Where is your favorite cup of coffee?

I think Lou Mitchell's still makes a great cup of joe, and White Palace Grill delivers a consistent and good coffee 24x7.

I think the people watching factor is high at both Lou's and WP. While I'm not an intentional eavesdropper I've sat witness to an amazingly broad level of discussion around me from other tables. I wasn't certain but I believe that some Chicago Defender reporters/columnists were at an adjacent table one Wednesday lunch (specials are short ribs and breaded pork chops - as good as the short ribs look I've never been able to stray from the excellent pork chops) and the variety of topics they were discussing and the various passions they held added a particular spice to my lunch. At Lou Mithchell's there is a wide range from the lifesavers of the IDOT Minutemen to the "captains of industry" swinging deals - all having a great cup of joe along with their meals. Lots to watch; heck, even watching the tourists can be quite entertaining.

This is an edit as I realize I didn't correctly differentiate; the diverse discussions and Wednesday pork chops/short ribs specials are at White Palace.

It's a different kind of people watching, but the Billy Goat in the building I work in (430 N Michigan Ave) is certainly one spot. And the large cup is 50c, and it's always hot and fresh.

For regular people watching, consider the stretch of Clark in Andersonville that lets you choose among Cafe Boost, A Taste of Heaven (my favorite by far), and Kopi Cafe.

If you like kids (I don't mean for dinner, I mean to watch and coo over), Sweet Occasions on Damen, or really any candy & ice cream shop, should provide plenty of entertainment.

I am not an avid coffee drinker, but I do enjoy the warmth and flavors about once or twice a week in the colder months.

It may sound cliche, but I really believe Dunkin Donuts has the best coffee. Every time I stop and try someone else's, I keep thinking about DD. It's deep, rich, and never too bitter. It smells and tastes what coffee should smell and taste like.

Best,
EC

i'd suggest intelligentsia (they roast their own) and uncommon ground. as an extra bonus, both offer great people watching, and uncommon ground has music sometimes. i've also heard great things about metropolis, which roasts their own.

Uncommon Ground Coffeehouse and Cafe
1214 W. Grace St.

Intelligentsia Coffee Roasters and Tea Blenders
3123 N. Broadway

Metropolis Coffee Company
1039 W. Granville Ave.

Eatchicago's post reminded me of a Dunkin' Donuts with great people-watching aspects - the location on Belmont & Clark. I haven't been there in years but back when I lived in Lakeview I'd sometimes stop there after a late night. The world's only gotten stranger since then so I imagine there's still an ample supply of "interesting" people to watch.

for the record, it's called punk'n donuts.

I think Peet's coffee (next to Whole Foods off Clybourn) is some of the best in the country. Their coffee is rich and deep - very very strong. They make great specialty drinks too - their foamed milk in a latte or cappucino is like nothing I have had anywhere else. Rich and frothy - even when I order (what a sin) low-fat.

Hi... my first post. I hardly ever post on any sites but, I'm glad to have discovered a site that matches one of my biggest (pardon the pun) interests.
I'm a big coffee fan. I love Taste of Heaven for its baked goods and its atmosphere of laid back friendliness but, for pure coffee heaven I love Peets and Intelligencia. I'm already planning a trip to the cafe on Granville... a good destination for a walk

they moved to a much higher traffic area and a much bigger space. still the same great goods, tho.

A Taste of Heaven
5401 N. Clark St.

Up in the burbs, it's mostly Starbucks or nothing.

However, a new cafe opened up last year in Wilmette, right at the corner of Gross Point Rd. (OK Ridge Rd) and Wilmette Ave. They brew Intelligentsia quite fresh and strong -- most of the barristas are Starbucks escapees, the clientele is varied, the owners are really nice, and the sandwiches and soup are respectable.

I go for the coffee and fellowship with my running group, who meets there every Saturday at 8 am for a short run and a long schmooze!

Gross Point Cafe
(847) 853 1431
335 Ridge Road
Wilmette, Illinois 60091.

I like people-watching from the cafe in Borders on Michigan Ave.

For reading, I like cozier places like:

Jumping Bean Cafe
1439 w 18th St (Pilsen)

Art Gallery Kafe
1907 N Milwaukee

both of these places offer free wireless internet.

I love me some intelligentsia coffee. Particularly the beautiful lattes, with the leaf/flower designs on top. I know I'm a sucker for presentation, but their coffee tastes l(and looks) like coffee should.

Surprised no one's mentioned Casteel Coffee, 2924 Central, Ev ... small batch roaster, each batch usually sells out within three days of roasting, usually two or three brews ready to sample (small in-store sit-down coffee area), 20-30 whole-bean varieties available, supplies a good number of high-end restaurants nationwide. Great aroma when you walk in the door.

jen_b wrote:I love me some intelligentsia coffee. Particularly the beautiful lattes, with the leaf/flower designs on top.

You mean like this?

Erik M.

Cool website! My absolutely favorite cup of coffee is made at home by the cup with freshly ground coffee beans and boiling hot water. I am currently using Mocha Java from Trader Joe's. But, when I'm pressed for time, I get the dark roast from Caribou, which they serve until 11 am. It's very good. And, thank you, Hattyn--I have no problem with the expression of gratitude.

Yeah those designs are cool!

I forgot to mention that I really like Julius Meinl. 3601 N Southport.

Delicious coffee, and great spot for dessert and to chat with friends after a movie at the Music Box.