ENJOY THESE FUN SECRETS THAT MAKE EACH AREA CAFE SO UNIQUE
If you have a few moments to spend by yourself or with friends over a cup of coffee, try bypassing the retail chains and check out some of these charming and comfortable neighborhood cafes with specialties to entice your senses and perhaps a secret or two you did not expect.
1. All Chocolate Kitchen, Geneva
Looking for a great cup of coffee and a little sweet to go with it? Chef Alain Roby prepares the most exquisite chocolate desserts and truffles while you choose from their extensive menu of coffees and teas.Try a cup of siphoned coffee for the ultimate coffee experience and browse the award-winning, life-size chocolate sculptures throughout the café.
THEIR SECRET
Chef Roby is the only Chef to hold three Guinness World Records.
2. The Village Grind, Oswego
Cozy up with a cup of jo in this cute vintage home right in downtown Oswego. With their many flavored syrups, coffee drinks, iced drinks, teas and smoothies, you’ll find the perfect drink to sip while sitting on their overstuffed couch.
THEIR SECRET
They also sell arts and crafts from local artists for those one-of-a-kind custom gifts.
3. Yogi’s Café, Naperville
A new spacious café right off Rte. 59 with a creative drink menu that includes Azteca Hot Chocolate with Cinnamon and Chipotle pepper and Yogi’s Indi Masala Chai. The homemade baked goods are a great addition to your “new try” or your old favorite.
THEIR SECRET
Drinks made for the sore throat season and immunity boost – Golden Tumeric Latte or a cold Golden Milk with turmeric and dates.
4. My Half of the Sky, Wheaton
My Half of the Sky is brewing a better world.Your organic coffee purchase supports the coffee farming communities to help provide fair wages and respect to farmers who work hard to create your morning java.
THEIR SECRET
My Half employs local women who are overcoming trauma and hardship from addictions, human trafficking or life as a refugee.
5. Café La Fortuna, Hinsdale/Willowbrook
Tucked away in an alley, Café La Fortuna in Hinsdale is an unexpected neighborhood gem.This family-run café daily roasts fresh Premium Mexican coffee made with their own beans from Chiapas, Mexico. Their popular Café de Olla with cinnamon and brown sugar is worth the trip to try. A second location is available in Willowbrook.
THEIR SECRET
They have been growing their coffee on their own family plantation since 1908.
6. Arcedium, St. Charles
For freshly roasted coffee and fun latte combinations like the French Toast Latte, Lavender Latte, and Caramel Latte, belly-up to the huge center bar at the Arcedium Coffeehouse.The café has a small-town friendly feel and serves many specialty sandwiches and paninis for a quick lunch.
THEIR SECRET
Acredium was named “Best Coffeehouse” for the 5th straight year by the Kane County Chronicle.
7. Sparrow Coffee, Naperville
Before spending the day walking the Naperville River Walk, stop in the new Water Street Development for a cup of coffee made with the latest technological advances. This coffeehouse offers a rotating selection of over 100 single origin coffees.
THEIR SECRET
Their milk is exclusive to Sparrow, sourced from a biodynamic organic farm in Wisconsin.It is the finest milk available, typically used only for cheese and butter-making.
8. Graham’s 318 Coffee House, Geneva
A definite local favorite for coffee, treats, lunch and just gathering with your friends.It is the sister store to Graham Chocolates, the ever-popular fine chocolate and ice cream shop, so chocolate is a central theme in this café. Currently renovating their shop, the Pop-up 318 Coffeehouse on Franklin is in service.
THEIR SECRET
Chocolate fondue is one of their popular offerings and they also have a dairy-free option.
9. Blackberry Market, La Grange and Glen Ellyn
This fast-casual café and bakery in downtown La Grange and Glen Ellyn offers premium coffee drinks, fresh baked goods and daily handcrafted meals that are non-processed and fresh.During the summer months, they provide prime outdoor seating.
THEIR SECRET
They create homemade dinners to-go to take home to your family.
10. Chapters Coffeehouse and Café, Batavia
Attached to the Batavia Public Library, Chapters is the perfect spot to grab a quick cup of Intelligentsia or a specialty latte and spend some time reading a new-found book.Platters of pastries and lunch sandwiches are available for a light meal or snack.
THEIR SECRET
They serve after school snacks of hummus plates and sliced apples with peanut butter.
Instead of always heading to your go-to coffee spot, it is fun to occasionally explore new local cafes, many with different offerings and unique atmospheres. These neighborhood coffeehouse owners have gone out of their way to create a welcoming space to help you unwind, relax and gather together. You never know - you may find your new “favorite”.
