Fairgrounds Coffee & Tea

Nitro cold brew was really, really bad. Room temperature and extremely bitter. It was not drinkable and I threw it in the trash. Tea was fine.

The baristas here a very personable and friendly they made me feel welcome and comfortable. This coffee shop spotlights independent coffee roasters, which is really cool and also a good way to get unique and interesting brews. If you are looking for a fancy cup of coffee and some good pastries, this is a surefire place to get them.

Some of the BEST coffee I have ever had. Bye-bye Starbucks...Hello Fairgrounds!

PERFECTLY Roasted, and a truly delightful experience. Can't wait to return.

Mark from Austin, Texas

Staff was friendly and helpful. I got the dandelion detox puerh; it was very tasty. They have a broad assortment of not only coffees and teas, but also 'elixirs'- which were different kinds of drinks with various ingredients (like coffee with butter). Comfortable, minimal seating.

Went twice in one day! Amazing selection of Matcha. My new favourite cafe in Chicago. Perfect location across from the Art Institute. When the Chicago Athletic Association hotel isn't under construction, it will be even nicer to visit.

This place does well. It is no wonder that its coffee is just as good.

I got a hot turmeric ginger late and I was in love! Also got a hot chai late with almond milk and a shot of espresso, a yogurt parfait and a chia pudding. All delicious! Quick and friendly service!

For the tiny space and busy location, they manage to somehow still make you feel calm and at peace while you enjoy very good coffee. You're mostly going to find people who are working on something and needed a space to relax while working but didnt want to buy into a certain other major coffee brand that millions of people bow down to. All in all fairgrounds still feels like how you would hope a small coffee shop to feel with the ability to also provide a connection to the professional world, in that right out the door and in the same building there are other more formal dining options.

The drinks we had were terrible. I made sure to mention it was my first time when ordering. I ordered a chocolate truffle mocha with almond milk. It had no trace of chocolate in it and a truffle for decoration. My daughter didn't like it when I offered a taste either. Not sure if it was because they don't adapt substitutions well. First trip to Chicago and worst coffee ever.

I have had coffee from prolly every place in Chicago and his place has the best. There is no burnt like flavor like from Starbucks. They do all kinds of specialty drink as long as regular black. Service is spotty but a good product says it all.