Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea - Chicago, IL Reviews

My favorite way to start the day is stopping in at Intelligentsia for a latte or mocha on my way to work.  I get off the Blue line 'L' at Jackson, maybe drop off some mail at the gorgeous Mies Van der Rohe designed post office, and then head to Intelligentsia in the Monadnock building. I grab my coffee, occasionally running into an old friend or colleague, then stroll down to the Brown like station at State and Van Buren.  I wait for my train, hop on, then off at the Merchandise Mart stop and walk a block to the office, sipping my coffee the whole time.  Now this little ritual,… read full review »

There's a ton of places to get coffee in my neighborhood, but I usually come to Intelligensia because the coffee is great, and the service is wonderful. The people who work there are so kind. My only cons are that 1) this place can get packed! some of the customers are the snobby type, and I don't like standing around with them. And 2) you can't leave a tip on a credit card! I hardly ever have cash, and it makes me feel like a jerk when I can't tip! — My favorite though, is that they pour their lattes carefully so it leaves a little design on top. It's little touches like this that… read full review »

Love their coffee so much that my friends and I do the mile long hike to Intelligentsia once a week. I can't decide which one item on their list is my favorite. I enjoy em all... Even their teas are fantastic - Iron Godess of Mercy is my fav among the tea they carry. In the summer, Admiral Byrd's freeze is the best way to chill out. — I am also very partial to the zucchini bread they serve and the Black Cat Brownies... yummm!!! —… read full review »

Well I fancy my self a coffee lover.  Starbucks double roasts there coffee which gives it a burnt flavor which makes for horrible drip coffee only good for espresso. Intelligentsia makes a fantastic coffee roasted just right good flavor wide selection and made here in Chicago.  One day while working I stopped at their main factory here in Chicago on Hubbard St (not open to the public).  I have to say it was a clean place and friendly employees.  It was quite interesting the way they make the coffee to actually see the process was fun.  Highly recommended local… read full review »

I frequent the location near Division/Paulina that is part of Alliance Bakery. Walking by you wouldn't even know Intelligensia is served here if you miss the small logo on the window. You buy the coffee in Alliance Bakery and can go next door to a huge room with comfy sofas and chairs. I work from home, and this place is my office away from home. — — In the summer months I work away in the outdoor seating area on my Macbook, provided it isn't too sunny. The seats are intentionally close together, so you may run into interesting people wanting to borrow your pen. People… read full review »

this place has the best coffee in chicago. the lattes are what i go for. they still believe in the punch card. the place is energetic and comfortable. i go there to read a paper and sip my… read full review »