Great coffee place with awesome decor and amazing vibes! The coffee is essentially hand crafted and you can taste the hard work the workers put into the drinks! Check this place out! You won't regret the trip the place is clean and awesome!
(5)
Willie R.
The coffee here is great. Better than Starbucks & Peet's (imo)... somewhere on the same quality as Julius Meinl. I can't compare it to Intelligentsia yet (haven't been there). Anyways, I LOVE the way they make mochas here, the chocolate is superb. The atmosphere is nice, but leans on the casual side. They do have a cool coffeecup chandelier at 2 of the locations I've been to. The only real con about this particular location on Jackson is that it lacks air conditioning. It's was pretty brutal ordering a coffee here during the summer. Hopefully they get that fixed!
(4)
Jamie B.
I like this location a lot. Off the beaten path and not as busy as some of the other locations. Warm and comfy on the interior with really great lattes and coffee. A winner in my book!
(5)
John T.
BLUF: Standard coffee chain. Good coffee. No personality. I can't go over 3 stars for chains. I love the personalities that come with coffee shops. This is just a chain. McDonalds of coffee. The coffee is good, the price is fine. But no personality. Sometimes you just need a cup to keep you moving though. Nice service, not to busy and in tons of locations.
(3)
Christopher M.
4 stars? Yup, this is 4 star coffee. Not knock your socks off coffee, but a better than average cup. 307/365
(4)
Nicholas M.
People are very friendly. Great espresso drinks and coffee.
(5)
Chris P.
A rare find the cafe is Europa them and top notch, Jacksonville has a long way to go to earn my " Crush" for coffee
(5)
Jennifer L.
The soy mocha is fantastic! To me, they use a far superior quality of chocolate compared to other coffeehouses. The chocolate compliments the espresso well and does not mask the taste. The top of the beverage is nice and foamy too. Just be warned that the mocha that they use does contain soy so I wouldn't order it if you absolutely cannot have dairy products. All the employees working at the cash register in all my visits haven't mentioned that to me. I heard it from an employee at the other Loop location. The guys working in the morning are really speedy and pretty friendly for the early morning hours. One guy even remembered my order! I've only started visiting this shop a few times a week in the last month or so. He was an absolute sweetheart and even punched my card twice to make up for the punch I didn't get earlier in the week since I didn't have a card. You get a free drink once you fill up the punch card. The card doesn't have any limitations as to what size free beverage you can get either, which is nice. While you're at it, try a scone to go along with your coffee. I tried the cranberry one and it was amazing. It was a little warm when they served it to me, which was a nice touch. The scone was baked to perfection and contained the right amount of hardness on the outside and crumbly interior. The scone is far superior than the big name chain's, IMHO. The only downside of this particular location would be that the shop is small so it can get crowded especially during the morning rush. Overall, excellent coffeehouse and I definitely plan on visiting often!
(4)
Danielle D.
Excellent, excellent, to-die-for gelato. Great catucci. Scrumptious cinnamon chip scones. WOW. I'm so glad that I stopped in to try this place. I ordered the pistachio gelato - it was a small scoop for the price, but the quality more than makes up for the quantity. I also tried the apple fritter, and it wasn't fantastic, but that's what I get for going to an Italian cafe and taking a chance on an American baked good. Stick to the European goods and you're golden here. I purchased all four items (gelato, scone, fritter, and catucci) for about $9, which isn't bad at all. This location has limited seating, with just a couple of tables indoors and a few outdoors. The staff was friendly and helpful, and took my order quickly. I would come back in a heartbeat.
(5)
Alex G.
Lavazza rocks! Lavazza 3-4 locations in downtown are my ho to places for espresso drinks. Nice decor and atmosphere, but more importantly great espresso drinks. Particularly like my doppio espresso macchiatto done right, Italian style. Send Starbucks barristas to Lavazza for training please!
(5)
Leang E.
My coworkers and I love this spot for outdoor meetings. We sit outside and have coffee and gelato and talk about work. It's a great way to make work more enjoyable. I love their orange mocha mio. It is delicious! If you like orange chocolate this is the drink for you. Great summertime option. I also had the spinach and cheese quiche which was also tasty and comes with a nice side salad. The staff is friendly and very helpful. Prices are reasonable.
(4)
George N.
didnt have the coffee but just stumbled in as I was walking down jackson blvd got some pistacchio gelato I think im the only guy to walk down chicago eating gelato with 19 degree weather
(3)
George H.
The best iced americano that you'll ever have. Not sure what makes it taste so good. Just three shots of espresso over ice. I have had americanos from all the others, and this one is the best.
(5)
Stephanie S.
Was looking for a light lunch, and this totally delivered. Tasty paninis come with a side salad. Sat outside and enjoyed the weather at their little outdoor seating area, and the barista brought us our sandwiches when they were ready. Not too many people there, which was a nice surprise when you consider the normal Loop lunch spot. Haven't tried their coffee, but I'm sure it's delish. Next time we'll spring for a scoop of gelato too.
(5)
Pete J.
My daily stop for my coffee fix. After 40 years of drinking coffee, a taste acquired at the age of 4 from an immigrant grandmother, my taste is particular at least. I walk out of my way to get my coffee from Lavazza every day, bypassing the overpriced and burnt tasting bean coffee at Starbucks trendy shops, and even casting-aside my previous favorite Caribou. This location has excellent service with the friendliest staff who keep the place clean and the customers caffeinated. Miguel manages a coordinated operation that runs more smoothly than any other shop I've been in.
(5)
John C.
IMO - the smoothest macchiato of all the local coffee chains, and a punch card is always a nice touch. The espresso brownie is pretty rich, but it's ok - I deserve it once and a while!
(4)
Sonia A.
Tried their Italian hot chocolate and it was so thick and sweet and pure yumminess!!! It reminded me of the hot chocolate featured in the Johnny Depp movie "Chocolat"! Staff was very nice!
(4)
Gamaliel E.
So this is my spot to get coffee before work. You get a card and after a number of purchases you get a free coffee of your choice. It's not just about the free cup of coffee to thank you for your loyalty, its that this coffee is the SHITE! The staff is friendly and the parfait puts the competitors to shame. I'm not a sweets person, so I'm not one to go with a muffin...but I do wish they offered some more savory breakfast options. Get your coffee here, just not around 8:55...you'll make me late for work.
(5)
Mark P.
When I'm in this area of the loop, this is my stop. I like the location and the shots are pretty good. Not my fav flavor in coffee but it beats the hell out of the Styrofoam cupped terrible that is unfortunately everywhere. Its a good "medium" coffee that is neither overbearing nor flavorless.
(4)
Mike G.
Lavazza is a not a Starbucks so let's get this straighten out right now. Lavazza is on par if not just under Intelligentsia. They have good coffee and good range of coffee. Their expresso is solid as well. By far my favourite drink is their Iced Coffee. It is not normal iced coffee, it is cold brew iced coffee. Cold brew creates a coffee which is lower in acidity and also taste a bit sweeter than normal coffee. There iced Coffee is brewed using the Cold Brew process. I think they have the best Iced Coffee among the cafes in the area.
(4)
Chris W.
Flavor of coffee (I get Latte most of the time) is inconsistent.
(3)
Amber C.
This coffee is sooooo good! It's just like the coffee I've had in Italy. It's a shame they don't have more locations throughout the city.
(5)
Z K.
To call yourself a true high-end coffee shop, one needs to have service that goes along with it. The drinks these guys make are pretty sub-standard compared to other cafe's nearby. I go here sometimes, when the temperature is too cold...so I do not have to walk to the place i like to hit up for my coffee fix. The times I have gone, usually order a latte or plain coffee. One time I made the mistake of ordering the ridiculous syrupy drink w/ hazelnut and man was that sweet and McDonaldish...no thanks. Only nice thing about this place in the summer is you can sit outside and watch people stare at you and laugh at the fact that we think we are in Paris or something....get back to work!
(2)
Lisa M.
I walked into this Lavazza today, hoping they would have the berry cake I had at a different location. I remember it being one of my favorite treats. I was so excited, getting back to my office, only to take the container out and notice that the cake looked dry, old and crusty. For a $5 piece of tiny cake, it should be great. I'm very disappointed. It was like paying for and expecting a steak, but unwrapping a big mac when you get to your office.
(2)
Tim Y.
Really tasty sweets! Sandwiches all come with a little side salad, and all are quite tasty. Price-wise, they're fighting with Starbucks to get away with highest cost before riots ensue. For an occasional splurge, definitely worthwhile. The spoon art on the ceiling is really awesome, too - don't forget to look up!
(4)
Henry S.
If you like your coffee strong and dark, Lavazza is for you. Absolutely wonderful croissant, second only to Vanille Patisserie in my book. Gelatos are pretty solid too. Compared to the popular chain (you know who), Lavazza's coffee and bakery items can't be beat. Why 4 stars? Well, this is a coffee shop, and i'm not a hard-core coffee fanatic. Their coffee is strong if that's your preference. Croissant is very good. Fast service too. If i'm in the mood to watch baristas act like whirling dervishes swirling water into Hario drippers, i'd go to Intelligentsia. For my everyday fix, Lavazza is it!
(4)
Jess L.
The menu here really brought an appreciation for frilly coffee drinks. Sweetness to the max - with a pleasant caffeinated kick. I wish this place had bathrooms, though. They really know how to kick out customers!
(4)
Janet E.
This review is only of the gelato. Yup! You read right, I'm eating gelato when the weather is below freezing! Gotta love Chicago. How can it be wrong when they give you so many choices of gelato flavors in the middle of winter?? We tried the mango (didnt taste good), the berry gelato (delicious and non-dairy!), and the pistachio (fabulously delicious and creamy!). Service was great! The guy working the counter let us try as many flavors as we wanted. They had other cafe type foods that looked really yummie. I may have to do a revisit to actually eat lunch here.
(4)
Lisa L.
Excellent Coffee. Wish there was one in the suburbs. Unique variations of different coffee drinks. Service very good!
(5)
Maggie S.
I consider myself a coffee snob and I just LOVE Lavazza. Their coffee tastes so much fresher and better than that burnt flavor you get with Starbucks coffee. This Lavazza is always bustling with people in the morning but the staff moves everything along efficiently and quickly while still managing to smile and remain friendly. Their regular coffee and espresso are both amazing. And they know their cappucino from a latte which is not true of every other coffee place. Their sweets and other treats are also incredibly delicious--I love getting a little variety bag of biscotti and macaroons to bring back to my office. Even though there's a Starbucks across the street from me, I much prefer walking a few extra blocks to Lavazza.
(4)
P S.
Second to Intelligentsia, Lavazza is a great joint to get your tasty buzz on. The place has style, very friendly staff and delicious coffee beverages. It's got a cozy vibe where a person can have a conversation without feeling rushed or in the way. My only gripe? The adverts for their new "Espesso" edible coffee creations by Ferran Adrià are in Italian. All of them. The backsides, the stuff on the windows and doors - I don't know what the heck it says, folks. Translate for the stupid American, wouldja? Gratsi.
(4)
Sonja B.
I recently started getting my morning coffee here every day, after in the past getting it only once and a while. I kind of realized, hey, their coffee doesn't suck ! And I was sick of intelligentsia. So for the past 4 days I have ordered the same drink and they've always been super friendly. On the 5th day of me coming in (today) they recognized me, knew my drink, and made it without me having to stand in line, and even offered me a punch card that was filled up because they knew i'd been coming in for the passed week. They seem to take a lot of pride in their work and are eager to promote the business. I'm super impressed with the attention I got today and will be returning. Oh- and the business info says they are at MIchigan but they are NOT at Jackson and Michigan; they are at Jackson and Lasalle.
(4)
Julia T.
I wanted to get coffee for a gift for someone who I happen to know hates Starbucks. Since Lavazza is close to the office and always smells good, I decided to give them a try, I got myself some dark roast beans while there too. I love their coffee. The dark roast is really flavorful without tasting at all burned or over-roasted. Plus, I got a card for a free drink while buying my beans which is really nice. I still tend to get my morning coffee at Starbucks because it is between the bus stop and work but I will buy my beans for home here from now on. The staff was super friendly and willing to talk to me about their wares and I had an overall great experience here. And the dark roast was really fan-freaking-tastic.
(5)
Angela L.
I stopped in for the first time after work today and ordered a basic latte. I had never been to a Lavazza and was honestly surprised at how great my latte tasted. It was smooth with none of that burnt Starbucks taste that many of us have come to tolerate. It was honestly the best latte I have had in Chicago, although Metropolis is a very close second. I put Intelligentsia third (sorry Intelligentsia fans) simply because, although they make their drinks very well, something about the smell of the Intelligentsia coffee roast doesn't agree with me some mornings. Very distinctive. I will definitely walk a few blocks out of my way to make it back to Lavazza soon! Maybe I'll try some of their tasty looking gelato next time:)
(5)
Ryan N.
Perhaps my expectations were too high coming in, but my espresso left a lot to be desired. For one, the triple shot was the size of a double, yet it was still well over three dollars. Secondly, the first time around, the barista put milk in it without asking. Third, for all the hype, my espresso seemed a bit watered down. The decor was nothing special, and I've seen more interesting settings at Starbucks. The food menu left something to be desired. A small menu is okay if you specialize in a few things, but the offerings here were not all that special. My cookie was hard and bland. The one reason to come here is the gelato...some of the best I've had.
(2)
Shauna B.
I don't work downtown, so when I go there I try to make an occasion of it, and Lavazza is almost always a part of that. Despite their Italian roots, I find this place to be amongst the least pretentious coffee shops in the area. Lavazza is a chain, and doesn't try to hide that fact, but they serve consistently good coffee at decent prices. And they have, by far, the coolest wall art of any coffee chain. High fashion coffee all the way. I usually go for the Cafe Au Lait, which has both flavor and body at Lavazza; but the last time I was there I threw caution to the wind and ordered one of their fancy specialties: the Cappugiro, a layered drink with whipped espresso on top, whipped milk in the middle and flavored syrup on the bottom. This concoction initially struck me as completely ridiculous, until I sipped it. Then, all I could do was marvel at how the three flavors, while separated in the glass, blended perfectly in each sip. Lavazza BLEW MY MIND. Ah, those Italians. Not so good at world-scale warfare; but amazing with coffee.
(4)
Martin S.
A had a cappucino and it was pretty good. A little on the milky side for my tastes and I'll go back for another one before I make a final call. My wife had a croissant and said it was perfect. Service was very friendly.
(4)
Katya C.
Y'know, I'm so sick of meeting people at Starbucks that when I had a business meeting at Lavazza the other day, I was just swooning over my virtual transport to an Italian coffee shop and dazzled by the mosaic of stainless-steel spoons hanging from the ceiling. It's OK--I wouldn't go out of my way to come here--but for all of you who've overdosed on the 'bucks, you can rest assured that this is a welcome reprieve. Plus, the barista called me "babe," and I can always use a little free affection from strangers.
(4)
Andrea M.
I stumbled on this place after I decided to boycott Starbucks. The staff is a lot friendlier and the espresso does not have that burnt taste. Plus I love everything Italian. This may be my new morning spot.
(4)
Mark Z.
It may not be as big as the one on Washington, but that one was 'updated' recently to a new motif. Bleh! This is THE place for a proper cup of coffee. If you have been to Italy, particularly recently, and miss sitting in a cafe, eating gelati, munching on a ciabatta and sipping awesome espresso, this will be your fix! Great, friendly service. (They actually bring you your food.) And this is because they make everything fresh, despite having a sample sitting in the case. If you have the time and are in need of something spectacular, try one of their 'espresso specialties' which are a wonderful twist on the simple latte.
(5)
Rachel F.
I have always had the best experience here. The staff is friendly and their product is quality. In the summer, my colleagues and I will get the espessos. It's the fun foamy concoction that has enough caffeine and sugar in it to send you to the moon, but it's great. I think this coffee shop is highly underrated when stood up to the likes of Starbucks or Intelligentsia. (No offense Intelligentsia, I love you dearly, but even you have to admit that you're heading in a questionable direction.)
(4)
Sheila Y.
So you will almost always find me at Intelligentsia at 8:30, but two days ago I had a less than satisfying iced mocha so I decided to give Lavazza a try (which wasn't really even a try because we had an upscale Italian coffee shop in Boulder that served their coffee so I knew what to expect). I ordered the requisite iced mocha and voila...my faith in humanity was restored! I got the bite from the espresso with another sweet/sharp twang of dark chocolate and then the nirvana of sweet cocoa love. I went back to Intelligentsia today and it was back to normal, but since both these gems are on the way to work I think I will spread the love. I have been meaning to update my review here after a few more trips to Lavazza (basically b/c my step-dad treats me to it every morning since it is in the Board of Trade building). For those Seattleites reading this I would equate their espresso pull to that of Caf Vita, almost to the T. My biggest recommendation is any of their iced mochas. I especially like the iced orange mocha mio. It has that extra kick of orange flavoring to really jumpstart my mornings. Today I went back to my traditional Americano with tons of room and am happily sipping away (imagining I'm reading a newspaper on the top level of Vita people watching on the street below).
(4)
Andy M.
I ordered an espresso. The barista: - used old grounds instead of grinding fresh beans - wayyy underdosed the shot (like 2/3 dosage) - didn't level off the puck - tamped so weakly that the pull took less than ten seconds! A really ugly shot, almost no crema. Don't bother.
(1)
Ted E.
overrated coffee shop..
(3)
Clara P.
aaaaah... this place reminds me of a cafe I visited in Italy and the manager talking with an Italian accent makes my memories even more blissful. This is a tiny little place, but the coffee is good, Italian quality and their cinnamon chip muffin is delish! I always get one when I come into this place.
(4)
KariGirl G.
I came here looking for treats for a client, and was happy I did. They have a decent selection of sorbet and ice cream. The service was fast and friendly, and the place was clean. The product was great too! They could have had more pastries and the sandwiches and salads in the window looked a little old. I didn't have any of their coffee.
(4)
Cassie B.
Wow i am really surprised by the other review - first of all, sleazy traders? I am not one, but they aren't that bad!! second, the staff and everyone who works here is so nice. they know everyone who comes in, they start making my regular drink the minute i walk in the door, etc. they are so friendly, not in a fake way, and all have a sense of humor. most important, they have really good coffee. (it's not as strong as starbucks or even caribou, but it's WAY less bitter than starbucks). coffee is a personal thing, you have to try it for yourself. I have a starbucks in my building but i walk extra to get my coffee here now!
(4)
Kendall G.
Lavazza is often derided as 'the Budweiser of Italian coffee'. There is some truth to this, but the espresso here is consistently good. The employees are friendly and the atmosphere, including harried traders in floor jackets, makes it a worthwhile stop.
(4)
Kevin M.
I'm a starbucks guy, but think that Lavazza Cafe does have pretty good coffee. The place has an interesting feel- trying very hard to be Italian like, but as long as they have good coffee I don't care.
(3)
Corey S.
After having coffee and lunch at Lavazza Cafe, I will never be satisfied with another coffee shop again. To begin with, Lavazza's prices are more reasonable than other large coffee chains, and their product is a much higher quality. They have a huge selection of espresso drinks, both hot and iced, and they offer delicious gelato and blended fruit drinks. The sandwiches are made fresh to order, and you can tell the indredients are top quality. It's so worth the walk!
(5)
Perla T.
great place to come to for a quick healthy salad or an almond croissant. the staff is not always the most attentive, but they are much better than going to starbucks. the one at washington street is a lot better. their chef salad or garden salad with balsamic vinagrette is to die for! ... their gelatto is great too!
Ameer A.
Great coffee place with awesome decor and amazing vibes! The coffee is essentially hand crafted and you can taste the hard work the workers put into the drinks! Check this place out! You won't regret the trip the place is clean and awesome!
(5)Willie R.
The coffee here is great. Better than Starbucks & Peet's (imo)... somewhere on the same quality as Julius Meinl. I can't compare it to Intelligentsia yet (haven't been there). Anyways, I LOVE the way they make mochas here, the chocolate is superb. The atmosphere is nice, but leans on the casual side. They do have a cool coffeecup chandelier at 2 of the locations I've been to. The only real con about this particular location on Jackson is that it lacks air conditioning. It's was pretty brutal ordering a coffee here during the summer. Hopefully they get that fixed!
(4)Jamie B.
I like this location a lot. Off the beaten path and not as busy as some of the other locations. Warm and comfy on the interior with really great lattes and coffee. A winner in my book!
(5)John T.
BLUF: Standard coffee chain. Good coffee. No personality. I can't go over 3 stars for chains. I love the personalities that come with coffee shops. This is just a chain. McDonalds of coffee. The coffee is good, the price is fine. But no personality. Sometimes you just need a cup to keep you moving though. Nice service, not to busy and in tons of locations.
(3)Christopher M.
4 stars? Yup, this is 4 star coffee. Not knock your socks off coffee, but a better than average cup. 307/365
(4)Nicholas M.
People are very friendly. Great espresso drinks and coffee.
(5)Chris P.
A rare find the cafe is Europa them and top notch, Jacksonville has a long way to go to earn my " Crush" for coffee
(5)Jennifer L.
The soy mocha is fantastic! To me, they use a far superior quality of chocolate compared to other coffeehouses. The chocolate compliments the espresso well and does not mask the taste. The top of the beverage is nice and foamy too. Just be warned that the mocha that they use does contain soy so I wouldn't order it if you absolutely cannot have dairy products. All the employees working at the cash register in all my visits haven't mentioned that to me. I heard it from an employee at the other Loop location. The guys working in the morning are really speedy and pretty friendly for the early morning hours. One guy even remembered my order! I've only started visiting this shop a few times a week in the last month or so. He was an absolute sweetheart and even punched my card twice to make up for the punch I didn't get earlier in the week since I didn't have a card. You get a free drink once you fill up the punch card. The card doesn't have any limitations as to what size free beverage you can get either, which is nice. While you're at it, try a scone to go along with your coffee. I tried the cranberry one and it was amazing. It was a little warm when they served it to me, which was a nice touch. The scone was baked to perfection and contained the right amount of hardness on the outside and crumbly interior. The scone is far superior than the big name chain's, IMHO. The only downside of this particular location would be that the shop is small so it can get crowded especially during the morning rush. Overall, excellent coffeehouse and I definitely plan on visiting often!
(4)Danielle D.
Excellent, excellent, to-die-for gelato. Great catucci. Scrumptious cinnamon chip scones. WOW. I'm so glad that I stopped in to try this place. I ordered the pistachio gelato - it was a small scoop for the price, but the quality more than makes up for the quantity. I also tried the apple fritter, and it wasn't fantastic, but that's what I get for going to an Italian cafe and taking a chance on an American baked good. Stick to the European goods and you're golden here. I purchased all four items (gelato, scone, fritter, and catucci) for about $9, which isn't bad at all. This location has limited seating, with just a couple of tables indoors and a few outdoors. The staff was friendly and helpful, and took my order quickly. I would come back in a heartbeat.
(5)Alex G.
Lavazza rocks! Lavazza 3-4 locations in downtown are my ho to places for espresso drinks. Nice decor and atmosphere, but more importantly great espresso drinks. Particularly like my doppio espresso macchiatto done right, Italian style. Send Starbucks barristas to Lavazza for training please!
(5)Leang E.
My coworkers and I love this spot for outdoor meetings. We sit outside and have coffee and gelato and talk about work. It's a great way to make work more enjoyable. I love their orange mocha mio. It is delicious! If you like orange chocolate this is the drink for you. Great summertime option. I also had the spinach and cheese quiche which was also tasty and comes with a nice side salad. The staff is friendly and very helpful. Prices are reasonable.
(4)George N.
didnt have the coffee but just stumbled in as I was walking down jackson blvd got some pistacchio gelato I think im the only guy to walk down chicago eating gelato with 19 degree weather
(3)George H.
The best iced americano that you'll ever have. Not sure what makes it taste so good. Just three shots of espresso over ice. I have had americanos from all the others, and this one is the best.
(5)Stephanie S.
Was looking for a light lunch, and this totally delivered. Tasty paninis come with a side salad. Sat outside and enjoyed the weather at their little outdoor seating area, and the barista brought us our sandwiches when they were ready. Not too many people there, which was a nice surprise when you consider the normal Loop lunch spot. Haven't tried their coffee, but I'm sure it's delish. Next time we'll spring for a scoop of gelato too.
(5)Pete J.
My daily stop for my coffee fix. After 40 years of drinking coffee, a taste acquired at the age of 4 from an immigrant grandmother, my taste is particular at least. I walk out of my way to get my coffee from Lavazza every day, bypassing the overpriced and burnt tasting bean coffee at Starbucks trendy shops, and even casting-aside my previous favorite Caribou. This location has excellent service with the friendliest staff who keep the place clean and the customers caffeinated. Miguel manages a coordinated operation that runs more smoothly than any other shop I've been in.
(5)John C.
IMO - the smoothest macchiato of all the local coffee chains, and a punch card is always a nice touch. The espresso brownie is pretty rich, but it's ok - I deserve it once and a while!
(4)Sonia A.
Tried their Italian hot chocolate and it was so thick and sweet and pure yumminess!!! It reminded me of the hot chocolate featured in the Johnny Depp movie "Chocolat"! Staff was very nice!
(4)Gamaliel E.
So this is my spot to get coffee before work. You get a card and after a number of purchases you get a free coffee of your choice. It's not just about the free cup of coffee to thank you for your loyalty, its that this coffee is the SHITE! The staff is friendly and the parfait puts the competitors to shame. I'm not a sweets person, so I'm not one to go with a muffin...but I do wish they offered some more savory breakfast options. Get your coffee here, just not around 8:55...you'll make me late for work.
(5)Mark P.
When I'm in this area of the loop, this is my stop. I like the location and the shots are pretty good. Not my fav flavor in coffee but it beats the hell out of the Styrofoam cupped terrible that is unfortunately everywhere. Its a good "medium" coffee that is neither overbearing nor flavorless.
(4)Mike G.
Lavazza is a not a Starbucks so let's get this straighten out right now. Lavazza is on par if not just under Intelligentsia. They have good coffee and good range of coffee. Their expresso is solid as well. By far my favourite drink is their Iced Coffee. It is not normal iced coffee, it is cold brew iced coffee. Cold brew creates a coffee which is lower in acidity and also taste a bit sweeter than normal coffee. There iced Coffee is brewed using the Cold Brew process. I think they have the best Iced Coffee among the cafes in the area.
(4)Chris W.
Flavor of coffee (I get Latte most of the time) is inconsistent.
(3)Amber C.
This coffee is sooooo good! It's just like the coffee I've had in Italy. It's a shame they don't have more locations throughout the city.
(5)Z K.
To call yourself a true high-end coffee shop, one needs to have service that goes along with it. The drinks these guys make are pretty sub-standard compared to other cafe's nearby. I go here sometimes, when the temperature is too cold...so I do not have to walk to the place i like to hit up for my coffee fix. The times I have gone, usually order a latte or plain coffee. One time I made the mistake of ordering the ridiculous syrupy drink w/ hazelnut and man was that sweet and McDonaldish...no thanks. Only nice thing about this place in the summer is you can sit outside and watch people stare at you and laugh at the fact that we think we are in Paris or something....get back to work!
(2)Lisa M.
I walked into this Lavazza today, hoping they would have the berry cake I had at a different location. I remember it being one of my favorite treats. I was so excited, getting back to my office, only to take the container out and notice that the cake looked dry, old and crusty. For a $5 piece of tiny cake, it should be great. I'm very disappointed. It was like paying for and expecting a steak, but unwrapping a big mac when you get to your office.
(2)Tim Y.
Really tasty sweets! Sandwiches all come with a little side salad, and all are quite tasty. Price-wise, they're fighting with Starbucks to get away with highest cost before riots ensue. For an occasional splurge, definitely worthwhile. The spoon art on the ceiling is really awesome, too - don't forget to look up!
(4)Henry S.
If you like your coffee strong and dark, Lavazza is for you. Absolutely wonderful croissant, second only to Vanille Patisserie in my book. Gelatos are pretty solid too. Compared to the popular chain (you know who), Lavazza's coffee and bakery items can't be beat. Why 4 stars? Well, this is a coffee shop, and i'm not a hard-core coffee fanatic. Their coffee is strong if that's your preference. Croissant is very good. Fast service too. If i'm in the mood to watch baristas act like whirling dervishes swirling water into Hario drippers, i'd go to Intelligentsia. For my everyday fix, Lavazza is it!
(4)Jess L.
The menu here really brought an appreciation for frilly coffee drinks. Sweetness to the max - with a pleasant caffeinated kick. I wish this place had bathrooms, though. They really know how to kick out customers!
(4)Janet E.
This review is only of the gelato. Yup! You read right, I'm eating gelato when the weather is below freezing! Gotta love Chicago. How can it be wrong when they give you so many choices of gelato flavors in the middle of winter?? We tried the mango (didnt taste good), the berry gelato (delicious and non-dairy!), and the pistachio (fabulously delicious and creamy!). Service was great! The guy working the counter let us try as many flavors as we wanted. They had other cafe type foods that looked really yummie. I may have to do a revisit to actually eat lunch here.
(4)Lisa L.
Excellent Coffee. Wish there was one in the suburbs. Unique variations of different coffee drinks. Service very good!
(5)Maggie S.
I consider myself a coffee snob and I just LOVE Lavazza. Their coffee tastes so much fresher and better than that burnt flavor you get with Starbucks coffee. This Lavazza is always bustling with people in the morning but the staff moves everything along efficiently and quickly while still managing to smile and remain friendly. Their regular coffee and espresso are both amazing. And they know their cappucino from a latte which is not true of every other coffee place. Their sweets and other treats are also incredibly delicious--I love getting a little variety bag of biscotti and macaroons to bring back to my office. Even though there's a Starbucks across the street from me, I much prefer walking a few extra blocks to Lavazza.
(4)P S.
Second to Intelligentsia, Lavazza is a great joint to get your tasty buzz on. The place has style, very friendly staff and delicious coffee beverages. It's got a cozy vibe where a person can have a conversation without feeling rushed or in the way. My only gripe? The adverts for their new "Espesso" edible coffee creations by Ferran Adrià are in Italian. All of them. The backsides, the stuff on the windows and doors - I don't know what the heck it says, folks. Translate for the stupid American, wouldja? Gratsi.
(4)Sonja B.
I recently started getting my morning coffee here every day, after in the past getting it only once and a while. I kind of realized, hey, their coffee doesn't suck ! And I was sick of intelligentsia. So for the past 4 days I have ordered the same drink and they've always been super friendly. On the 5th day of me coming in (today) they recognized me, knew my drink, and made it without me having to stand in line, and even offered me a punch card that was filled up because they knew i'd been coming in for the passed week. They seem to take a lot of pride in their work and are eager to promote the business. I'm super impressed with the attention I got today and will be returning. Oh- and the business info says they are at MIchigan but they are NOT at Jackson and Michigan; they are at Jackson and Lasalle.
(4)Julia T.
I wanted to get coffee for a gift for someone who I happen to know hates Starbucks. Since Lavazza is close to the office and always smells good, I decided to give them a try, I got myself some dark roast beans while there too. I love their coffee. The dark roast is really flavorful without tasting at all burned or over-roasted. Plus, I got a card for a free drink while buying my beans which is really nice. I still tend to get my morning coffee at Starbucks because it is between the bus stop and work but I will buy my beans for home here from now on. The staff was super friendly and willing to talk to me about their wares and I had an overall great experience here. And the dark roast was really fan-freaking-tastic.
(5)Angela L.
I stopped in for the first time after work today and ordered a basic latte. I had never been to a Lavazza and was honestly surprised at how great my latte tasted. It was smooth with none of that burnt Starbucks taste that many of us have come to tolerate. It was honestly the best latte I have had in Chicago, although Metropolis is a very close second. I put Intelligentsia third (sorry Intelligentsia fans) simply because, although they make their drinks very well, something about the smell of the Intelligentsia coffee roast doesn't agree with me some mornings. Very distinctive. I will definitely walk a few blocks out of my way to make it back to Lavazza soon! Maybe I'll try some of their tasty looking gelato next time:)
(5)Ryan N.
Perhaps my expectations were too high coming in, but my espresso left a lot to be desired. For one, the triple shot was the size of a double, yet it was still well over three dollars. Secondly, the first time around, the barista put milk in it without asking. Third, for all the hype, my espresso seemed a bit watered down. The decor was nothing special, and I've seen more interesting settings at Starbucks. The food menu left something to be desired. A small menu is okay if you specialize in a few things, but the offerings here were not all that special. My cookie was hard and bland. The one reason to come here is the gelato...some of the best I've had.
(2)Shauna B.
I don't work downtown, so when I go there I try to make an occasion of it, and Lavazza is almost always a part of that. Despite their Italian roots, I find this place to be amongst the least pretentious coffee shops in the area. Lavazza is a chain, and doesn't try to hide that fact, but they serve consistently good coffee at decent prices. And they have, by far, the coolest wall art of any coffee chain. High fashion coffee all the way. I usually go for the Cafe Au Lait, which has both flavor and body at Lavazza; but the last time I was there I threw caution to the wind and ordered one of their fancy specialties: the Cappugiro, a layered drink with whipped espresso on top, whipped milk in the middle and flavored syrup on the bottom. This concoction initially struck me as completely ridiculous, until I sipped it. Then, all I could do was marvel at how the three flavors, while separated in the glass, blended perfectly in each sip. Lavazza BLEW MY MIND. Ah, those Italians. Not so good at world-scale warfare; but amazing with coffee.
(4)Martin S.
A had a cappucino and it was pretty good. A little on the milky side for my tastes and I'll go back for another one before I make a final call. My wife had a croissant and said it was perfect. Service was very friendly.
(4)Katya C.
Y'know, I'm so sick of meeting people at Starbucks that when I had a business meeting at Lavazza the other day, I was just swooning over my virtual transport to an Italian coffee shop and dazzled by the mosaic of stainless-steel spoons hanging from the ceiling. It's OK--I wouldn't go out of my way to come here--but for all of you who've overdosed on the 'bucks, you can rest assured that this is a welcome reprieve. Plus, the barista called me "babe," and I can always use a little free affection from strangers.
(4)Andrea M.
I stumbled on this place after I decided to boycott Starbucks. The staff is a lot friendlier and the espresso does not have that burnt taste. Plus I love everything Italian. This may be my new morning spot.
(4)Mark Z.
It may not be as big as the one on Washington, but that one was 'updated' recently to a new motif. Bleh! This is THE place for a proper cup of coffee. If you have been to Italy, particularly recently, and miss sitting in a cafe, eating gelati, munching on a ciabatta and sipping awesome espresso, this will be your fix! Great, friendly service. (They actually bring you your food.) And this is because they make everything fresh, despite having a sample sitting in the case. If you have the time and are in need of something spectacular, try one of their 'espresso specialties' which are a wonderful twist on the simple latte.
(5)Rachel F.
I have always had the best experience here. The staff is friendly and their product is quality. In the summer, my colleagues and I will get the espessos. It's the fun foamy concoction that has enough caffeine and sugar in it to send you to the moon, but it's great. I think this coffee shop is highly underrated when stood up to the likes of Starbucks or Intelligentsia. (No offense Intelligentsia, I love you dearly, but even you have to admit that you're heading in a questionable direction.)
(4)Sheila Y.
So you will almost always find me at Intelligentsia at 8:30, but two days ago I had a less than satisfying iced mocha so I decided to give Lavazza a try (which wasn't really even a try because we had an upscale Italian coffee shop in Boulder that served their coffee so I knew what to expect). I ordered the requisite iced mocha and voila...my faith in humanity was restored! I got the bite from the espresso with another sweet/sharp twang of dark chocolate and then the nirvana of sweet cocoa love. I went back to Intelligentsia today and it was back to normal, but since both these gems are on the way to work I think I will spread the love. I have been meaning to update my review here after a few more trips to Lavazza (basically b/c my step-dad treats me to it every morning since it is in the Board of Trade building). For those Seattleites reading this I would equate their espresso pull to that of Caf Vita, almost to the T. My biggest recommendation is any of their iced mochas. I especially like the iced orange mocha mio. It has that extra kick of orange flavoring to really jumpstart my mornings. Today I went back to my traditional Americano with tons of room and am happily sipping away (imagining I'm reading a newspaper on the top level of Vita people watching on the street below).
(4)Andy M.
I ordered an espresso. The barista: - used old grounds instead of grinding fresh beans - wayyy underdosed the shot (like 2/3 dosage) - didn't level off the puck - tamped so weakly that the pull took less than ten seconds! A really ugly shot, almost no crema. Don't bother.
(1)Ted E.
overrated coffee shop..
(3)Clara P.
aaaaah... this place reminds me of a cafe I visited in Italy and the manager talking with an Italian accent makes my memories even more blissful. This is a tiny little place, but the coffee is good, Italian quality and their cinnamon chip muffin is delish! I always get one when I come into this place.
(4)KariGirl G.
I came here looking for treats for a client, and was happy I did. They have a decent selection of sorbet and ice cream. The service was fast and friendly, and the place was clean. The product was great too! They could have had more pastries and the sandwiches and salads in the window looked a little old. I didn't have any of their coffee.
(4)Cassie B.
Wow i am really surprised by the other review - first of all, sleazy traders? I am not one, but they aren't that bad!! second, the staff and everyone who works here is so nice. they know everyone who comes in, they start making my regular drink the minute i walk in the door, etc. they are so friendly, not in a fake way, and all have a sense of humor. most important, they have really good coffee. (it's not as strong as starbucks or even caribou, but it's WAY less bitter than starbucks). coffee is a personal thing, you have to try it for yourself. I have a starbucks in my building but i walk extra to get my coffee here now!
(4)Kendall G.
Lavazza is often derided as 'the Budweiser of Italian coffee'. There is some truth to this, but the espresso here is consistently good. The employees are friendly and the atmosphere, including harried traders in floor jackets, makes it a worthwhile stop.
(4)Kevin M.
I'm a starbucks guy, but think that Lavazza Cafe does have pretty good coffee. The place has an interesting feel- trying very hard to be Italian like, but as long as they have good coffee I don't care.
(3)Corey S.
After having coffee and lunch at Lavazza Cafe, I will never be satisfied with another coffee shop again. To begin with, Lavazza's prices are more reasonable than other large coffee chains, and their product is a much higher quality. They have a huge selection of espresso drinks, both hot and iced, and they offer delicious gelato and blended fruit drinks. The sandwiches are made fresh to order, and you can tell the indredients are top quality. It's so worth the walk!
(5)Perla T.
great place to come to for a quick healthy salad or an almond croissant. the staff is not always the most attentive, but they are much better than going to starbucks. the one at washington street is a lot better. their chef salad or garden salad with balsamic vinagrette is to die for! ... their gelatto is great too!
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