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Intelligentsia Coffee
Coffee Shop and Café$$$$
Lake View East, Chicago
The experts at Travel + Leisure and Time Out Chicago recommend this place
"The original, and still my favorite Intelligentsia."(7 Tips)
"I always got a Gibraltar but always wanted more."(3 Tips)
"Great for a shot of espresso with a sparkling water cup aside!"(29 Tips)
"Good roast, great place to work"(4 Tips)
111 Tips and reviewsFilter:
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Grainne ReganJune 21, 2016Intelligentsia is a fantastical coffee experience. The baristas lovingly create coffee concoctions. The pastries are pretty good too - try their savoury croissant and almond tart. Quality.
LailaSa3ida .November 7, 2015Saturday is crazy here but their foamy creamy cappuccino is superb. If you like espresso more than watery American coffee, this is your place! Besides it's close to one of the main train stations!
Serious EatsMay 14, 2013Gone are the extra-large drinks and blender mochas, and in are a constantly rotating series of seasonal single origin coffees for the manual brew bar, or feature single origin and blended espressos.
Samantha RangelJanuary 27, 2015The drinks are always quality however the vibe at this shop is more "laptop" oriented and less "chatting with friends after dinner." The intelli fresh flowers are also something I look forward to.
Aaron CruzJune 19, 2016Very busy and popular North side Intelligentsia location off Broadway. Pour over the way to go. Baristas were extremely knowledge and helpful in the coffee experience.
Angelica DongalloMay 15, 2014Could've done without the croissant and sticky bun (I prefer semifreddi's and tartine), but the Agua Preta brewed coffee was the right amount of dark/bold for me!
The iced mocha is amazing, has to be the best in the city. The coffee is top notch. Good wifi, decent seating space, welcoming if you are looking for a place to sit down and work.
Redeye ChicagoAugust 3, 2014Espresso purists, pour-over nerds and latte lovers alike can find their caffeine fix at this coffee shop, which works directly with growers to develop its coffees and roasts its own beans locally. Read more
Cole KennedyFebruary 26, 2017Is Intelligentsia ever anything but great? The coffee and tea are near perfect and this location in particular is spacious with plenty of room to work.
Ask the barista to explain the differences among the beans if you don't have a favorite. They're all quite knowledgeable. I haven't been steered wrong yet, and now I know how to ask for what I prefer.- I always got a Gibraltar but always wanted more. I started ordering a medium latte with an extra extraction. Very similar in taste and you get a LOT more. Makes me so happy!!!
Linda FelterOctober 8, 2014A busy place to do business. If you happen to nab a table during the work day - covet it but be respectful and don't sprawl out.
Kaitlyn SassAugust 23, 2013Everything I've ever had from here is delicious. There is so much care out into their drinks, never had one that isn't perfect.
Hamid Alan9aryDecember 5, 2023One of the top places for coffee ☕️ in the StatesWish they had more desert options
ian hallMarch 27, 2011An absolute must whenever I visit Chicago...the sharply dressed baristas will dazzle you by topping off your beverage with their trademark 'flower.' Hit Reckless Records across the street afterward!- Rafael Coss Y Leon ZarcoDecember 19, 2013I like the new image but liked the old one better. Great for a shot of espresso with a sparkling water cup aside!
John ShrimpMarch 17, 2018Freshly roasted and proudly poured, we're working every day to bring you the finest Direct Trade and In Season coffee available.
Emily GlazeSeptember 29, 2015A bit pretentious but when your product (coffee) is that good, you can get away with it. Ask for recos on which brew to get.
Katie S-DMay 25, 2013Service isn't fast but it was fun to watch them turn out the coffee! Got the la perla & it was great. No sugar needed, which isn't usual for me.
Travel + LeisureMay 29, 2012At the North Broadway flagship, enjoy free Wi-Fi and glam-rock tunes with your signature syrupy and sweet Black Cat Classic espresso. Read more
No matter how big they get, still the coolest place on earth. Get the cortado to say (Gibraltar, I guess).
Time Out ChicagoJanuary 20, 2012"Back home where it all started in 1995, baristas keep it real with brisk service, perfect cappuccinos and meticulous cups of pour-over." Read more
SvenAugust 26, 2014The third or fourth Chicago Intelligentsia I've visited and just as good as all of them.
MoonchildSeptember 15, 2014slightly more expensive then all the other places, but absolutely worth it! Best Chai!
The remodel is great. The original location. Great tunes. Supreme coffee.
Loyola University ChicagoNovember 13, 2011The baristas here turn brewing into a work of art. You'll be motivated to get up early to grab a cup of coffee before the daily grind.
If you come in on a day when they're too busy to do the dishes and order an espresso, you might end up with a pint glass of sparkling water!
seth hochmanOctober 7, 2010got my coffee to go but wish i had time to chill here. my kinda coffee joint. good beans in the drinks, good beats on the soundsystem, lots of people wearing funky glasses (me included).
Dan GlapaSeptember 15, 2011Smile and be a little flirty with the wait staff and you might just get yourself a heart shaped frothy latte
Line was long but the coffee is worth it. Great renovations too!
Pretty good iced coffee, hard to find a place to sit on the weekend.
A perfect place to be adventurous with coffee. Just leave out the cream and sugar - it's not necessary.
Kristina NielsenSeptember 10, 2014Best coffee place in Chicago. If your in the city visit one off their coffee shops
Lukas PersaudDecember 31, 2015the coffee is good and it has a nice atmosphere, however the loud music makes it overwhelming.
Mocha is delicious! I believe they are using melted chocolate instead of chocolate syrup.
Mary Beth LeisenDecember 4, 2010LOVE the design of the Intelligentsia cafes (and the coffee, of course!). This is a joint to hang out in.
Ixta GerardOctober 19, 2011Great coffee, great place, great people - just don't go when you are in a rush
Thompson HotelsJune 20, 2011Our concierge Catherine at Sax Chicago says that Intelligentsia Coffee may be the best cup of coffee money can buy.
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Intelligentsia Coffee
3123 N Broadway St (at W Barry Ave)
Chicago, IL 60657
United States
Chicago, IL 60657
United States
Closed until 6:30 AM (Show more)
- Mon–Fri
- 6:30 AM–9:00 PM
- Sat–Sun
- 7:00 AM–9:00 PM
(773) 348-8058
Features
Reservations
No
Credit Cards
Yes (incl. Discover & Visa)
Wi-Fi
Free
Outdoor Seating
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible
Yes
Restroom
Yes
See More
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