14 Local Coffee Shops to Know in the Chicago Suburbs

14 Local Coffee Shops to Know in the Chicago Suburbs

Winter is the time of year when I really hit the coffee shops. My weakness is a Mocha Latte. However, I have recently learned that I like Oatmeal Cookie Lattes and -- during the holidays -- I like Peppermint Mochas. I will certainly be exploring more coffee houses in the next few months. However, here are fourteen of my favorite Chicago suburban coffee houses. I like to pair my coffee house visits with a hike -- a latte treat is very much welcome after a hike particularly in winter. Or, I grab a cup to bring with me on a hike to help stay warm! 

Read More

Cuban Brothers Coffee Roasters and the Art of Slowing Down Savoring Coffee and Being in the Moment

Cuban Brothers Coffee Roasters and the Art of Slowing Down Savoring Coffee and Being in the Moment

**Disclosure: I did receive two complimentary roasts from CBC Roasters to sample and bring you this review and interview. No other compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own.

A good cup of coffee has me sipping slowly, exploring and enjoying the notes. I am always comforted and able to just enjoy the moment with a warm mug of good coffee. I have gradually been exploring all of the amazing local coffee roasters here in the Chicago suburbs. Locally roasted coffee provides a bit of an escape from the every day without having to go far. My most recent coffee adventure led me to Cuban Brothers Coffee Roasters roasting coffee locally in Skokie. In addition to sampling and treasuring two different roasts from Cuban Brothers Coffee Roasters, I interviewed co-owner Dave Vergel to learn more about the heart behind this local roastery.

Read More

Steeped Coffee: A Delicious and Eco-Friendly Travel Solution

Steeped Coffee: A Delicious and Eco-Friendly Travel Solution

**Disclosure: I did receive samples of Steeped Coffee in order to bring you this review. No other compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own.

Steeped Coffee roasted in California is packaged in single-serve packages and utilizes a special brewing method. Immediately, I was intrigued and thought that Steeped Coffee could provide an ideal travel solution when you are in a pinch for a good coffee on a trip. My readers may remember that I like to take my own tea on trips. So, I was pretty excited to learn about an easy way to bring my own coffee.

Read More

Coffee on the Fly at The Corner House in Lombard, Illinois

Sipping on locally roasted Tugboat Coffee at The Corner House in Lombard, Illinois

On a recent trip to Naperville, our favorite coffee house was closed due to a burst pipe. So, I did some quick checking and discovered that The Corner House in Lombard would be on our route back home. I had heard good things about The Corner House and they have Tugboat Coffee roasted in nearby Addison, so it seemed to be a great spot to stop.

Read More

Quick Stop at Limestone Coffee and Tea in Batavia, Illinois

Quick Stop at Limestone Coffee and Tea in Batavia, Illinois

This past summer, we spent some time exploring spots along the Fox River. Of course, that familiar craving for coffee called. We happened upon Limestone Coffee and Tea, an adorable coffeehouse in Batavia's historic district. We were immediately smitten!

Read More

6 Places for Locally Roasted Coffee in the Chicago Suburbs

6 Places for Locally Roasted Coffee in the Chicago Suburbs

Chicago suburban coffee shops are calling my name in the winter! I especially enjoy local coffee shops with their own locally roasted coffee. Over the past couple of years, my family has been exploring a variety of local coffee shops in the suburbs looking for yummy mochas (my favorite). Here are our favorites local coffee shops that roast their own coffee:

Read More

Tala Coffee Roasters in Highwood, Illinois

Sipping on Locally Roasted Coffee at Tala Coffee Roasters in Highwood, Illinois

Tala Coffee Roasters in Highwood crafted the perfect mocha latte to warm me up on a recent crisp autumn day! My husband and I noticed Tala a few weeks ago when we attended the Highwood Pumpkin Festival and knew we had to return. Last weekend provided the perfect opportunity. The coffee shop is located in a repurposed firehouse which adds another element of character.

Read More

10 Reasons to Visit the Bodacious Shops of Block 42 in Janesville, Wisconsin

10 Reasons to Visit the Bodacious Shops of Block 42 in Janesville, Wisconsin


**Disclosure: Thank you to Janesville CVB for hosting my family's visit to Janesville.

The Bodacious Shops of Block 42 in Janesville provide a unique and intriguing opportunity for exploring food while having fun. The cluster of experiences also add their own distinct vibrance to the community. I know we will be adding to this list on future explorations, but here are 10 reasons we loved the Bodacious Shops of Block 42:

Read More

Colectivo Coffee and Black Cat Alley in Milwaukee

After our adventure down memory lane at the Mitchell Park Domes in Milwaukee, we went in search of locally roasted coffee and popped into Colectivo. In addition to our hot beverages of choice, Colectivo has a decent menu of breakfast items, sandwiches and wraps. Plus, they have tempting fresh baked goodies from Troubadour Bakery. As a family of famished explorers, we ordered a selection of sandwiches. I, of course, ordered my traditional mocha latte which I can say was delicious!

Read More

Ice Cream Treats at Riverbottom Ice Cream

Summer for my family usually means exploring ice cream! A couple of weeks ago, we tried Riverbottom Ice Cream Co. a local shop in Algonquin, Illinois that churns its own ice cream.  In addition to scooping up delicious ice cream, Riverbottom also is a coffee shop and has a whole range of coffee concoctions. I love the ice cream - coffee combo because there is a larger range of temptations depending on mood.

Read More

Perfect Little Coffee Stop at Perfect Blend in Highland Park

I am always scouting for new coffee shops during our Chicago suburban explorations. After visiting the Openlands Lakeshore Preserve, we stopped at Perfect Blend in Highland Park for a little coffee on the way home. Coffee shops pretty much run the gambit between being strictly place for a coffee concoction to full service restaurants. The Perfect Blend is somewhere in between which gives you a lot of options if you are looking for something to nibble on with your coffee.

Read More

Quick Stop at Brewpoint in Elmhurst, Illinois

A few weeks ago, we made a quick coffee stop in Elmhurst, IL and I am so glad that we did! We discovered the treasure that is Brewpoint!

Read More

Celebrate Local at Mocha Lisa Coffee Shop in Racine, Wisconsin

During our visit to Racine, Wisconsin a couple of weeks ago, we had to make a stop at a coffee shop. In winter, coffee concoctions are necessary -- right? From the minute we pulled up, we knew that Mocha Lisa would be a fun little place and it certainly did not disappoint. I mean, look at the adorable license plate sign?

Read More

Hansa Coffee Roasters in Libertyville, IL

Local. Coffee. Yum. Yesterday, we visited Hansa Coffee Roasters in Libertyville for some coffee, treats and relaxation. Whenever we are on a new adventure, I never know quite what to expect. Immediately upon walking in and perusing all of the selections at Hansa, I knew that it was a place we would enjoy.

Read More

Treating Ourselves at The Heart of Europe Cafe {Barrington, IL} CLOSED

**Heart of Europe Has Closed.**


When the cold wind starts to bring the chill to the Chicago area, we start to look for hot chocolate. At some point during the summer, I learned about The Heart of Europe Cafe in Barrington. I am frequently in Barrington during the fall and winter for various events, so I eagerly seized on the opportunity to check the cafe out.

Read More

5 Best Places for Hot Chocolate in the Chicago Suburbs

Decadently satisfying hot chocolate from Heart of Europe Cafe

When the air starts to get crisp, it is time to enjoy some hot chocolate! We are fortunate to have some really wonderful and unique places here in the Chicago suburbs to savor a cold weather treat. Here are my family's favorites for a cup of hot cocoa:

Read More

The Rock House Glenview: Coffee, Grilled Cheese and Guitar Lessons!

**Disclosure: No compensation was received for this post. All opinions are 100% my own.

As I listen to sleet pelt my window, the realization that winter here in Chicago can be tough and bleak is hitting. I am always searching for inspirations to leave the house to lift my spirits during the winter months. Yesterday, my family uncovered quite the hidden gem in Glenview and we are already eager to return! The Rock House provides a warm, unique atmosphere that is part coffee house and part rock-n-roll. Truly a place for a little bit of a warm up in winter!

Read More

Hot Chocolate and Family Time at Christie's Dairy Delights {Palatine}

**Disclosure: No compensation was received for this post. All opinions are 100% my own.

Christie's Dairy Delights is a new addition to downtown Palatine and a very welcome one I must add! Christie's is a nice place to sit back and relax while enjoying a warm cup of hot cocoa or a coffee creation and spending time with the family. Additionally, Christie's has baked treats from local favorite Deerfield's Bakery and hard to resist Baraboo Candy Company chocolates and Ashby's ice cream. Treat time!

Read More

Caffe Bene for Desserts in Glenview

**Disclosure: No compensation was received for this post. All opinions are 100% my own.

One rainy and totally dreary day, we decided to do some exploring and settled on finally visiting Caffe Bene in Glenview. I say finally because we must pass it at least once or twice a week and often remark we should stop. A damp and dreary day seemed to be the perfect excuse to take an adventure to a coffee shop. I knew that Caffe Bene was noteworthy for its coffee creations. However, I did not expect it to be a haven for dessert! Gelato, honey breads, waffles, cheesecakes, macaroons and more! We were actually a bit take aback by the choices and took awhile to decide.

Read More