Fairgrounds Coffee & Tea

Just meh. Not really attentive. All I got was tea and she was too busy on her phone to call my name and let me know it was ready. There was no top on it so it was sitting there getting all germy. She finally called my name and I had to yell loudly a few times to ask for honey because she was on laid back on the counter on her phone.

Terrific coffee, and cozy interior. Definitely not a stay and study spot though

Top place for a special hot coffee. Amazing!

So I really like this place, but 3 out of my last 4 experiences have not been great. I try to come here everytime I finish my run down Lakeshore and through the parks. My first not great experience was about a month ago. A couple weeks before Chicago had mask mandates again, they were requiring masks. I didn't have mine because running outside with a mask on is terrible if I am not forced to, so I just couldn't go in. Not terrible but a little annoying. I always get their cold brews, and last time I went there, their taps just weren't working. Again, a little annoying. Now today, their card reader was offline so people could only pay with card swipes. I don't carry my wallet on my run, just phone, watch, and keys.. no card to swipe so I couldn't pay. I just ran down the street to another coffee shop that I could tap-to-pay at, so again, not a big deal, just annoying. Normally I love this place, so if you always have a mask even with no mandates, always have you card available to swipe, and only like cold brew sometimes, then this is the place for you.

Cute little shop connected to a hotel. Ordered 2 lattes and a banana nut muffin. We enjoyed it all. The decor is really cute. The only reason I knocked off a star is because the have a small table in the corner with a comfortable chair and a stool. The stool should not be next to the table as it’s uncomfortable to sit on with a smaller table. We instead opted to sit at the bar by the window. Not a big deal, but it would be great to have two comfy chairs so a pair can sit comfortably together.

I usually love Fairgrounds but this location was not good. The staff was unprofessional and complaining about work and barely paying attention to the customers.

Freaking amazing. The chick that waited on me had super short hair had gauges was super nice and helpful. Will definitely be back

I visited this code in 2019, I’m leaving this review now because I still think about the Vosges charcoal coconut elixir. It was unique and delicious. I’m dreaming of the day I can have another. I don’t see it listed on the menu anymore however it’s pictured among the menu highlights. I wonder if it’s been discontinued or is seasonal?? Anyway, 2 years later I still salivate for it. Is there any way I could talk you into telling me the recipe? I hail from Northern California so I won’t be able to visit any time soon. Memorable menu!

Such a unique, local, eclectic feeling place. The special order elixir was fantastic!

Staff was super friendly coffee was delicious. Try out their Vietnamese cold brew