Looking for coffee around the Drake Hotel

[escargot3]

I'm an SF Hound coming to Chicago for a conference at the Drake. And I'm wondering if you can recommend a cafe for an espresso drink within a mile of the hotel.

[nsxtasy]

Chicago's local roasters continue to open additional locations.

Intelligentsia will be opening new shops this year in Logan Square, Wicker Park, and Old Town; the latter may be close to the Drake.

Two of Chicago's local roasters in outlying neighborhoods have recently opened locations in the downtown area not far from the Drake. Dollop, based in Buena Park, opened in Streeterville at 345 E. Ohio. Bow Truss, based in Lakeview, opened in River North at 406 N. Wells.

Asado, based in Lakeview, will be opening in West Town this month and the Loop next year.

www.intelligentsiacoffee.com
www.dollopcoffee.com
www.bowtruss.com
www.asadocoffee.com
www.metropoliscoffee.com
www.darkmattercoffee.com

[escargot3]

I look forward to trying some of these new spots on my next visit.

ps I did enjoy my macchiato at Intelligentsia.

[fourkorz]

If you want to stretch your legs a little (0.7 mile), you might head over to the coffee bar in the lobby of the Public Hotel (http://www.publichotels.com/chicago/h...). You could even do part of the walk out on the Lakefront trail (get on by the Drake, get off at the first underpass onto Division, but then meander the smaller streets to the Public). Service and coffee are nothing too special but the lobby lounge is very cool, the hotel was the site of the famed Pump Room (nostalgic photos outside the lower level bathrooms), see a little of the Gold Coast neighborhood, and sit by the fire sipping your coffee after the brisk walk along the beach. Be sure to check out the paintings.

[escargot3]

what a fabulous suggestion. It's on my list for next time. (I just got back from Chicago last nite.)

[SheriBeatty]

LaVazza is on the ground floor of the Drake...you don't have to go outside even.

[escargot3]

found it! and always a long line of fellow conferencers! someone would do well to set up a coffee stand on the street to handle the overflow of coffee addicts...

[escargot3]

This is great. Thanks for the suggestions.

[nsxtasy]

These three discussions are relevant. (Note that Water Tower Place, the subject of the first link, is only a few blocks from the Drake.)

Great espresso near Water Plaza? - www.chow.com/topics/803183
Best Coffee Shop in Chicago? - www.chow.com/topics/753311
Favorite Cafees / Coffee in Chicago? - www.chow.com/topics/732385

[bonoeuf]

Hendrixx Belgian Bread Crafter is very close to you and has excellent coffee as well as other things. Ask for the pour over coffee, not the french roast.

It's right on walton just across Michigan Ave on the lower level of a condo building. look for a bright orange door and prepare to be delighted. :-)

try the croissant. excellent. enjoy your visit!

[escargot3]

I'm always happy to hunt for a great croissant. Thanks for the tip.

but I'm curious: why the pour over vs french roast?

[camusman]

Lavazza has a couple of place in that area. Just a little over a mile south is Intelligentsia; it's worth the trek.

[nsxtasy]

If you decide to go to Intelligentsia - the nearest location, to which camusman refers, is on Randolph - you can get great croissants and other French pastries around the corner at Toni Patisserie.

[escargot3]

merci.

[escargot3]

I really enjoyed the croissants at Toni Patisserie, and Intelligentsia was a great spot.

ps- the mini croissants served at the Drake Hotel breakfast buffet were excellent.