Anybody a fan of Philz coffee?

Hi- Philz coffee house is a chain that originated in San Francisco. They just recently opened up four locations in the Chicago area, including one at Oak and Davis in Evanston. They were giving out free coffee and food samples before they officially opened up in Evanston. I got one of their food samples, but I never had time to get a free cup of coffee. The lines were humongous. I go past there on my way to the Evanston farmer's market on Saturday mornings, and the place is still doing a booming business. I went in there last Saturday to see how much their coffee was. They charge $4.60 for a medium cup of hot coffee. Is the coffee that much better than the other coffee houses in Evanston? I might just try it out once to see if it is worth it, but I can't see myself going there on a regular basis, even though the place is one block from where I live.

Has anybody tried out the other new coffee place next to Koi that is also supposed to be very good, but I suspect it is also expensive. There is also a new coffee place on Main named Reprise Coffee Roasters. That is a branch of a place in Hubbard Woods. Just from looking at the place from the outside, this does look like the type of place you would want to linger with your laptop. The seats look very uncomfortable Thanks, Nancy

I was in SFO last month on business and a friend recommended them. So I went. First thing I was unprepared for was the long, long line. It moved somewhat reasonably, so I stuck it out. The ordering process was a bit more complicated than it needed to be and the selection a little more the same. But the coffee you ask? Was it good? Was it worth it? Yes, as they say, and no. Liked the coffee but wouldn't stand in line again. I'm a Blue Bottle boy and that's my "go to" place when I'm there--and I occasionally order their beans by mail. I have to admit I don't quite get the SFO passion for Philz; perhaps if I had visited a few more times, my opinion could have changed. (But I somehow don't think so.)

So...it's been a little while. I'm curious: anyone here been to/have thoughts on our very own satellite Philz location? I haven't made it over yet but I foresee a visit sooner or later.