We stopped in for a quick lunch and so glad we did. We got a few things so we didn’t have to venture back out and everything was delicious. The Meg (called the Spice Girl on the online menu) was bomb, the flavors throughout were amazing and the ciabatta was nice and soft instead of being really firm like a lot can be. The Hangover Helper had a great combo of sweet and savory but the biscuits and gravy…. I wish I had more than one order. We also got a vanilla latte and chai latte (the chai has a lot of spice which was awesome), but the strawberry shortcake roll was a little tough. Will absolutely be back!
Updated from previous review on 2026-02-15
Nicole Coffield
Their Greek wrap and breakfast burritos are the stuff of legend. Everything is house-made and cooked right in front of you, which makes the experience feel extra special. Add in their in-house roasted coffee and espresso plus the cozy atmosphere, and you’ve got one of Chico’s true gems.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Allen
Upon a recent morning, finding myself possessed of both leisure and a modest desire for refreshment, I ventured into an establishment bearing the gentle and affectionate title of “Tender, Loving Coffee Shop.” I confess, dear reader, that I anticipated nothing more extraordinary than a cup of warm beverage and perhaps a quiet corner in which to collect my thoughts. What I encountered instead was an affair so peculiar that I feel compelled to record it for the benefit of future patrons.
Upon crossing the threshold, I was greeted not by the customary bell, but by a solemn chime resembling the toll of a distant chapel. Three attendants emerged at once, each attired in garments of such unusual cut and color that I momentarily wondered whether I had intruded upon a private theatrical rehearsal. One carried a ledger of impressive size, another bore a steaming kettle, and the third held aloft a small brass instrument whose purpose I could not immediately discern.
The menu, rather than being printed upon paper, was presented to me in the form of a great leather-bound tome, its pages filled with elaborate script and flourishes. Among its offerings were beverages with titles so enigmatic as to border upon the poetic: “The Reverie Tonic,” “The Scholar’s Respite,” and “The Elixir of Tempered Fortitude.” Feeling adventurous, I selected the latter.
While awaiting my order, I surveyed the room and found the seating arrangements to be of a most unconventional nature. Instead of chairs, the establishment provided a variety of wooden stools carved into the likenesses of various woodland creatures. I seated myself upon a fox of respectable craftsmanship, though its expression suggested mild disapproval.
Presently, the attendants commenced what they referred to as “The Ceremony of Steeped Intentions.” The lights dimmed, a faint mist arose from some unseen contrivance, and the brass instrument produced a tone both haunting and unexpectedly cheerful. The attendants recited a brief verse concerning the virtues of patience in the brewing of coffee, after which they bowed deeply to the assembled patrons — of whom I appeared to be the sole representative.
My beverage arrived in a cup of unusual geometry, possessing twelve sides and a handle shaped like a serpent. The Elixir of Tempered Fortitude proved to be a most invigorating concoction, though its flavor suggested that the beans had been persuaded, rather than compelled, to surrender their essence.
At one point, an elderly gentleman seated near the window rose abruptly, declared that he had “at last deciphered the message,” and departed with great haste. The attendants applauded his revelation, though its nature was not disclosed to me.
Sensing that further mysteries might soon unfold — and wishing to preserve what remained of my composure — I took my leave with polite haste. I departed with the impression that Tender, Loving Coffee Shop is less a purveyor of beverages and more a sanctuary for the whims of the eccentric and the contemplative.
I recommend it to any traveler who delights in curiosities, provided he enters with an open mind and a steady constitution.
Ava Moon
Favorite cozy Chico coffee shop with enjoyable atmosphere and tasty coffee for a good price. Love this part of Chico! ; )
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Rebecca Walton
I love a vegan cafe and I love the vibe of this place. However, they really need to work on their service. There should not be one person manning the espresso machine and taking orders, and chatting it up with customers. There was a second person there working who was just socializing with customers. It was not busy when I went but I waited at least 15 minutes for a simple order.
Service: 3
Marlena Davisson
I got a peppermint mocha cold brew with peppermint foam, one of the best drinks i’ve had at a coffee shop. Staff is always so friendly and polite! Love this place!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kyle Mueller
Pleasant staff, good espresso, and a culinary magician behind the counter. I didn't know a vegan grilled cheese could be this good. It's a bit of a walk for me, but always worth it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Robert Dailey
They do not honor their hours. Planned to eat lunch. Hours say they are open till 2:00. They closed and would not serve us at 12:00. Nice atmosphere... But good luck on the hours of service.
I really see no reason to go. Unless you are vegan and you have a fair bit of money to spend, there is no need to go. Everything is expressive and the only allure i see is that it's vegan. I got a breakfast sandwich and one piece of avocado toast for $21.37 with a 20+ minutes wait, and it was just ok. Maybe i would've loved it if i was vegan, but as it stands, i dont think non-vegans should go here
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 2
Rahul Vishwakarma
amazing morning breakfast and coffee place that feels personal
StephanieIce
I got their special which was a Ricotta Toast with Pears and balsamic glaze. I enjoyed it very much with my lavender oatmilk latte
Angela Gayheart
I really wanted to love this place, but my experience left me disappointed. I ordered a decaf lavender latte, a love bug, and a lemon sweet roll, spending nearly $27 with the tip. Despite repeating my order three times, the process felt unorganized, and I waited a long time without any updates. It wasn’t particularly busy—there were only a few other people waiting or sitting—but it seemed the staff was struggling to keep up.
When I finally got my drink, it wasn’t what I expected. A 20oz cup that’s half foam and leaking when set down just isn’t worth the price. While the flavor was okay, the overall experience didn’t make me want to return.
I hope this feedback helps the business improve, as I can see potential here, but unfortunately, I can’t recommend it based on my visit.
Parking: There is no disabled parking at this location there is an alley area to get up the very high curb.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 1
Sam Nichelini
Waited over one hour for food. Gal cooking took our order then just sat and chatted with her friends for 30min before she started preparing it. Really hard to entertain a family in small coffee shop that long. Won’t be back.
We stopped in for a quick lunch and so glad we did. We got a few things so we didn’t have to venture back out and everything was delicious. The Meg (called the Spice Girl on the online menu) was bomb, the flavors throughout were amazing and the ciabatta was nice and soft instead of being really firm like a lot can be. The Hangover Helper had a great combo of sweet and savory but the biscuits and gravy…. I wish I had more than one order. We also got a vanilla latte and chai latte (the chai has a lot of spice which was awesome), but the strawberry shortcake roll was a little tough. Will absolutely be back! Updated from previous review on 2026-02-15
Their Greek wrap and breakfast burritos are the stuff of legend. Everything is house-made and cooked right in front of you, which makes the experience feel extra special. Add in their in-house roasted coffee and espresso plus the cozy atmosphere, and you’ve got one of Chico’s true gems.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Upon a recent morning, finding myself possessed of both leisure and a modest desire for refreshment, I ventured into an establishment bearing the gentle and affectionate title of “Tender, Loving Coffee Shop.” I confess, dear reader, that I anticipated nothing more extraordinary than a cup of warm beverage and perhaps a quiet corner in which to collect my thoughts. What I encountered instead was an affair so peculiar that I feel compelled to record it for the benefit of future patrons.
Upon crossing the threshold, I was greeted not by the customary bell, but by a solemn chime resembling the toll of a distant chapel. Three attendants emerged at once, each attired in garments of such unusual cut and color that I momentarily wondered whether I had intruded upon a private theatrical rehearsal. One carried a ledger of impressive size, another bore a steaming kettle, and the third held aloft a small brass instrument whose purpose I could not immediately discern.
The menu, rather than being printed upon paper, was presented to me in the form of a great leather-bound tome, its pages filled with elaborate script and flourishes. Among its offerings were beverages with titles so enigmatic as to border upon the poetic: “The Reverie Tonic,” “The Scholar’s Respite,” and “The Elixir of Tempered Fortitude.” Feeling adventurous, I selected the latter.
While awaiting my order, I surveyed the room and found the seating arrangements to be of a most unconventional nature. Instead of chairs, the establishment provided a variety of wooden stools carved into the likenesses of various woodland creatures. I seated myself upon a fox of respectable craftsmanship, though its expression suggested mild disapproval.
Presently, the attendants commenced what they referred to as “The Ceremony of Steeped Intentions.” The lights dimmed, a faint mist arose from some unseen contrivance, and the brass instrument produced a tone both haunting and unexpectedly cheerful. The attendants recited a brief verse concerning the virtues of patience in the brewing of coffee, after which they bowed deeply to the assembled patrons — of whom I appeared to be the sole representative.
My beverage arrived in a cup of unusual geometry, possessing twelve sides and a handle shaped like a serpent. The Elixir of Tempered Fortitude proved to be a most invigorating concoction, though its flavor suggested that the beans had been persuaded, rather than compelled, to surrender their essence.
At one point, an elderly gentleman seated near the window rose abruptly, declared that he had “at last deciphered the message,” and departed with great haste. The attendants applauded his revelation, though its nature was not disclosed to me.
Sensing that further mysteries might soon unfold — and wishing to preserve what remained of my composure — I took my leave with polite haste. I departed with the impression that Tender, Loving Coffee Shop is less a purveyor of beverages and more a sanctuary for the whims of the eccentric and the contemplative.
I recommend it to any traveler who delights in curiosities, provided he enters with an open mind and a steady constitution.
Favorite cozy Chico coffee shop with enjoyable atmosphere and tasty coffee for a good price. Love this part of Chico! ; )
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I love a vegan cafe and I love the vibe of this place. However, they really need to work on their service. There should not be one person manning the espresso machine and taking orders, and chatting it up with customers. There was a second person there working who was just socializing with customers. It was not busy when I went but I waited at least 15 minutes for a simple order.
Service: 3
I got a peppermint mocha cold brew with peppermint foam, one of the best drinks i’ve had at a coffee shop. Staff is always so friendly and polite! Love this place!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Pleasant staff, good espresso, and a culinary magician behind the counter. I didn't know a vegan grilled cheese could be this good. It's a bit of a walk for me, but always worth it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
They do not honor their hours. Planned to eat lunch. Hours say they are open till 2:00. They closed and would not serve us at 12:00. Nice atmosphere... But good luck on the hours of service.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 1
I will return. Wonderful selection of food.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Good place, good coffee, good food!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
I really see no reason to go. Unless you are vegan and you have a fair bit of money to spend, there is no need to go. Everything is expressive and the only allure i see is that it's vegan. I got a breakfast sandwich and one piece of avocado toast for $21.37 with a 20+ minutes wait, and it was just ok. Maybe i would've loved it if i was vegan, but as it stands, i dont think non-vegans should go here
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 2
amazing morning breakfast and coffee place that feels personal
I got their special which was a Ricotta Toast with Pears and balsamic glaze. I enjoyed it very much with my lavender oatmilk latte
I really wanted to love this place, but my experience left me disappointed. I ordered a decaf lavender latte, a love bug, and a lemon sweet roll, spending nearly $27 with the tip. Despite repeating my order three times, the process felt unorganized, and I waited a long time without any updates. It wasn’t particularly busy—there were only a few other people waiting or sitting—but it seemed the staff was struggling to keep up.
When I finally got my drink, it wasn’t what I expected. A 20oz cup that’s half foam and leaking when set down just isn’t worth the price. While the flavor was okay, the overall experience didn’t make me want to return.
I hope this feedback helps the business improve, as I can see potential here, but unfortunately, I can’t recommend it based on my visit.
Parking: There is no disabled parking at this location there is an alley area to get up the very high curb.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 1
Waited over one hour for food. Gal cooking took our order then just sat and chatted with her friends for 30min before she started preparing it. Really hard to entertain a family in small coffee shop that long. Won’t be back.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 1
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