Coffee Shop Reviews

If you live in Chicago, you’ll be very familiar with the name Intelligentsia Coffee. While it is a name synonymous with Windy City, the company now has branches in New York, Los Angeles, and Texas, while additionally selling a range of products for home brewing.

Whether popping into the iconic first-ever Intelligentsia Coffee store in Chicago or one of the subsequent venues, my impartial guide will provide clear insight into what should be expected from your visit.

Intelligentsia Coffee Coffee Bar: A Background

The Intelligentsia Coffee brand’s story started back in 1995 when Doug Zell and Emily Mange opened their first store in Broadway, Chicago. The company has grown from strength to strength over the past quarter-century and is firmly considered one of the biggest names in the third wave coffee movement.

The business was purchased by Peet’s Coffee & Tea in 2015 but continues to trade under its original name while also maintaining the brewing methods that have made it so popular in the first place.

Intelligentsia Coffee is known or sourcing its coffee beans directly from growers in Central America, South America, East Africa, and Ethiopia. They brew their coffee in-store for guaranteed flavor and freshness while also establishing a personal and intimate relationship with consumers, which has largely been lost by some of the globe’s biggest brands.

Their growing reputation has facilitated the opening of several subsequent stores throughout Chicago.

In 2007, the company opened its first store outside of Illinois – at Sunset Junction in Los Angeles – and has since opened several more from coast to coast.

The coffee bars are a hit with regulars and tourists alike while the store aspects allow customers to stock up on the ingredients and home brewing facilities needed to improve their daily coffee drinking habits. The brand also boasts several training labs and roasting works, further underlining their growth as a company while staying true to the ideal that supported the two owners throughout those early years.

The owners also oversee the operations of all stores to promote consistency across the brand. On a personal note, despite trying some of their home blends in the past, I’d never managed to visit one of their iconic Chicago coffee houses before.

It’s been 25 years in the making, and my anticipation was high. Without giving too much away, I wasn’t disappointed.

Intelligentsia Coffee Shop: First Thoughts

The Intelligentsia Coffee shopfront is instantly recognizable to any coffee lover even if, like I was, you’re an Intelligentsia Coffee bar virgin. From the outside, it looks relatively small.

Once you step inside, though, you realize that it’s deceptively big and feels relatively spacious despite being busy (at least, it was when I visited).

The simple seating layouts offer nothing luxurious but are attractive to the eye and comfortable. The internal seating areas are supplemented by an outside dining area that boasts a few potted plants for aesthetic beauty.

This all creates a positive vibe that reflects the community atmosphere that the brand is built upon.

Once lining up, my next impressions revolved around the cleanliness of the dining areas as well as the coffee-brewing areas.

While the history of the brand was found on using old brewing facilities, the machinery found in the coffee house today is of the highest standards. I presume this is to meet the high traffic levels.

The baristas were well dressed and treated the customers in front of me in a polite and friendly manner – they even seemed to get people’s names right, amazing eh…

I can’t deny that the prices are quite steep. As such, I can imagine Intelligentsia Coffee prices a lot of people out of choosing this as their daily stop off en route to work.

However, if you’re a true coffee lover, you will be prepared to pay an extra dollar if the quality of the brew justifies the price increase. The passion that the baristas (and the owners) show is a very good starting point.

Intelligentsia Coffee Shop: The Menu

Intelligentsia Coffee makes all the right noise in other aspects of the process. However, the key ingredient in the recipe for success lies with the quality of the coffee.

The fact that the business model has been able to evolve and grow over the past 25 years to introduce additional branches suggests that the locals are happy.

There are several factors to consider when analyzing the quality of coffee houses offerings. Here’s everything you need to know.

Variety

Intelligentsia Coffee is a major force in Chicago and has quickly established itself as a growing name in its other coffee house destinations. As such, it should be no surprise that they offer a wide variety of hot and cold beverages aimed at consumers of various ages, backgrounds, and taste profiles.

Their brewed coffees include a silky chocolate and apricot variant from beans sourced in Guatemala, a peach and jasmine blend from Ethiopia, and an apple and honeycomb blend also from the African nation.

The espressos include the signature dark chocolate and ripe cherry hints of the Black Cat Classic as well as the peach and jasmine Tikur Anbessa blend.

The espresso shots form the heart of various coffees, covering all the favorites you’d expect of a major coffee house. This includes cappuccino, latte, mocha, Angeleno, and macchiato.

All of them can be brewed to your personal tastes while each can include the addition of sugars, syrups, and other extras. Turkish variants that do not use milk and decaf options are available too.

Cold-brewed iced coffee, hot chocolate, chai tea (iced or regular), and a variety of loose leaf teas (green, white, black, herbal, and oolong) complete a fairly large menu. It was more than capable of satisfying my coffee needs, so I’ve no doubt that most consumers will be impressed during their visit.

Presentation

A nice setting and a wide variety of beverages to choose from sets a great platform for success. As far as I’m concerned, though, there are two issues that stand out as the most important by far: appearance and taste.

Intelligentsia Coffee’s comforting surroundings at the flagship Chicago coffee house get the situation off to a winning start. While I ordered two drinks during my stay (both of which came in ceramic mugs), I noted that other customers had their drinks delivered in glass mugs, tumblers, and teacups depending on what beverage was ordered.

While it should be expected of a top coffee house, any frequent user of coffee bars will know that lots of companies fall short here either through a lack of choices or lack of passion from baristas.

I tried a cappuccino and a latte – ordered individually – to note how the barista presented the coffee. Both drinks were made fresh in front of my eyes with both showing the aesthetic appeal that you’d expect of a freshly brewed coffee from strong beans.

The steamed milk on the latte was a good consistency while the barista did go the extra effort to put a little flower design in the foam. Was it the best piece of coffee artwork I’ve ever seen?

No. But I hadn’t asked for it, which shows genuine care for the craft, especially as the venue was pretty busy when I placed the order.

All in all, the full-bodied appearance of the coffee combined with the careful preparation and coffee art ensures that your enjoyment of the coffee starts as soon as it arrives at your table.

Taste

So, the two drinks I ordered were the Tikur Anbessa cappuccino and the Black Cat Classic latte – in that order.

The Tikur Anbessa cappuccino was decorated with a sprinkling of chocolate powder in a leaf design. The ratio of espresso to steamed milk to foamed milk was good while the healthy amount of extra foam naturally dominates that initial sip.

However, once the warming and bold espresso shot hit my lips, the flavor profile was very pleasing. The blend of coffee, steamed milk, foam, and chocolate offered a full, smooth, and sweet taste that conjures thoughts of home – even though the light and airy milk are vastly different from what you’ll get with your instant homemade cappuccino.

A fruity hint is evident in the espresso shot, which I personally liked. Of course, you could opt for the Black Cat Classic shot to be used, but the chocolate flavor can be a little overpowering when combined with the chocolate powder.

The Black Cat Classic is the espresso I chose for the latte order, though. There’s more steamed milk and less foam, as expected, and this came with flower art.

Perhaps the choice of art on both drinks is to promote their ethical brand, although it may have been a coincidence.

The espresso shot was chocolatey and warming, mixing particularly well with the steamed milk. Despite the caffeine hit, I could have easily hit the sack straight after this comforting drink.

Watching the world pass by out of the window while the warm milk and coffee danced down my throat in a smooth manner was a joy.

I’d say that the latte was a little less bold, and more focused on the sweetness. Both drinks were very tasty, though, and I’d be more than happy to try out some of their other offerings.

Intelligentsia Coffee’s premium quality beans and fresh brewing methods are a winning combination.

Food

You won’t always want a bite to eat with your coffee, but it’s always nice to have the option. After all, we all love sitting down with a brew and a snack.

Intelligentsia Coffee started to team up with Chicago company Pastoral Artisan Cheese Bread & Wine in 2012, providing consumers with a range of pastries, sandwiches, cookies, desserts, and nibbles to be enjoyed with your coffee or tea.

The selection is very good while the proximity of the two companies means that the pastries I tried were pretty fresh. Honestly, I can’t start raving about the food as it didn’t do anything out of the ordinary.

On the other hand, the food was competitively priced and more than adequate to it on the side of a delicious coffee. I could personally live without those extra treats, but those wanting to sit down with their friends or relatives will find that the food is a welcomed addition – particularly if you have children in your party.

Intelligentsia Coffee Shop: Other Products

The Intelligentsia Coffee brand isn’t limited to coffee bars. It is also possible to buy coffee beans directly from the company as well as a range of branded merchandise at their stores.

This includes ceramic mugs, tumblers, travel mugs, filter mugs, beanies, tee shirts, hoodies, and more.

Homebrewing facilities include steaming pitchers, various kettle styles, filters, scales, drippers, grinders, and electric brewers. This allows you to get the most out of the instant coffee beans that can be purchased as Turkish grinds, whole bean, French press, and stovetop espresso variants (among others) or the home.

Whether purchased as gifts or as a treat to yourself in a bid to extend the Intelligentsia Coffee experience, their value or money is very good too.

The Final Verdict

Intelligentsia Coffee is now a fully-fledged chain of coffee houses across the USA, but it continues to retain the core principals that are often associated with independent coffee bars. It provides a welcoming and atmospheric venue for enjoying your favorite brew, either alone or with loved ones.

Crucially, the ethically sourced ingredients are brewed to order, producing the rich, flavorsome beverages that every coffee lover craves from coffee house coffee.

From the reviews and photos of seen of other venues under the brand, there is a good blend of consistent quality and unique tones to each venue. The coffee is of good quality, the service is friendly and passionate, the homebrew products are versatile, and the décor is interesting albeit slightly less unique due to the opening of extra stores.

My final verdict for Intelligentsia Coffee is a strong 4 out of 5.

Located in the thriving district of St Paul, Cahoots Coffee Bar is one of the Gopher State’s hottest coffee establishments, attracting hundreds of regulars and tourists alike on a daily basis. I visited the atmospheric bar in early November to see what the fuss was all about.

Whether you’re Minnesotan resident or planning a trip to the land of 10,000 lakes, my honest review will reveal all you need to know – from what to expect from your trip to whether it’s actually worth visiting.

Cahoots Coffee Bar: A Background

Cahoots Coffee Bar is conveniently situated in a thriving Union Park District of St Paul and is popular with local shoppers and business folk as well as students at the nearby Concordia University and Macalester College campuses. Similarly, the State Capital’s healthy living enthusiasts often pop in after their sessions at Tula Yoga & Wellness, which is under a quarter-mile away from the coffee house.

The store has been under the ownership of Saed Kakish since 1997 and is one of the city’s longest-standing and most recognizable coffee bars. The small yet iconic venue boasts a timeless community vibe, offering a plethora of beverages and snacks that have been heavily influenced by Turkish and Middle Eastern traditions.

This offers a unique experience while still providing the simple joys of delighting the tastebuds and getting a caffeine hit while watching the world go by, either through the window or from the venue’s patio.

Cahoots Coffee Bar is a hit with locals and visitors alike. It can back this up with a number of awards and accolades.

Among the coffee shops rewards are a Charlie Award for an Outstanding Cup of Coffee, a Golden Cup Award for continued brewing quality as per the Specialty Coffee Association of America standards, and an induction into the Saint Paul Neighborhood Honor Roll in recognition of their impact on the local neighborhood.

All in all, then, I made the journey to Saint Paul with high hopes of experiencing great coffee, culture, and company – not least because other reviewers online had plenty of positive things to say.

Cahoots Coffee Bar: First Impressions

Even before stepping inside, Cahoots Coffee Bar juxtaposed blend of quaint and lively vibes is clear even from the outside. The frontal patio, neon lighting signs, and overhead awning create a simple yet effective vibe that feels very welcoming indeed.

Furthermore, with Whole Foods just a few doors down, the authentic community atmosphere that’s often lost in this modern age is palpable – it’s a big improvement on the bland tendencies of various chain coffee stores.

Stepping inside the coffee bar almost felt like a step back in time, but in a positive way. The walls and shelves are decorated with various photos, elegant crockery, and ornaments.

Meanwhile, the menu is written on a chalkboard that complements the traditional – almost rustic – vibe to perfection. Even as a first-time visitor, the Cahoots Coffee Bar feels like home.

In many ways, this is the biggest compliment I can give the venue itself, not least because the small team of baristas and waiting staff provide a welcoming and friendly service too.

The coffee bar was still in the transitional phase of setting up its festive décor, so it would’ve been nice to see how the interior design is transformed at this time of the year. I can only imagine that the wintery vibes would feel wholesome and capture the magic of the holiday season with brightly colored lights, trees, et al.

An outside patio area is also available. It was a little too cold at this time of the year for my liking, but I did take a sneak peek, and it looked peaceful and pleasant. I can imagine it’s a winner in the Spring and Summer.

Cahoots Coffee Bar: The Drinks

As a coffee reviewer, the quality of the drinks on offer will always be the barometer I use to decide whether a coffee house is worthy of a visit. Over the course of two days, I made three trips to Cahoots – two in the daytime, and one in the evening – to sample a selection of coffees.

While I still didn’t have a chance to taste anywhere near the full menu, I feel it gave a more than adequate insight into what they are about.

On a side note, I did try a chai tea too. I’m not a connoisseur by any means, but the spiced ginger undertones were an enjoyable way to end my evening visit to the coffee cafe.

Anyway, I tried five types of coffee during the 48 hours. Here’s my verdict on each.

Turkish Coffee

Turkish coffee covers most types of beverages that you’re familiar with. This is because the term primarily relates to the brewing method.

Cahoots uses an authentic Turkish brew by using unfiltered, finely ground coffee beans.

However, the dark Turkish brewed drink is their signature. My first thought was “wow, this is strong”, but in a good way.

The baristas will add sugar to counterbalance the bitter tastes during the brewing process rather than after, ensuring that you get a smooth yet powerful brew. However, it is possible to ask them to hold back on this – though I’d avoid it.

Milk and cream are not added, which is why this is always a popular choice for those seeking a stronger drink. I had it in the morning, and it certainly woke me up.

Lavender White Mocha

The house specialty, the Lavender White Mocha was served hot in a sizeable mug. With a circle of white foam surrounded by the chocolatey mocha to the edges, it looked extremely appealing.

After one sip, I could see why the owner is so eager to show off their signature drink.

Hints of chocolate and lavender blend perfectly with the rich, fresh coffee beans to produce a stunning sweet yet bold aroma as you prepare for that first sip. The unmistakable white mocha taste dances on the tastebuds before sliding down the throat to warm your stomach in a way that only a comforting fresh coffee with chocolate undertones can.

The lavender-infused white mocha is made from a family recipe, bringing a unique flavor that you won’t experience anywhere else. The love and passion are evident while I think trying it in the colder months certainly added something special to the occasion.

Cappuccino

Cappuccinos are a go-to drink for many morning coffee drinkers. When I drink one, it’s usually because I crave a bold flavor and big hit of the coffee.

The Cahoots Coffee cappuccino ticked that box emphatically while still providing an undertone of sweetness from the milk.

Coffee art isn’t personally something that makes or breaks my verdict, but it’s always a nice addition. The baristas added a little design in the coffee, which adds to the feeling that this is a place where coffee is made with passion.

It added to the texture too. You can always tell the difference between a good cappuccino and an instant one. I’d give this a 4 out of 5.

While Cahoots does offer a range of syrups and extras, I opted for a standard cappuccino on both of morning visits. Watching the world go by as the luxuriously textured cream and froth hit my lips was a joy.

The rich, flavorsome coffee, supported by comforting surroundings, really did feel like home.

Latte

The caffe latte is an incredibly popular beverage around the globe and has a rich history in Europe and the Mediterranean. The latte had the mild flavor as well as the clear change in color from the darker bottom of the espresso through to the lighter browns and finally into the white of the steamed milk.

This benefits from being presented in a glass mug.

Out of all the drinks I had at Cahoots, this was the one where I went a little adventurous with a dusting of cocoa powder and a dash of caramel syrup. The extra sweetness complemented the taste profile but also took the experience to another level.

Again, the best way to describe it is that it felt homely and comforting.

A poorly prepared latte stands out like a sore thumb, but the beans are fresh and the milk is steamed to order. All of this creates a smooth textured and flavorsome beverage that’s better than anything you’d create with homebrew.

That’s exactly what you want from a coffee bar.

Decaf Americano

Regular readers will know that I’d usually choose a caffeinated coffee over a decaf, but I thought it would be right to try at least one decaf coffee in order to provide a more comprehensive review of Cahoots Coffee Bar.

Let’s not kid ourselves; I could tell that this Americano wasn’t filling mine with that distinct caffeine energy hit. Nonetheless, the taste was fine.

The full body and rich tastes were there to enjoy while it’s clear that the order is made to order – and not only because I saw it being made with my own eyes.

It was hot, comforting on a November evening, and topped with a little dusting of chocolate, which was a nice touch. While it might seem a small thing, having a proper mug makes a difference.

My favorite drink during my three visits? No.

However, if you prefer a decaf for medical reasons, personal taste preferences, or because you need sleep, this was a very good substitute. While I didn’t get to try any of the other decaf options, other reviews are favorable.

Food

In addition to sipping into a beautiful coffee, Cahoots Coffee Bar offers various foods that can be eaten at your table or on the go. The Mediterranean Platter was delightful while I could instantly appreciate why the homemade hummus was suggested in a number of reviews that I read prior to my visit.

Soups, quiches, bakery items, sandwiches, and other snacks are readily available. The frozen treated section includes ice cream sundaes (vanilla, chocolate, rocky road, and mint chocolate chip).

However, I – predictably – went for the ice cream latte.

Was it needed in November? Probably not.

But I regret nothing – it was lovely.

Cahoots Coffee Bar: Other Features

The atmosphere inside the coffee bar is heavily influenced by the fact that it promotes itself as being welcome to everyone.

World music is played to celebrate diverse cultures while simultaneously bringing people together. It does so in a very productive fashion.

Cahoots also sells a host of unique and charming gifts that are ideal as a souvenir of your stay in the Gopher State, perfect for celebrating cultural histories or simply brightening up the home. Their offerings include Baluch Tribal Rugs and Saddle Bags made from Aghan wool, French shea butter enriched soap made by Pré de Provence, handmade arts, collectibles, jewelry, scarves, greetings cards, and more.

The vast majority of items are affordable while many are one-of-a-kind pieces too.

Finally, the Cahoots Coffee Bar sells it’s locally sourced coffee beans in low quantities too, meaning you can relive some of the tastes at home. And, yes, I now have a trio of 4oz bags sitting proudly in my home.

The Final Verdict

Cahoots Coffee Bar in the Union Park District of St. Paul, MN, is a unique coffee house with a distinct atmosphere that captures the region to perfection. It blends traditional, wholesome American vibes with the eastern cultures of Turkey and the surrounding countries in both Europe and Asia.

Those charming features are brought to life by the owner Saed, as well as the small team of baristas that welcomed me during my visitors.

The atmosphere is pleasing, but the biggest appeal comes from the quality of the coffee. As a self-confessed coffee snob, none of the other features matter if the quality of the brew isn’t up to scratch.

Each drink I had was made with fresh coffee beans (except the chai tea, obviously) and provided the luxuriously smooth and comforting tastes that every coffee lover adores.

I made three visits during my 48-hour stay in the city. Even if it was partly for research purposes, my eagerness to return says it all.

I have to give Cahoots Coffee Bar 5 stars out of 5.