La Colombe Coffee Roasters - Chicago

This place really grew on me. They serve a strong coffee that can be a bit bitter, and they only offer oat and almond milk, but I still enjoy it.

This café offers a wide range of seating options, making it a great place to bring your laptop and get some work done. Nearly every table has an outlet available. I tried the regular coffee, which was just okay—nothing exceptional. I wish they had some rotating specialty coffee options to choose from.

I went ahead and ordered a baked good, paid up, and took a seat—only to watch the same barista suddenly light up and shower a bearded hipster behind me with all sorts of smiles and compliments. Major mood killer! I totally lost my appetite at that point and didn’t even bother picking up my order. Honestly, it’s 2023! I deserve the same warmth and attention that the trendy crowd gets. For a place that’s all about being "cool" and doesn’t allow hats, their snobby vibe was really disappointing. They can keep their faux values and overpriced coffee; I’m out!

This location is undoubtedly one of the busiest in the city. I've visited several times and consistently have a hard time finding a seat. The staff is very friendly, though if you're hoping to work here, you might find it challenging to secure a spot. On the plus side, street parking is usually quite accessible.

This isn't my favorite La Colombe, but it’s still quite nice. The staff is friendly, and the open space is very welcoming.