Build Coffee

My first impressions of this coffee shop were good ones. Located on the corner of a dead end street, parking can be limited; however, Build Coffee neighbors Blackstone Bicycle Works, a youth-focused vocational program and bike shop, that offers additional vibrancy to the space and a feeling of being included in something esoteric. Additionally, Build Coffee is part of the Experimental Station, which works to "build independent cultural infrastructure on the South Side of Chicago," and bills Build Coffee as a "hub of great coffee and radical collaboration." For all of these reasons, and because I am native to the South Side of Chicago and live within a mile of Build Coffee, I decided to venture over to the shop as an alternative to working from my home office. Upon entering, I found the place to be warm in color and temperature. The smell of coffee and something buttery was inviting as I perused the collections of records, art, and a few books. Then I found my seat near the barista and set up my work station. With a fully charged computer battery, I had planned to be there until closing time, but I could not settle in because the music was too loud. After the second Ne-Yo song blared from the speakers, I looked around at the other customers, most of whom seemed just as agitated with the volume as I was feeling. When I asked the baristas if it is usually so loud in the cafe and to turn the music down, I was informed that "sometimes it is loud" and the volume was turned down a notch. I sat down and resumed working, only to realize when the next song began to play (Ne-Yo again--what the hell?), that the volume had been turned back up. As I gathered my things to leave, I heard the barista say to another, "Like, have you never been to a coffee shop before?" I left without purchasing anything or getting any of the work done that I had come there to accomplish. What should have been a pleasant experience was turned sour by the self-serving behaviors of the staff who'd rather have a midday coffee shop Ne-yo tribute than provide even a reasonably accommodating working space for the creatives its marketed to serve.

(This is the record of my experience on 1/22/2020 between 2-3pm)

Our friends introduced us to this little gem and we are glad they did! This non-profit coffee shop not only donates to a good cause but also has friendly staff, great coffee and a pleasant atmosphere.

Mostly espresso based coffee options; limited selection of drip as they only have the house blend as their from option. My favorite coffee is the cardamom rose latte. It is consistent and the baristas know how to make a great latte every time. They also have a daily soup and their turkey sandwich is great as it has aruglula, tomato, pesto, and ricotta. Typical coffeeship prices. About $1.50-$2.50 for drip and ~$4 for a latte. Sandwich is $8
Overall, good atmosphere, but can be a bit busy. Good spot to study, to hang, to find a good read (they have books and zines btw!)

My favorite coffee in the Hyde Park/Woodlawn area - consistently good. Great vibes, great people, great coffee, great zines, and a wonderful community gathering space.

Nice place, friendly staff, however, the coffee, hot chocolate, etc, is subpar. ---In addition to being pricey, might as well go to Starbucks.
Say what u want about Starbucks you'd be hard pressed to find a better quality coffee shop.

The customer service is excellent and the coffee is for coffee drinkers. They have tea and other drinks for the non coffee drinkers and treats to eat.
I love the atmosphere. Nothing quite like it.

Amazing coffee and beverages, and great customer service!

Really lovely cozy place with good books, good people and good vibes. Definitely recommend a tea and a salad!

The bacon quiche is delicious! On Saturday afternoons it's really crowded so you might have to wait about 10 minutes to find a seat.

Great cappuccino. Very nice quiche. Warm atmosphere.