“I met a friend here about a month ago. But before I go on, I want to preface that I'm not a big coffee drinker. In fact, if I'm gonna be totally honest, I really don't like coffee. I'll drink a mocha with oat milk and an extra shot of chocolate to overwhelm the coffee flavor and will do it hot or cold. I'll get a hot apple cider if a place has it or a good hot cup of hot chocolate. Blu Fig is nestled in the tiny Mill Shops in Long Grove. The main parking lot is already inadequate to handle everything here especially Joanie's Pizza and Broken Earth Winery. However, Blu Fig is a nice addition. The small coffee shop is on the corner when you first pull into the lot and its windows and entryway face inward to the parking area and not out onto one of the two main roads in downtown Long Grove. I arrived after my friend and ordered what I mentioned above and asked for a piece of lemon cake (pound cake). To say that both were delicious is an understatement. The mocha was made with love. Not just because they put a heart in the foam on top, but it tasted that way. They took their time perfecting my cup o'mocha and brought it to me in a to go cup with the top off to showcase their heart. The pastry was delicious and is sourced from the bakery a few doors down. It's a quaint spot with 15-20 seats. The owners (a couple) pour their heart and soul into Blu Fig and you can certainly tell. Wi-fi is available and is a great nook for reading, working, meeting friends, and to start or end your day.“
“Best Bakery ever. Their products are delicious and made with care and a lot of know-how. They use locally sourced wonderful flour (I use the same at home). Staff is wonderful as well. I visit them from out of state on a regular basis because they are better than anything I have found anywhere else.Even though fresh is the best, I can also freeze a loaf and it is still great after being defrosted.Their croissants are out of this world.“
“Came in on my birthday. To lovely ladies helped me and my friend out. Made us feel comfortable. She went over all the pros and cons and ect. No pushy to buy anything. Also got samples before buying the 24 oz cup. Cookies were amazing! The drinks are amazing and doesn’t taste like cannabis but hits .!“
“Waitress Liana at the Samarkand restaurant is a true embodiment of professionalism and attention to every guest. Her friendliness, smile and care make visiting this establishment even more pleasant and memorable. Liana is always ready to offer menu recommendations and provide a high level of service, which makes her one of the key elements of a comfortable and enjoyable restaurant experience.“
“Adam is the owner and strives to bring the community together through great coffee and experiences. You can’t help but to feel right at home in the shop and you’ll always find more than just great coffee- pastries, food, art or even make a new friend! There’s also a running club that meets every Wednesday and Saturday at 6am. Everyone is welcome!“
“I love donuts! I wanted to start with that so you know this is REAL! The "UBE" purple oreo is a really good donut. It's different from anything I've ever had. It's hard to explain, but it's worth trying for sure. Their cinnamon rolls are also very good.“
“We stopped in one afternoon to Harmony Coffee Bar. You know what harmony is ? A combination of things or parts that forms a connected and unified whole. That just about sums up our visit to this adorable cafe. I ordered the Gold Crush Latte which is topped with Dalgona which melted into the latte giving it a slightly sweet and mellow flavor. My companion ordered an iced Gold Crush Latte so they could enjoy the Dalgona as it slowly released its sugary cookie flavor into the coffee beverage. As we savored our drinks in the pleasant and cozy seating, they prepared our Croffle, a combination of croissant and waffle, and it was crispy and buttery and caramelly. All in all, a harmonious mix of flavors and textures that added up to a very pleasant midday interlude.“
“Spunky Dunkers Donuts isn’t just a donut shop; it’s a Palatine staple where every donut is a piece of local treasure. Their donuts are simply the best, bar none! The kids and I have made it our Sunday morning ritual to dive into their delightful treats, and it’s always a blast. Even with a line out the door, the wait is a small price for such big flavors. Do yourself a favor: try the Old Fashion! It’s a game-changer. Spunky Dunkers is the go-to place for anyone seeking donut perfection.“
Coffee Shops • $
“Tala Coffee Roasters was an excellent choice to find quality espresso, a fun but professional atmosphere, and knowledgeable staff who care about producing great results. The espresso was well balanced with amazing texture and the milk-based vanilla latte was just as good. It was a welcomed treat finding delicious old fashioned donuts and other pastries at the counter.If you are looking for whole bean coffee, these folks have what you’re looking for. Their labels provide you plenty of information about the coffee that is in the bag and most importantly; the bag has a roasted on date! This is something that a lot of roasters forget, but if you like to geek out over coffee, it is important to know just how fresh your beans are in order to get the best results from your coffee.“
“It's hard to get a bahn mi to be well balanced and I think this place gets it right. I'm a sucker for ginger chicken and it was great, the pickled veg rocked and the bread (arguably the most important component) was outstanding. Liked the counter style ordering and the tea I got was pretty good, I don't know tea so I got no notes. Nice music too and service was quick.“
“My kiddos and I absolutely love to make a stop at Something's Brewing in Downtown Grayslake. Great atmosphere, friendly service and they have the best pastries in town for sure. Coffee is delicious too. This is a wonderful local business and I highly recommend it!“
“First time ever visiting one of these locations was this past August and had a very pleasant first experience.It's one thing that a donut shop makes & bakes their donuts on site and brings them out on the racks, but a shop whose donuts are made-to-order and you have the option to customize your own.........that's awesome!In the vein of Krispy Kreme only better here, Duck Donuts is a growing sensation. These little guys are delicious and I'm so glad to have a location only a 12 mile drive south of my house in Beach Park.Definitely not cheap but the $25 I paid for the Duck dozen was well worth it. Venue is clean/sanitized, excellent donuts & coffee and customer service reigns supreme.The morning i came in here mid-week around 7:30am, I was the only customer in here but I suppose that could be different if it was located directly on IL 21. Located back futher on the side street probably keeps it from overcrowding.Definitely a hidden gem to be discovered if you haven't found it yet. I can't wait to get back in here and try a different dozen the next time, that Duck dozen was amazing!A limited but growing chain, currently only 3 locations in the entire state and all in the Chicago area. Some of the east coast states especially North Carolina have the most locations, lucky them.There's even 2 locations in Puerto Rico and 4 international locations, 1 in Canada and 3 in the middle east. I hope to know that those countries want more locations to come!I hope for continued growth for the franchise and future success & prosperity for the CEO and all store owners.?“
“Went in a few days ago and was greeted by the owner who totally over-served my 2 kids in the best way possible. We ordered minis and he gave huge portions with lots of the toppings we ordered. You could see he did it because he thought it was fun and wanted to see my girls happy. That's a perfect local business, and one that serves up delicious treats alongside the excellent and warm service.“
“Hi ! Thank you for reading my reviews! I'm happy! This cafe is unusual. The cafe is located on the site of an old car service station. In Europe this is unthinkable.. There is definitely the best coffee within a 100 mile radius! There is no design, but the atmosphere is beautiful in its simplicity! I would add small cups of expresso coffee and desserts with sponge cake. I recommend visiting!“
“Dalton's makes some of the best gluten free desserts I've ever had. I ask for their lemon bars for every birthday! They are so accommodating to all allergies and intolerances as well. I've tried a lot of their pastries and there hasn't been one I don't love. I got my first real paczki in 14 years there and it was amazing!! The owners are the kindest, funniest, most welcoming people ever. You don't even have to be gluten free to love their products! They're incredible!“
“All that it was hyped up to be! Brought my wife and son for a coffee but ended up trying the breakfast sandwich and pastries mmmmm so Devine. Everyone is super friendly, professional and attentive. This fine establishment is a military supporter so be sure to inform the cashier. I definitely recommend this Awesome coffee shop to Everyone!“
“Wonderful little local coffee shop. I stopped in here while my daughter was at a nearby volleyball tournament. Just what I had hoped to find. Coffee, service, comfort and atmosphere were all just right. I wish we had a place just like this in my hometown of Wheaton. I look forward to returning.“
“Hansa always does such a great job! Their staff are so nice and I tend to love their seasonal lattes. I look forward to my Hansa mornings (or evenings) and like getting my work done in their cafe while enjoying their drinks. I do wish they had a loyalty program, though!“
“This is the absolute best Boba shop I have ever been to. These treats are delicious, well-priced, and a wonderful environment. My favorite drink I would recommend to everyone would be would be the mango drink with popping Boba. An absolutely delicious combo! This is a great place to study, or have a work meeting. It's quiet calm and very extremely beautiful with nice decor and interior design.“
“I was here visiting from the East Coast What a pleasure to shop at this Dunkin’ Donuts especially Raj who makes you feel like you are the only customer , what a great way to start your day really set the cheerful attitude all day for me would highly recommend even coming from “
“It's good food at decent prices and no pretentiousness. Everyone I spoke to was friendly, I never had an empty coffee cup, and the portions were well sized.I got the chicken and waffles, and it was delicious, and the side of bacon I ordered was the perfect level of crispy.If I may be so cheesy, the best way I can think of to describe here is like eating at grandma's:Is it the prettiest, best food I've ever had in my life? No.Do I feel warm and comfortable and maybe just slightly too full when I leave, knowing that I cant wait to come back again? Absolutely.“
“Came here everyday for my daily fix while in the area for work. I got to spend some time the first two days talking with the owner and one of her daughters. I immediately was made to feel welcome and a part of the family. They roast onsite, the coffee is amazing and the pastries are fantastic. I brought two bags of their coffee home with me. Anytime I am back in this area, I will be going back. Go support a local small business by having a great cup of coffee.“
“The ambiance is rustic and old-style themed. A lot of woody vibes all around. I ordered an almond milk latte. I was surprised to see the look was good but taste was a bit dark and too much. The beans were good but tasted burnt. The notes of the coffee were not as sweet as I had thought they would be. Overall, the latte was smooth and velvety but lacked in taste. I would say a few tweaks and the coffee would be better.“
“I cannot wait to go in person and eat. I was craving Pho and this was among the top I’ve had.I ordered the Pho Ga, we also had the shrimp and egg rolls.The Pho Ga chicken was so good my children were stealing it.Can’t wait to dine-in and try more of their great food.Yes, they are cash only, and yes, it is worth it. I would rather have delicious, affordable Pho than wait for a price hiked, GrubHub delivery of cold, mediocre Pho.“
“I saw this place online through a search in the area for healthy foods. The physical place is very nice. The atmosphere is great too! The menu is much larger and diverse than you would expect from a small healthy food establishment. The food tasted great! I had the avocado toast, see pic. The only issue I had was that I received a single piece of GF bread with the avocado and egg on top for $16! I expected at least twice this for the price. This was definitely less food than I expected for the money! I suggest they reconsider the portion size for that much money. Otherwise, I really liked the place!“
Coffee Shops • $$
“I went to Eggsperience Breaskfast and Lunch in Elmwood Park, IL. This is same company name but in different location in Wheeling, IL. Both are similar food but different beverages. This place is modern, middle size building and very positive vibe when it's bad day!Macchiato cafe with Carmel flavor taste so natural sweet and less bitter. Southwest Benedict turns out so perfect like healthier.The waitress is so nice and patient to communicate with me and my friend.“
“Super cute, loved the atmosphere and the confections next door were also cute. Really relaxing atmosphere, great prices. I was very happy with my tea, and the person I came with commented it was some of the better expresso they've had.Parking: Spots are a little limited, but there's a decent enough amount“
“This is a wonderful little coffee shop. I've gone there a few times and it's amazing! Their hot chocolate is great so flavorful. But my absolute favorite drink has to be their hazelnut latte, which is so creamy and good! The atmosphere is great and so beautiful. It's nice and quiet as well as the perfect spot to study or have a work meeting. I would recommend Concious Cup to coffee to all coffee lovers. The baristas are amazing, and it looks like a great workplace!Vegetarian options: Menu doesn't have a lot of meat but only for some of the breakfast items.Parking: The parking lot is outside the train station where the conscious cup is located inside. There are plenty of spots and free parking.Wheelchair accessibility: There is a ramp leading up inside the train station. You can then go inside up to the main counter. There are also buttons located inside and outside, so the doors don't need manual opening.“
“The date cardamom latte, I asked for oat milk, was redolent of spice, with a cute heart in the foam. The croissant was soft, rather than flaky, but I'm not complaining because there wasn't a crumb left to be had. Solid offerings, friendly staff, efficient service.“
“YoFruito has one of the freshest frozen yogurt you can find in the area. They have my favorite tangy plain frozen yogurt and all sort of yummy flavors and toppings! Also love their fruit freeze using real frozen fruits.Kid-friendliness: Toys and other things that can keep the kids entertained for free.“
Coffee & Tea • $
“Wonderful location in Libertyville with an engaging and friendly staff. They take the time to get your order right, and I was very impressed with the Barista skills. The art of creating a milk foam icon (image of a fox ?) on my mocha was unique and made stopping a truly enjoyable experience. Highly recommend.“
“I love our hometown shops! Sweet Cs has been a staple in Palatine and one of my favorite places. Today I went to pick up a balloon order and ended up talking to the owner about future business ideas. She’s the best! Always greeted with kindness and she never forgets my name!! She offers military discounts (thank you for honoring their service) too. If you haven’t stopped in, go grab one of her delicious treats. You won’t be disappointed! She is one of the hardest working people ?“
“The place is warm, they always serve you with a smile, excellent service, you feel welcome, everything is very clean, the food is a delight, the speed with which they serve it is an important part and they are the best at doing their job.Blessings for all,Satisfied customer ?“
“If the coffee doesn't wake you up, the baristas certainly will with their upbeat positive energy! Definitely the friendliest Starbucks team I've encountered.Super refreshing to receive that kind of treatment ESPECIALLY in a drive-thru so early in the morning. Thank you!“
“TL;DR 5/5: This is how a café should be.Food 5/5: Spring Pea was the soup of the day on each of 2024 March 20 and 21. White cream decorated the vibrant, green soup as a barista would an artful latte and the colors enhanced a rich and textured soup which included strips of Genoa salami. The Rosemary Ham & Cheddar Savory Crepe, accompanied by a vinaigrette-topped salad, added further taste and temperature -- heavy and warm from the savory crepe, light and chilled from the salad -- to the meal. Next, while the Classic Bennie (Canadian bacon, poached eggs, with house salad) was also filling, the Denver Omelet (bell peppers, onion, rosemary ham, cheddar, and substituting chips for house salad) beat all of the above with not only its sunny eggs and bright red bell peppers but also its delicate flavor. And to drink, a hot, Honey Lavender Latte ("heavenly" was how I described it to a server who asked how everything was), proved to be popular for good reason.Service 5/5: Dining in was quasi counter-based, where one orders and pays at the counter, receives utensils and a number to set at their table, and has their meal brought to them and finished dishes cleared away by a server who may ask how the diner's meal was. Or at least that's how it went with me, with never a lag or rush. Great job.Atmosphere 5/5: Side street parking by this café was available. Inside it was fairly busy but not packed. And the interior was bright and airy, clean and comfortable, with tables and chairs thankfully not giving even a hint of violent wobbling, unlike those of some other eateries.“
“Super cute coffee shop! Their menu is extensive and includes so many different things, including breakfast. Their bakery is huge and has a ton of baked goods, from muffins to scones and cookies.I got their Baja beef labretti with some veggies and hummus, which was super yummy. Their chai latte is also delicious.It does get quite crowded. I went on a Wednesday at lunch time and the line was through the door. I'd recommend going earlier or around 1-2pm to skip the rush.“
“It’s a lovely bakery. I’ve had their cakes, macarons and pastries. My new favorite is the ube latte!Would love to give 5 stars however their customer service could use some work. The young lady working on Sunday 3/3 was very rude to my husband and I.“
“I have now visited this place a few times. I was here when they first opened and they needed to work out the kinks. I visited again when their pastries seemed to only come out of the refrigerated shelves and now they have a case with pastries. The two women working were nice when I arrived both greeting me separately when I walked in. One worked solely on drive thru orders and didn't help out the main counter if there was no one in the drive thru. The other working the main counter took her time making my drink of choice: hot mocha with oatmilk and an extra pump of chocolate (not a coffee drinker here). She filled my mug to the brim with artistic yumminess. It's a fairly open concept inside with two Jeni's ice cream coolers along one wall and a refrigerated cooler with juice cold brew canned coffees, bagels, fruit and other items. There's plenty of seating and plenty of space so you aren't on top of others. They have bistro tables, high chairs with a counter along two windows, low tables for 2/4/6 people for privacy to collaboration, and they have comfortable chairs and couches with coffee tables. It's a great place to start your day, conduct business, meet up with family and friends or to just kick back with a nice cup of Joe and a decent nosh.“
“Stopped by for a late night boba run as this is one is open late. It is small but they have a wide variety of options and they have some seating but It is very popular. There were no tables available because it was packed. Parking can get tricky depending on how busy it is, you may need to park in the back. I ordered a regular size brown sugar milk tea with tapioca boba. It was on the sweeter side than I'm use to. I enjoyed the tapioca balls they had a good consistency to them. I'd be curious to try some other flavors and items on their menu.“
“Great small business donut shop. The donuts are made fresh, so try and get there early. Our kids love picking out thier favorite donut. It's become a tradition for us to head there after church on Sundays. The staff are friendly and the donuts are delicious.“
“I love the music here, I love the gorgeous atmosphere, I love the servers and the owners. Get whatever u want to drink and a snack and enjoy the gorgeous alley and bar and Lake Bluff sidewalk. I wish I could get here more often, maybe it's better I don't!“
“Love kung fu tea!! But especially this location. The ambience is so nice and gives such a welcoming feel, not to mention the space is so large. The employees are always super nice, and always make sure your drink is made well! The tapioca itself never disappoints and every drink I have had from here is so so good!“
“Loved this place! The lady who took my order was friendly and patient with me. I wanted to order everything off the menu ? I couldn't decide on what I wanted. Ordered chocolate and vanilla ice cream with chocolate churros and OMG! DELICIOUS! We ordered churros to go for our 11-hour drive home to Alabama. Let's just say they didn't make it to see Alabama! We also purchased three chamoy rims they had up front. The mango is my favorite!“
“A well-needed casual cafe in Lake Forest outside of the typical Starbucks offerings. Great size, nice patio in the warmer months. Menu is pretty large. Coffee, smoothies, and pastries are fantastic (the cookies are quite decadent). Service is great - while you order at the counter, your food is brought to your table (and cleaned up afterwards)!My only gripe is that the entrees are pretty bland. Bagels are flavorless, sandwiches need more spreads/seasoning. It's like the don't use salt/butter or something.They are fine, but quite expensive for being mediocre. I guess you are paying for the service more than the food. 2 coffees, 2 breakfast sandwiches, and 1 pastry to share between my wife and I was close to $50 before tip...“
“I’ll start with the positives! It’s great to have a store—let alone a bubble tea spot—open as late as 11 PM in the suburbs. The interior is very cute and the menu has a nice variety.My sister and I ordered the mango smoothie and green matcha milk tea. The mango smoothie was good, but it tasted more like durian than mango. The green matcha milk tea was just tapioca and sweet water ? which would be somewhat acceptable if not for the menu picture, which advertises a very different drink. It may be on us for ordering a less popular item, though..“
“West Town Bakery opened another location! They have branched out to the suburbs and created an awesome space with a connection to OKAY dispensary. This place is awesome. The bakery continues to impress and by the way has the most FABULOUS gluten free selections, I LOVE the cake balls! There is also a very cool inviting lounge attached to OKAY which I highly recommend visiting as well. Now I hear they are expanding and opening a new location in Evanston in early 2024, can't wait to see that. Nice job West Town, keep up the good work, I will see you soon!Dietary restrictions: BEST gluten free baked goods EVER!“
“This is a cute little gelato shop right in the heart of downtown Libertyville! They have a nice selection of gelato, that seems to be made fresh there. It's not the best I've had, but definitely still recommend! The staff there has always been super nice as well.“
Coffee Shops • $
“Gloria Jeans Coffee at Hawthorn Mall offers a delightful coffee experience with its diverse range of flavors. The coffee is exceptionally tasty, satisfying varying preferences. The ambiance is well-decorated, creating a pleasant atmosphere for coffee enthusiasts. The availability of comfortable seating near the coffee counter adds to the overall experience, making it an inviting space to relax. The staff at Gloria Jeans Coffee is commendable, providing good service and contributing to a positive customer experience. In summary, it's a nice place to enjoy a flavorful cup of coffee, surrounded by appealing decor and friendly staff.“
“It's your typical Starbucks. I've always been happy with the service here but keep in mind this place can get busy. Utilize the app and mobile ordering to get your order faster or have it ready for pickup. There is a decent amount of seating if you want to dine in.“
“This is my husband’s and my favorite breakfast stop while traveling from Illinois to Tennessee. Why can’t other McDonald’s be just as good? We always have freshly baked breakfast sandwiches with efficient and friendly service. Real clean too. Look forward to another visit on our next trip.“