morning people and would love to feel welcomed at 7am to get our lattes, sit at a table and enjoy some peace before the work day. Again...this could be quite the morning gem of a place, not just afternoon, so it's a shame they're not more on top of things and prepared to go at 7am when they open. read more

Greatest mochas and fresh green juice in the city for a great price. Service always phenomenal and the location is like nothing else.