This morning I find myself on the southern edge of Chicago’s “Loop” at Cafe Umbria, one of the highest rated places in the city for a cappuccino.
The cafe’s quaint, with a neighborhood feel which is inviting. My ritual order of a cappuccino, a bit dry, in a mug, was paired with an Americano, a Pan Au Chocolates and a ham & cheese pastry.
Considering Umbrias ratings on Yelp and Google, perhaps I expected a bit more. Quite a bit.
The cappuccino was presented without a degree of care I would have expected. Rather than “a bit dry”, the flavor was milk foam forward. However, the espresso underbelly was very enjoyable. The roast was smooth, yet bold.
The Americano was more enjoyable as the roast wasn’t masked by the facade of foam.
And, while I don’t make the trip for the pastry, the ham & cheese was served cold, and the Pan Au Chocolates that I typically enjoy wasn’t fresh.
Chicago is a wonderful city, despite what you may read in the press. Alive with people, foods, colors, and aromas that make it a fantastic weekend escape. I just hope to find a cappuccino worthy of the city.
Enjoy.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 3
Na Anna
Incredible!
Suzy Silvestre
Perfect perfect latte
Nhật Hạ
Outstanding overall.
EGIONA KOMINO
Not at all a real Italian breakfast. Macchiato was not good and the croissant was not good.over priced for what it offers. The place was fully occupied for hours by people working so you could not even sit for breakfast.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 4
Annie
I ordered the shaken espresso and it was good but just be prepared it comes without any default creamer or anything so you’ll basically get half a cup full of espresso. They charged 1$ extra for one pump of syrup in there which I feel like is a little unjustified but it was still ok. I ended up filling it up with some whole milk they had on the side. Was just unexpected for the price considering how other coffee shops do shaken espressos.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Anja H
stopped by in the early afternoon, small line but quick service! got an iced honey oat latte, which was good but not quite sweet enough for my preference. there's some seating outside as well as in the lobby of the connected building. $9 for a 12oz iced latte.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jannatul Jakria
Fabulous staff!
Maen Qadan
Great Americano and Late. I loved sitting outside and reading.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mariah carpenter
Quality specialty coffee in Chicago! Great lavender latte
I had the Caffè al Peppe and my boyfriend got a caramel latte. Both were really good! I don’t remember the exact ingredients of the Caffè al Peppe, but it was milky, with foam similar to a latte, a hint of spice (like pepper), and a nice touch of espresso bitterness, really unique.
The caramel latte was also great. It wasn’t on the menu, but my boyfriend wanted something sweet and the staff kindly offered to prepare it for him.
Both girls behind the bar were kind and professional. The place is quite small, but we really enjoyed sitting at the bar by the window.
This morning I find myself on the southern edge of Chicago’s “Loop” at Cafe Umbria, one of the highest rated places in the city for a cappuccino.
The cafe’s quaint, with a neighborhood feel which is inviting. My ritual order of a cappuccino, a bit dry, in a mug, was paired with an Americano, a Pan Au Chocolates and a ham & cheese pastry.
Considering Umbrias ratings on Yelp and Google, perhaps I expected a bit more. Quite a bit.
The cappuccino was presented without a degree of care I would have expected. Rather than “a bit dry”, the flavor was milk foam forward. However, the espresso underbelly was very enjoyable. The roast was smooth, yet bold.
The Americano was more enjoyable as the roast wasn’t masked by the facade of foam.
And, while I don’t make the trip for the pastry, the ham & cheese was served cold, and the Pan Au Chocolates that I typically enjoy wasn’t fresh.
Chicago is a wonderful city, despite what you may read in the press. Alive with people, foods, colors, and aromas that make it a fantastic weekend escape. I just hope to find a cappuccino worthy of the city.
Enjoy.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 3
Incredible!
Perfect perfect latte
Outstanding overall.
Not at all a real Italian breakfast. Macchiato was not good and the croissant was not good.over priced for what it offers. The place was fully occupied for hours by people working so you could not even sit for breakfast.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 4
I ordered the shaken espresso and it was good but just be prepared it comes without any default creamer or anything so you’ll basically get half a cup full of espresso. They charged 1$ extra for one pump of syrup in there which I feel like is a little unjustified but it was still ok. I ended up filling it up with some whole milk they had on the side. Was just unexpected for the price considering how other coffee shops do shaken espressos.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
stopped by in the early afternoon, small line but quick service! got an iced honey oat latte, which was good but not quite sweet enough for my preference. there's some seating outside as well as in the lobby of the connected building. $9 for a 12oz iced latte.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Fabulous staff!
Great Americano and Late. I loved sitting outside and reading.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Quality specialty coffee in Chicago! Great lavender latte
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
I had the Caffè al Peppe and my boyfriend got a caramel latte. Both were really good! I don’t remember the exact ingredients of the Caffè al Peppe, but it was milky, with foam similar to a latte, a hint of spice (like pepper), and a nice touch of espresso bitterness, really unique.
The caramel latte was also great. It wasn’t on the menu, but my boyfriend wanted something sweet and the staff kindly offered to prepare it for him.
Both girls behind the bar were kind and professional. The place is quite small, but we really enjoyed sitting at the bar by the window.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Pistachio latte was great
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Excellent coffee!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Thumbs up to the team!
I'm a loyal lifer.
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