This is going to become a my new favorite coffee shop in Chicago. Funky, eclectic, and cool coffee spot where you can enjoy delicious coffee, hangout, study or get some work done .
I tried the chocolate latte and the chocolate croissant and both were a 10/10 for me. The latte was frothy and tasted amazing. The croissant was perfectly baked and chocolate filling made my day.
I absolutely loved the vibe and decor of this space. The service is great and fast. I will be back to try their military latte next time.
Long time favorite of mine for coffee in the city. 10-15 minute walk from the heart of Chicago and hidden away behind a sticker-filled door. Drinks have never disappointed me and the ambiance is like no other. There is also a hidden restaurant downstairs as well as one in the lobby area. Be sure to check this place out!
It was a good experience. We had the military latte, which was a bit warm and tasted good. The cappuccino was just okay. Servers are friendly and quick service. The sitting area has a really cool vibe, even though the coffee shop closes at 4 pm you can stay there after hours since there is another restaurant/bar they share their space with.
Very cool place. Seems like it would be a good spot to work/hang out for a bit. I tried the military latte, and though I probably wouldn’t get it again, it was worth trying and had a unique flavor.
My only issue is that they don’t offer mugs for here, yet proceeded to charge me a restaurant charge (my assumption is that there isn’t much difference than to go since I’m still drinking from a disposable cup I throw away 🤷♂️?).
sawada is a popular west loop cafe, and for a great reason! i came here on a sunday morning and the line to order was pretty long-- it was nearly out the door. but it moved pretty fast and within 15 minutes, i got my order: the black camo latte with oat milk.
i absolutely love matcha, so i was excited by all the unique matcha options on the menu (which i have yet to see in any other cafe). the black camo latte features roasted matcha (hojicha) and espresso, which made an excellent combination, though the roasted matcha taste wasn't super strong and i could taste more of the espresso than matcha. there were detectable hints of cocoa with every sip, which were perfectly subtle--sweet without overdoing it. overall the drink was warm, flavorful, and satisfying. next time, i'd probably order the normal matcha latte for a stronger matcha flavor.
the price is quite steep even by west loop standards-- i paid nearly $8 for the drink, so i recommend the place as a treat / special occasion, rather than a regular destination.
otherwise, the cafe interior is super cute and has a large cafeteria-style seating area connected to green street smoked meats. it also has a beautiful outdoor seating area. the inside area is generally pretty loud, so it might not be an ideal place to do work or read, but it's definitely a great place to meet up with friends!
Well executed and clean drinks. Masks required as stated at the door, at time of my visit card only and take out only. Got the military latte as pictured up close and the black camo latte pictured from afar. Long lines to be expected but the wait is worth it. Took less than 15 to make it from the door to the counter. Friendly staff and relaxed and cozy atmosphere. Feels like an upscale version of your friends garage for their band if you know what I mean. They do have alternatives to milk available and CBD additional.
Good Vibes only place! There was a queue on a Saturday morning but was worth the wait. Vibes are so good and best I loved that they have cold water with glasses kept at starting. I ordered a military latte; it was coffee, and matcha tasted good. Wifi is available to grab coffee and work
Love Sawada!! I swear they have the best iced matcha latte in the city. I make it a point to come here whenever I’m near west loop and sometimes even when I’m not. Love the vibe, workers are friendly, and of course there’s easy access to green st smoked meats! Definitely a must try in Chicago.
I love the feel of this place! Sawada coffee is located in a little warehouse-like space with other locations that include a bar and other eats. We missed the door directly into the coffee area on the first try but what a delight it was to discover it after some other guests exited!
You can have your food and bev anywhere in the space including the very cute outdoors breezeway, another entrance into the plaza.
The baristas were so nice and very helpfully explained their various custom drinks. I had a black camo latte and the houjicha brownie which was so moist and packed with chocolately flavor! I would get that brownie a second time in a heartbeat!
Loved the atmosphere and would love to come again for a meal in the plaza.
Farah Ali
This is going to become a my new favorite coffee shop in Chicago. Funky, eclectic, and cool coffee spot where you can enjoy delicious coffee, hangout, study or get some work done .
I tried the chocolate latte and the chocolate croissant and both were a 10/10 for me. The latte was frothy and tasted amazing. The croissant was perfectly baked and chocolate filling made my day.
I absolutely loved the vibe and decor of this space. The service is great and fast. I will be back to try their military latte next time.
Dylan Ivanov
Long time favorite of mine for coffee in the city. 10-15 minute walk from the heart of Chicago and hidden away behind a sticker-filled door. Drinks have never disappointed me and the ambiance is like no other. There is also a hidden restaurant downstairs as well as one in the lobby area. Be sure to check this place out!
Samruddhi Kapileshwar
It was a good experience. We had the military latte, which was a bit warm and tasted good. The cappuccino was just okay. Servers are friendly and quick service. The sitting area has a really cool vibe, even though the coffee shop closes at 4 pm you can stay there after hours since there is another restaurant/bar they share their space with.
Devon Peters
Very cool place. Seems like it would be a good spot to work/hang out for a bit. I tried the military latte, and though I probably wouldn’t get it again, it was worth trying and had a unique flavor.
My only issue is that they don’t offer mugs for here, yet proceeded to charge me a restaurant charge (my assumption is that there isn’t much difference than to go since I’m still drinking from a disposable cup I throw away 🤷♂️?).
Mona Tong
sawada is a popular west loop cafe, and for a great reason! i came here on a sunday morning and the line to order was pretty long-- it was nearly out the door. but it moved pretty fast and within 15 minutes, i got my order: the black camo latte with oat milk.
i absolutely love matcha, so i was excited by all the unique matcha options on the menu (which i have yet to see in any other cafe). the black camo latte features roasted matcha (hojicha) and espresso, which made an excellent combination, though the roasted matcha taste wasn't super strong and i could taste more of the espresso than matcha. there were detectable hints of cocoa with every sip, which were perfectly subtle--sweet without overdoing it. overall the drink was warm, flavorful, and satisfying. next time, i'd probably order the normal matcha latte for a stronger matcha flavor.
the price is quite steep even by west loop standards-- i paid nearly $8 for the drink, so i recommend the place as a treat / special occasion, rather than a regular destination.
otherwise, the cafe interior is super cute and has a large cafeteria-style seating area connected to green street smoked meats. it also has a beautiful outdoor seating area. the inside area is generally pretty loud, so it might not be an ideal place to do work or read, but it's definitely a great place to meet up with friends!
Kirk R
Great spot to grab a coffee and a bite to eat! Really enjoyed the chill vibe here, and the coffee itself is pretty awesome too!
There’s a BBQ place on the back side, so if you want something more substantial to eat, there’s choices.
Had one of the chocolate chip cookies, it was huge, but have to admit it wasn’t that good. But you’re coming for the coffee — solid choice! ☕️
Buna Fallen
Well executed and clean drinks. Masks required as stated at the door, at time of my visit card only and take out only. Got the military latte as pictured up close and the black camo latte pictured from afar. Long lines to be expected but the wait is worth it. Took less than 15 to make it from the door to the counter. Friendly staff and relaxed and cozy atmosphere. Feels like an upscale version of your friends garage for their band if you know what I mean. They do have alternatives to milk available and CBD additional.
Shefali Kosambia
Good Vibes only place! There was a queue on a Saturday morning but was worth the wait. Vibes are so good and best I loved that they have cold water with glasses kept at starting. I ordered a military latte; it was coffee, and matcha tasted good. Wifi is available to grab coffee and work
Leah K
Love Sawada!! I swear they have the best iced matcha latte in the city. I make it a point to come here whenever I’m near west loop and sometimes even when I’m not. Love the vibe, workers are friendly, and of course there’s easy access to green st smoked meats! Definitely a must try in Chicago.
Melinda Ng
I love the feel of this place! Sawada coffee is located in a little warehouse-like space with other locations that include a bar and other eats. We missed the door directly into the coffee area on the first try but what a delight it was to discover it after some other guests exited!
You can have your food and bev anywhere in the space including the very cute outdoors breezeway, another entrance into the plaza.
The baristas were so nice and very helpfully explained their various custom drinks. I had a black camo latte and the houjicha brownie which was so moist and packed with chocolately flavor! I would get that brownie a second time in a heartbeat!
Loved the atmosphere and would love to come again for a meal in the plaza.