Unicorn Cafe Menu

Sorry, We are updating this restaurant menu details.

Sorry, We are updating this restaurant blood pressure menu details.

Sorry, We are updating this restaurant cholesterol menu details.

  • Mai C.

    Five stars for the name. I love unicorns. College hangout spot recommended by my bro. I sat at the window counter and was an awesome spot for people watching. Free wifi and pretty good coffee

    (5)
  • Howard S.

    Homey atmosphere, conducive to studying while enjoying food. Although there is generally music, it is not too loud, and, more often than not, it is quiet music that to me at least, enhances study. The staff is exceptionally friendly and helpful, and there are many healthy choices on the menu, such as the vegan soup of the day, and various salads. I really like the custom-made tea. The outdoor area is nice during the summer.

    (5)
  • Jennifer M.

    Love this little cafe! Being an avid tea drinker, I appreciate their extensive tea offerings. It's a low key place with local charm. Staff is always friendly and courteous. This is my go to cafe when heading class.

    (5)
  • Alex N.

    Espresso is good, they have one gluten free/vegan granola bar option... the service is VERY hit or miss though. Either people are smiley or they are exhausted and clearly want to go home... They'll take your debit card, but you have to get cash back. (Like, use your debit card and request $10, but you spend $3 on coffee that moment, so they'll take $7 out of the cash drawer and give it to you.) Otherwise, cash only.

    (2)
  • Chris C.

    Cute independent coffee shop near Northwestern. Good place to study or catch up with a friend. AND a good place to propose going if you want to have fun hanging but make abundantly clear it's not a date ;-) All the coffee drinks are tasty but STRONG. Be forewarned, unless you want an afternoon of jitters. The food selection could be bigger but everything I've had is good. Try the giant cookies in glass jars. I docked a star because the chairs aren't comfy -- obviously a priority when what you want is to get some solid studying in. Otherwise nice job Unicorn.

    (4)
  • Bethany A.

    Honestly I'm not a big coffee person so whenever I write reviews for coffee places I'm not really sure what makes a coffee place good/bad, BUT Unicorn seems like a favorite place for those who are into coffee, especially since they have lots of different types and the baristas really look like they know what they're doing. I got a dirty chai here last time and was pleasantly surprised by its perfect amount of sweetness. I will say that Unicorn is kind of cramped (like the tables and chairs are really close to each other) and that is kind of a drawback, but otherwise, it's super close to campus and has outdoor seating for nice days!

    (4)
  • Michael M.

    Best coffee I've found in Evanston. Can't seem to get my bagel order right, though. Twice I've been given a poppyseed bagel instead of what I asked for. Maybe they're just trying to get rid of them?

    (4)
  • Lydia S.

    Cute! This place reminds me of the typical college campus, kinda dingy, personality-filled cafe where I loved to study. Now as a graduate student, it felt like home. I met a friend for coffee here in late May/early June, on a warm day, and their special? HORCHATA LATTE. Now, I'm never, not EVER, a sweet drink fan. I like my coffee with nothing in it, but I've had a crush on Horchata ever since I learned about it a few years ago. The Horchata latte was perfect. Not too sweet, just a hint, with cinnamon, and rice milk. Over ice, it was the perfect thing to sip on the patio. I'd forgotten about the cash-only policy. That's a pain. And the place is always hoppin'! I consider that a bonus. Who wants an empty coffee shop?

    (4)
  • Leah L.

    This place is spacious, friendly and a great mix of bustling yet not over-loud. The crowd tends to stay for 1-3 hours and each person is usually working on something or having a quiet conversation, so you can feel comfortable hanging out to work for a while. I like the Alterra iced coffee, and the horchata iced coffee. My friend applauds their hot Chai. They have vegan scones! Wifi is reliable.

    (4)
  • Tim B.

    I'm a college student that has a certain opinion of what I need in a cafe --a formulation that I think extends beyond the wants of a student. I want to briefly summarize what I see as the vital elements of a coffee shop and how the Unicorn Cafe fails to adequately meet these needs: Wi-fi: Virtually non-existent. Even though there are technically two networks to connect to neither works well; it is difficult to connect (I have a 2014 computer, this is not a problem with my hardware) and frequently cut out in the middle of utilization. When connected to they are slow, so combined with the frequent breaks in service it is extremely difficult to get much done. Coffee: Alright. Nothing to write home about but nothing so bad that one would want to return it. Decent, moderately priced, and probably the highlight of the experience --that said, the menu is written on a chalkboard and done so sloppily, I saw plenty of confused people. Seating: The tables are big enough to fit a single laptop and not much more, which is super inconvenient if you are there with any other number of people. I saw quite a few people come in as groups and spread out so that each person took their own table. Pastries: They never seem to have any stocked any of the times I go; no way to comment on the quality because I never see them there. Atmosphere: meh, I guess it's what one might expect from a place called Unicorn Cafe. Kitsch and shit, not too interesting. I'd recommend making the trek to Brother K's or even just crossing the street to Starbucks --and boy do I dislike Starbucks. Not worth the time, especially if you are there to do work.

    (1)
  • manfred m.

    Coffee is great but food can be substandard. Soups are really good but It's a shame that they can't make decent sandwiches most of the time. The sandwiches have gotten worse.

    (2)
  • Rowena L.

    My entire college career I heard people sing the praises of Unicorn. And then in my last months as a senior I finally went. Um, why do people love it? The latte I had there was okay, not spectacular. There was nothing very special about the decor, and ambiance was ordinary. And seriously, it closes at 8?

    (2)
  • Sandy G.

    They had a free table - a definite advantage over the Starbuck's across the street. Other than that, meh. I had a grilled cheese, an iced tea and a cookie. The cookie was good and as big as my face, which was nice. The grilled cheese was so-so, the iced tea was ok. The barista made me feel like I just really, really bothered him. No smile. Not even at my friend's super cute daughter who was with me and who makes everybody smile. They then mixed up my order with someone else's and by the time I noticed the mistake I had already touched the sandwich all over, and they still gave it to the other lady. Yuck! Next time I'm in the area I'll just get Starbuck's to go.

    (2)
  • Yanyao N.

    I've managed to live in Evanston for 9 years and not set foot inside Unicorn once... until today. Tomorrow, I will resume my days of not setting foot inside Unicorn. Frankly, there are better coffee shops in the area. I was initially lured in by the Metropolis coffee that they brew (J has a Red Line espresso IV in his arm) and whenever I think of Metropolis, my heart flutters because I adore their coffee shop on Granville - the drinks, the latte art, the awesome baristas, everything. This is what greeted me today at Unicorn: - Very few things to snack on. A few cookies here or there, but most of their selection at sweet treats had been cleaned out. Granted, it was 4pm and hopefully they would have a better stock earlier in the day, but it makes me a little sad. - A not-so-friendly barista who seemed like he was wilting away. Perk up dude! You work in a coffee shop. Drink something! - A cash-only policy. - Several empty tables (actually a good thing, considering they usually look to be very busy). - A wrong order (no vanilla syrup for me today). - A general lack of care put into making the drink. Iced dumped in, coffee slipping over the top - I spent most of my time at the milk station cleaning up the cup, so I could actually hold it and drink it and not have my hands covered in latte. Very disappointing. With The Other Brother right down the street, that also brews Metropolis, I will not be heading back here. I've gotten used to the coffee shop experience of latte art tulips and housemade vanilla syrups (seriously, go to Metropolis on Granville NOW) that this Unicorn experience will not be accepted. I am so spoiled.

    (2)
  • Julianna W.

    Fantastic Ice Coffee! Not watered down, just full rich flavor. The atmosphere in Unicorn is great, whether to meet someone for a chat, a date, or to study solo. They have great teas too! It's a classic coffee shop.

    (5)
  • Jason G.

    very good coffee. obviously a favorite of northwestern students. everything you want in a neighborhood cafe.

    (4)
  • Christine K.

    The coffee could have been brewed more. Maybe it was because there was a crowd of customers attempting to find space in this tiny shop, meaning a single barista had to manage multiple orders, but my cup of coffee bordered along the lines of bitter coffee water. Maybe I'll try, again, in the fall.

    (3)
  • Evan S.

    I've been a couple times and received good service, which goes a long way. As for food, both times I had the curry chicken salad sandwich and was QUITE pleased, to say the least. Otherwise, it's a nice, cozy place that's good for popping into for a bite to eat, a coffee, or to hit the books. Check it out...

    (3)
  • Seth F.

    Have always loved this placed but am FED UP with being charged extra for Soy milk for a cappuccino. The Unicorn charges 60 cents for a few ounces of soy milk for a mediocre small cappuccino. I guess soy milk is a profit center for them... I refuse to patronize any coffee shop that charges for a milk alternative. Basta!

    (2)
  • Anne W.

    I really wanted to like this place. It's hard to find the really good coffee shop in Evanston. This place has also practically become one of the only 2 independent establishments that are still open in downtown Evanston. I've been here a couple times and every single time I keep telling myself that it'll be great. It's really not though. Tables are very scarce and even when you can snag one, it's so small that you can barely even fit your laptop on it. I don't drink coffee, but I've had their chai and loose leaf tea. The tea was just all right. The chai was not that good and expensive to boot. $4.24 for a small soy chai? I can get it cheaper at other places and it usually tastes a lot better to boot. My friend got a soy latte and the soy milk was clumping all over her drink... They also only accept cash which is a huge minus in a society where many people don't carry cash anymore.

    (2)
  • Kenny O.

    It's my people's (NU graduate students) go-to café. Why? I don't know. Unicorn is very ... meh. The coffee's below average. The food is mediocre and overpriced. There's never any vacant tables because of all the grad students studying here at ALL HOURS OF THE DAY. ...and it closes early. I've been here a couple times--once on a whim for a quick coffee while getting some reading done, and second on an informal meeting with an acquaintance (her suggestion, not mine). I don't think I'll ever come back on my own accord.

    (2)
  • Emily M.

    I can't complain about my latte or basic bagel, but the tables were too crowded for me to really feel the magic, either. I might choose the Unicorn again-- neither a must-see nor a must-miss.

    (3)
  • Margo G.

    Ummm Employee Was Bad When Taking The Order Off The Phone, I mean Im Sure You Had A Long Day But Damn You Dont Have To Take Your Anger Off On Me. When I First Walked In No One Seemed Like They Wanted To Help, So I Waited And Others Budged Right Infront Of Me And YET The Employees Helpped Them Out With No Problem And Said "The Usual?" Reallyyyy Come On!!!! Everything Was Just Half A$$ There Sorry To Say, I Just Tell It How It Is... Not A Place To Go Too!!!

    (1)
  • Peter C.

    very crowded during northwestern's school season, be warned. the unicorn is a wonderful local joint with good knowledge of and a good supply of coffee. my favorite thing about this place is that they play only classical music until 10am or so, assuring that you'll have a relaxing morning. (disclaimer: my brother worked at the unicorn for a while)

    (4)
  • Marina M.

    Good location, free WiFi and I really enjoyed the pumpkin spice latte and spinach & feta pocket. So why only 3 stars: * They don't take credit card * Tiny tables * Really hard to find a seat because the place is always crowded and no one ever seems to leave!

    (3)
  • Isabel M.

    I don't know what people's beef with Unicorn is, I adore this place! The first time I came in here was my junior year of high school, when I was visiting Northwestern. It was around Valentines day, so the whole place was pink and adorable, with a small journal tucked in the back of a bench called 'Love Confessions'. I later learned that this was a permanent fixture, as are the paintings of unicorns and... other things. Very bright things, currently. BUT you probably care more about food and drinks, so here are my thoughts. I literally can't stomach Starbucks coffee (so acidic the stomach pain isn't worth the extra jolt), so I always go here instead. It's not that much more expensive for just a regular drip, I don't think. They also give you 10 cents off for bringing your own mug-- yay sustainability! They also sell tea per cup or by the pot. The other day I split a pot of English Breakfast with a friend and it was super yummy. We each had three small cups and there was still enough left to fill a 12oz. to-go cup. They have a very good selection of teas, so maybe next time I'll try something green or botanical.The only house-made food I've really had here is their oatmeal chocolate chip walnut cookie, but the reason why it's the only thing is because it's SO GOOD I don't even want to try anything else. It's as big as your face, too, so you can definitely share.... or not. ;) SERIOUSLY THOUGH THIS COOKIE WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE GO GET ONE RIGHT NOW. The other day I also bought a package of vegan, gluten-free energy hearts they sell, which were very good, albeit a bit dry, but I kind of expected that given their nature. I gave one to a friend who's allergic to both gluten and dairy, and she was stunned not only by their existence, but by how good they tasted! Though I don't have any dietary restrictions myself, having a friend with them has made me very appreciative of places with a number of options for all needs. I also love the clientele. I come here to study all the time and find I can always get a ton done, no matter the time of day. If I go in the morning before class, I'm surrounded by older patrons, regulars who greet each other occasionally with a smile, but are generally content to sit quietly with their drink and a newspaper. In the afternoon, it's NU grad students everywhere! Seen a couple of aural skills TAs here, among others. In all, it's a cute place to meet friends or get work done. Good coffee, good tea, not overly expensive. Would definitely support this small business and all its sustainable practices over Starbucks any day!

    (5)
  • Jacqueline R.

    Was heading to Starbucks and I popped in here instead. Asked if they were familiar with the double chocolate chip frap at Starbucks, and she said no, but if I described it she could try. Made me the most delicious chocolatey goodness I could imagine! Plus, since it was between 6 and 8 in the evening, I got to add on a pumpkin muffin for $1 that was well worth it. Definitely will be coming back!

    (5)
  • Marion P.

    Fantastic coffee, great location, good soup. Every once in a while my decaf espresso tastes awfully bitter (burnt roast?), but usually it's just about the most flavorful decafs in town. Also, students with laptops, just FYI: I like it too, but if you spend all day here writing papers and occupying ALL the tables, the people who come here to actually eat or drink don't have anywhere to sit down! There is, however, a fully functional library just down the road. You should try it (although admittedly the coffee is beyond awful..but they have books to make up for it).

    (5)
  • Megan H.

    My transactions at Unicorn Cafe are always simple. They usually involve a 12-oz. latte to go (whole milk), with the occasional order of whole coffee beans. They serve and sell a wide variety of Alterra coffees (haven't seen Metropolis, as previous reviewers mentioned). I've only had a couple lattes here that haven't been outstanding. I've never had the food, but that's not usually what I go to a coffee shop for. The staff have always been pleasant and helpful. And I like that Unicorn recycles coffee cup sleeves. I usually save up 5 or 6 before I turn them in to the little basket. I've hung out here a couple times, but I don't make a habit of it because it's always packed with college kids. I was one of those once, but it's not really my scene anymore.

    (4)
  • Leigh J.

    When I went to school in Evanston I used to go to the Unicorn at least twice a week to get their Windfall sandwich, an unassuming but extremely tasty little concoction comprised of sliced turkey breast, slightly melted cheddar, red onion, fresh tomato, and sweet basil on warmed Focaccia or thick sliced multi-grain (depending on the day). There is nothing sophisticated about any of these ingredients, but the combination is delicious. The basil makes it, and the softness of the sandwich, the shredded turkey breast, the texture of the tomatoes, the fact that the cheese is slightly melted but not quite, the tiny bit of onion that you get in each bite, the sweet canteloupe on the side... okay, I want one now.

    (5)
  • Chad E.

    Great for studying, meeting up, people watching, and drinking delicious coffee. They also have loose leaf teas, tasty baked goods (including chocolate zucchini bread - NOM), soup, sandwiches, and yes, a hummus platter. If you're in a big hurry, don't bother - this is not the place. Plan to stay a while and groove to one of their killer playlists. Oh, and when the weather is nice you can sit out front at an outdoor table. Win.

    (4)
  • Martin G.

    The Unicorn is not an overly special coffee shop. I had a panini that I didn't think was bad, but I did think it was a little expensive for not being overly special. The coffee was good. I saw an Al Terra sticker on the wall so I assumed that was where they get coffee from and that is one of my favorite Milwaukee hangs. I had an iced latte (because it was oh so hot outside) and after i finished that I hung around and did some work at one of their tables and had a sandwich. They didn't bother me and let me stay there for a few hours working on stuff. I ordered some regular drip coffee which was hot and I burned my hand because I can't walk and carry liquid in a cup. The Baristas were nice. Not too much else to say. It was just fine. Not special, not bad. If you want coffee they have it.

    (3)
  • Peter M.

    Great little hipster coffee spot that's got better food and service than the starbucks accross the street. It's cash only up to 10 bucks so heads up

    (4)
  • Tricia D.

    I guess people come here for the wifi, the chill coffee shop setting, or the baked goods they can munch on, but surely they don't come for the service. The girl who was on shift today was chatting with one of her friends off to the side of the counter. It was only after seeing me waiting at the register, continuing to chat with her friend, and walking around the counter to finish her conversation with said friend that she then acknowledged me and offered customer service. What. the. hell. The only reason I come here is to get Hoosier Mama pie by the slice. And even then, last time, the lady working used her hands to transfer my pie into the to-go container. CRINGE. EMPLOYEE TRAINING NEEDED!

    (2)
  • Liz R.

    BUMMER. First, I only patronize local businesses. I just moved to Evanston and asked around, where is the coffee besides Starbucks? I was directed to Unicorn and went out of my to find it. I knew I didn't have enough cash but there is a sign that reads, "Need cash? Use your debit card and get cash back!" Cool! So I ordered a cappuccino and was told they are cash only and charge a $1 FEE to use a debit card. ORLY? Line behind me, I need coffee, I am a bit confused about the fee, so I agree. I walk away like, what just happened? After a $1 tip, I just spent $7.16 on a 12 ounce freaking cappuccino!! How does that happen? I feel like I got swindled. I can't even tell you if the drink was good, who really cares? I am so pissed. Maybe put out a sign that says CASH ONLY or $1 FEE FOR DEBIT?? I am the biggest supporter of local coffee, but I will not be back to Unicorn. And PS- I love unicorns too so it's a double slap!

    (2)
  • Mima W.

    Pleasant place, standard college-town cafe. Food and drink, so-so. Cash only and The wifi is atrocious. When it works, it's incredibly slow. Update: They now accept debit cards, or actually what they do is run your debit card as a cash machine, $10 minimum chip and give you the change. Used to be unbearably crowded during Northwestern school year, but not quite as bad now that new mega starbucks opened across the street.

    (3)
  • Monica S.

    If you're looking to complete extended reading and/or writing while enjoying a hipster ambience, then come here on a weekend morning during a non-midterm week to avoid NU student crowds, but if you're looking for varied tea and snack selections, then look elsewhere, like Brothers K Coffeehouse.

    (3)
  • Kate M.

    This is a cute little cafe just a block away from where I live. I have only been here for breakfast and ordered oatmeal and a chai tea latte. I really like the cute ambiance and service was good. Unfortunately, I have to say that I prefer Starbuck's chai tea lattes. I'll definitely give this place another chance for maybe lunch or dinner but not sure I'll be back here again for breakfast.

    (3)
  • Linnea M.

    My main problem: they don't take cards- that makes stopping in here kind of annoying if you don't tend to carry much cash. The atmosphere is undoubtedly hipster. You can't avoid all the signs that say "organic" and "we recycle!" and so on. Going to get some tea is way more stressful if you're constantly hit over the head with different ways that you're ecologically a bad person. I'm all for recycling and reusing and organics, so if it's too much for me that's saying something. The selection of tea is good, and they have a much wider variety than most shops. They have a nice descriptive list about each kind of tea and its ingredients that make it easy to pick what you'd like. They have some snacks but it doesn't seem like the best selection, and by the afternoon they pretty much only have baked goods- no bananas or whatever like your typical Starbucks would. All in all, if not for their attitude this would be fine. But no credit cards? Are you joking? You just lost my business because I don't want to constantly check to see if I have more than my emergency CTA fare in my wallet. Maybe that sounds overdramatic but it's still true! Haha.

    (2)
  • Ju L.

    Chill place, great vibe, and they brew Metropolis. The people who work here are always super nice and apparently if you come near closing time, there's a chance they'll give you your coffee for free since it's just going to be thrown out anyway. WiFi is free, of course. The place is always filled with people (college kids as well as the older crowd) so seating is hard, but that only makes the victory of finding a table that much sweeter. The one thing that keeps me from coming here more frequently is that the seating is so. horribly. uncomfortable. If I come here to do work I generally leave with a headache from the weird spinal position I'm in due to the tiny tabletop, my resulting laptop screen tilt, and the wooden benches. Their vanilla steamed milk is delightful on cruel days. Also, they have a blog: unicorncafe.wordpress.com One question: there is often a guy sitting at one of the tables outside, doing extremely intricate engraving work on a wooden panel. Who is this mystery man??

    (4)
  • Taryn T.

    Five stars for this local coffee shop, because: *Delicious (and HUGE) sandwiches that taste yummier and cost less than the Panera paninis *Free wi-fi and outlets GALORE - you will never have to worry about running out of battery or doing the uncomfortable "switch-off" thing with a stranger. *Great drink & dessert selection (all of the lemonades are delicious; so are the chocolate chip cookies and brownies) *Fantastically awkward music playing all the time *Huge floor-length windows on Sherman Ave. make it a great spot for people watching and suggestive eye contact with strangers. I've studied here countless times, and it's only been "too crowded" ONCE - on a very rainy Saturday afternoon. So if you can avoid Unicorn on rainy Saturday afternoons, you should be fine. OH, and it's cash only.

    (5)
  • Jojo F.

    I write this review with the need for another visit to actually try the desserts and sandwiches. My husband and I stopped in here so that I could do some homework. The coffee is very good and yes, the place does have plenty of outlets for laptops. Like most great coffee spots, the people really like to sit around for a long, long time, so be prepared to stay a while or move on.

    (4)
  • Unity O.

    For the record, I actually quite loathe Evanston...I truly do not get the appeal. I will however venture there from time to time either for the farmers market in the summer or to meet a VERY GOOD friend (if you are merely an acquaintance you are out of luck :-). Yesterday I happen to be meeting a friend for some catch up & girl chat time and since I have read some good reviews of this place (plus we both live on the far north side of the city), we choose to plant our behinds at the Unicorn Cafe. I love supporting local independent places--no Starbucks for this lady. It seems how packed this place gets comes & goes in waves. I got there around 4pm & there were plenty of tables available, but at 5pm there were none. Luckily my friend had the foresight to get there early & she had already got us primo seats--she had to wait though when she got there (guess you have to time it properly). They have free wifi, which makes people stay there forever; seriously some people plant themselves there all day. This place gets packed with students from Northwestern and also your ordinary working class stiffs. This place definitely has an eclectic vibe--does not seem like the sort of place you find in the burbs, seems more city like which is why I kind of dug it (sort of reminds me of Dollop or Noble Tree). You can go to study, work, chill, read a book, do some teaching English as a 2nd language, or simply to chat with folks. No one seems to mind whatever it is that you are doing, as long as you do not bother them. The brew is Metropolis so bonus points for that; although they could use some bigger mugs to put it in (they are tiny!). The baked goods decent although the brownie I had was a bit dry. They have a variety of sandwiches, soups, and pastries for sale at very decent prices, so I will definitely be hitting them up again if I am in the area. One downside...CASH ONLY which can be a pain for this non cash carrying person. The staff is super!! They are very friendly, attentive, and all around cool people. If you are in the hood, give Unicorn Cafe a try--remember though seating is not a guarantee.

    (4)
  • Dan E.

    I had some time to kill before an early morning meeting in Evanston. I used to work nearby so I knew the choices at this end of Evanston were Unicorn, Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts. These three choices kind of segmented the local coffee drinking population. I kind of bounced between the three depending on my mood. Starbucks, well, is just Starbucks, a place to see and be seen. The Dunkin Donuts was a little sterile. Unicorn was down to earth and a pleasant place to spend some time. And it still is after all these years.

    (4)
  • Shradha A.

    If you really want to get some work done, this place is a better option within the Evanston downtown (walkable) radius than Kafein, but it's a trade-off because their service and coffee is just not up-to-par!

    (3)
  • M R.

    A great place to do some work! Excellent taste of music and the coffee is actually not bad at all. One of my favorite places in town.

    (4)
  • R M.

    The Unicorn Cafe is the best cafe in evanston. Always nice people, good place to meet up with friends do school work. The window overlooking the street is great for people watching, and the coffee here is definitely better than anything around. Great great people

    (5)
  • Akhila K.

    I just have to rate this 5, because after moving to D.C. I've been longing to find a cafe just like Unicorn! It makes me nostalgic for my college days. I absolutely LOVED studying and working at Unicorn when I was a student at NU. I loved the vibe of it - lots of people studying/working on their laptops, coffee and food served in *real* plates and with *real* silverware - and a chill ambiance with lots of academics, grad students, etc. It also always seemed to have a bit "indie" and artsy vibe which I just adore. Free wifi and it is a great place to study and get work done. I usually didn't have too much difficulty finding a spot to study or to plug in my laptop. Just grab a coffee, sit down and chat with a friend or do work alone. I never felt like anyone made me leave even after a few hours, which was great. Now, if only I can find a similarly awesome cafe in D.C., I'll be set!

    (5)
  • Sara P.

    I'm not sure how many stars should I give to this place great coffee, nice staff but also bad looking outdated interior, small blahh sandwiches. should be 3 stars but I hate big chains and support small locally busineses.

    (4)
  • Lois A.

    Huge soft fresh brownies that melt in your mouth! An excellent place to get coffee or a sandwich. They were playing Guided by Voices the other day which should equal an automatic four star review. Friendly service and there is also outdoor seating. The only thing I don't like is that this place is cash only.

    (4)
  • MaryAnne M.

    Loveliest coffee shop in Evanston. Always filled with Northwestern students/faculty. Owner and staff soooo nice. Free Wi-Fi. I try to give my hard earned monies to local businesses whenever possible & the only reason for 4 stars & not 5 is they only accept cash. Which can be slightly annoying. Especially at 7:49am and you REALLY need a latte. They also have lite lunch items. The lentil soup is delicious.

    (4)
  • Lisa D.

    you have got to love free Wifi. The crowd here obviously does too because most everyone has a laptop with them. Plugged into a power strip from all directions are folks surfing the net and typing instead of interacting with each other. Seriously, this world is odd. I ordered the Moroccan sandwich and an Americano. For some reason when I saw Basil in the sandwich description I thought it would be fresh not dried flakes. yuck The Americano, however was amazing. Nice airy space and a few tables outside to sit at.

    (3)
  • Jessica M.

    I enjoyed the laid-back vibe of this smaller coffee shop. Always love a good local business. The staff members are super friendly and kind but not overly annoyingly nice and chipper. They're down to earth and I definitely appreciate that! I was here to meet someone to discuss some upcoming projects and was glad he chose this establishment. I'm from the SW burbs so this isn't a place I'll frequent but I'm glad I had the opportunity to stop in and spend about an hour and a half. As someone else mentioned, seating is a bit uncomfortable or a bit awkward. Using a laptop on one of their smaller tables was tough when we both had coffee. Overall, a nice cafe with a relaxed vibe. Choose this place to avoid the Starbucks crowd.

    (4)
  • Scott H.

    I've lived in Evanston for years and had never stepped inside The Unicorn Cafe until this morning when I had a half hour to burn. I stepped in and was greeted by the sights, smells and vibe of your usual very chill "mom 'n' pop" coffeehouse. Assorted students and locals working on their laptops, reading, etc. An open, uncluttered and inviting space. I was thrilled to see that they are now serving Alterra coffee, a favorite local chain up in Milwaukee that can certainly hold its own alongside Chicago's Intelligentsia, Metropolis and the like. Cheery service, prices in line with other area shops, good recommendations and a very solid cuppa joe. I'll definitely return when I have an afternoon to while away.

    (3)
  • K G.

    Did 5 hours of work here the other day. I'd bike the 12 miles again just for another strong and creamy latte. The willowy blonde elven (elfin?) barista made it. Yummy, caffeiney, milky. Good bran muffin. Fine veggie bean soup. But the coffee was just how I like it.

    (4)
  • Gregory C.

    Really great college coffee shop, packed with students working on their homework, discussing the latest trends in CEO bonus pay, or other worldly subjects. The wifi is spotty at times, but their coffees are well worth it. To get a feel of the NU student bodies, read the flyers on what's going on in the community, and get energized about life, come here and share a desert with an old friend

    (4)
  • Amanda M.

    I go to Unicorn on a regular basis because no one makes a better iced mocha. And the muffins and scones are TO DIE FOR. If you go in the morning, they are still warm and delicious. (I particularly recommend the Morning Muffin.) While some of the baristas there are wonderful, there are others who can be a little slow. That is the only reason I dock them one star. But even if you have to wait a little, it's still worth it. Their skim milk lattes are so creamy foamy that you feel like you're cheating and drinking something more fattening.

    (4)
  • Sara H.

    My biggest complaint is that this place is always packed. A ton of NU students come here for the free Wi-Fi, and so you're not going to be able to find a place to sit and talk with someone without feeling like you're bothering everyone studying. Half the time I've been there the staff has been really friendly, the other half they've been a little chilly. The coffee is fine, but the baked goods have been a bit lackluster.

    (3)
  • Jenna C.

    Either you're a unicorn or you're not. The soup is yummy. The staff is nice (or at least in the morning they are). They have good tea. The blueberry scones should be in a breakfast food group of their own. Price for coffee quality/quantity, carry-out is definitely not the best deal in the area and the place has a really strong coffee waste smell sometimes, but you go for the smiles. Also as many have figured out, they will let you sit for a ridiculously long time and read/write without being bothered. Back in the day, the unicorn used to have live music and poetry readings sometimes. Tell me that's still true!

    (5)
  • John C.

    Just got back from The Unicorn, and I am happy to have followed the advice of the majority of these reviews. Can't fully understand the problems with *cash only* policy since there is a big sign that says NO CREDIT OR DEBIT CARDS directly on the cash register in big bold letters. Maybe the sign was down that day? That aside, I am a vibe guy. I enjoy places which have a cool vibe which is a function, more than anything else, of the other patrons. This place had a cool vibe. Free Wi-Fi, Northwestern students everywhere studying or flirting or just talking. I kept thinking, "are they all Yelping? Is anyone or everyone here writing reviews?" So the aroma of coffee is wafting through the air and everyone enjoying a beverage of their choice. It felt like the bohemian coffee bar at the student union at my college. If YOU like that vibe, this is the place for you. If NOT, best find somewhere else.....that's the Unicorn. PS: I give it a 4 instead of a 5 only because I don't like giving easy 5s. And, Deanna, there was no hot Ukrainian woman behind the counter. :(

    (4)
  • Dee W.

    I let my co-worker convince me to try this place out because she claims that they have the best homemade soup in Evanston, and she may be close to right. I had their vegetarian soup and it was so filling and fresh. I felt like I just had hot salad. Overall, the staff is friendly and they serve some great tea options. And lastly, they take cash only so make sure that you stop by an ATM before you go inside.

    (4)
  • Kyle C.

    This brunette, I think her name is Brittni, is the best barista at the Uni. She makes it the bestest coffee shop!!!

    (5)
  • Janet T.

    I really want to like this kind of independent coffee shop. But cappuccino I ordered was ......just warm.... like baby milk. Probably I should ordered something else.

    (3)
  • Victor V.

    The place is always packed even when starbuck's right across the street is empty. This alone makes me happy. The clients are young and beautiful (thank you Northwestern), and the owner, a young charming woman is usually around. If I were her, though, i would reevaluate some of the staff, as they can be at times indifferent, ambivolent or even unpleasant. The place is so nice that she shouldn't have trouble filling in these positions. Other than that, one of my favorite spots by the lake.

    (3)
  • Danielle R.

    I love the hometown coffee shop feel of this place. The regular coffee is great though I haven't ventured outside of that yet. The baked goods are just that ... Good! Very quiet and great for working, studying, or unwinding with a friend. Don't forget to feed your meter though!

    (4)
  • dan g.

    The cinnimon scone at the unicorn cafe is good! And everyone has been peachy there lately. Good on you Unicorn.

    (4)
  • Chester W.

    This is a relaxing sort of place, definitely not the same feel as the larger cafes in the area (ie starbucks). Feels slightly dirty... if you like that then this is your place. I'd was kinda hoping it would be more like an Intelligencia...

    (3)
  • Gracie K.

    This is the only cafe in Evanston worth going to. I'm not kidding.

    (5)
  • Eunice B.

    very interesting name. everything was like a fantasy in there. went for some light breakfast. ordered oj and a blueberry scone. not a huge fan of breakfast, but i love the wonderful service and how everything was spaced out. had a table right next to the window and i just stared outside and watched people walk by... very peaceful. btw, their scones and muffins are organic, so i felt super healthy.

    (4)
  • Sarah-jayne M.

    I'm all in favor of locally run places and The Unicorn fits the bill. Even with a Starbucks located across the street this place was jammed! My friends I had tea. They had a nice selection and the wait staff were friendly. We were there for an hour or so and in that time the amount of patrons seemed to ebb and flow. At times it was ridiculously crowded and seats (old Church pews?) were not comfortable. I don't like the cash only thing as I never have cash but I suspect this keeps prices low so I understand it. My only other beef is what is with the labyrinth to get to the bathroom? Almost felt like I needed a trail of bread crumbs.

    (4)
  • Tracy K.

    I have a feeling that if I would have grabbed some coffee and stayed in the cafe, my opinion would have been different. However, I was on the run and needed something to eat, so I thought I'd give them a try. The guy behind the counter was friendly, and even kind of apologetic that I had to wait two minutes while he made my sandwich. No big deal at all, really. The sandwich itself though was disappointing. 4" of french bread smeared with hummus and layered with a piece of tomato, a sliver of red onion, and a slice of cucumber that had been in the fridge too long? Yuck. And for $6 and some change? No thanks. I could have had better food, for less money down the street. Needless to say, I will not be here again for food. Coffee, maybe.

    (2)
  • Colleen R.

    The Unicorn is now open until 10 PM. Hooray!

    (4)
  • Eryn S.

    I like this place, but cash-only? That counts me out a 2/3 of the time. If I have cash, I'm not disappointed.

    (3)
  • Heath R.

    When I last visited Evanston earlier this year, I was thrilled silly that this independent coffee shop was still in business. When I was an NU student in the early '90s, they faced then-new competition from Kafein, and now, there's a Starbucks across the street! Still, the place remains the same -- and seems to have held its own. The coffee is still excellent. The baked goods of high quality. The cream cheese still served in little Kraft packets. The soundtrack interesting. The staff excellent. The papers -- daily and weekly -- still free to read. And the atmosphere more conducive to conversation, meetings, or study than anything else going downtown. If I still lived in Evanston, the Unicorn would be a regular haunt. I would probably, like my anarchist philosophy grad student TA before, hold "office hours" there to meet friends and comrades in arms. If you're in Evanston, spend an hour or two here. You'll be the better for it.

    (5)
  • Nastassia J.

    I've only come here for meals, and its very tasty. Sandwich meals are good, and come with a slice of fresh fruit. Their soups are very good and change regularly. Good option for lunch and nice to support the independents.

    (3)
  • Laura H.

    Great little cafe near campus. I've been here several times to meet up and chat with my friend who still lives in Evanston. Coffee drinks are decent and the baked goods rock. If you're looking just for a good, strong cup, I'd go to Peet's down the street. If you want more of a place to hang out with friends or do work, this is definitely the place to be.

    (4)
  • A S.

    I come to The Uni for lunch about twice a week to enjoy their delightful sandwiches and homemade (always vegan) soups. They generally have good, mellow jams playing, and it is a comfortable place to spend a chill lunch hour. However, I concur with those who are frustrated by the Wildcats that feel the need to occupy a table for 4 or 5 hours while drinking a single cup of coffee. You need to study, the library sucks, I feel you - but could you maybe conduct your cafe-takeovers during non-mealtimes, so us working stiffs can get some lunch up in here (and The Uni can make a buck)? Cool.

    (4)
  • Loubli B.

    I can't compare it to any place else in Evanston, as we just visited for the day, but we really enjoyed it for a quick lunch. Some of the best veg soup I've had - split pea was the special, and my companion (non veg) didn't miss the ham. Nice atmosphere, although we went when school wasn't in session. Folks playing scrabble etc :)

    (4)
  • Dave Y.

    a cool local independent coffee shop that's a good place to hang out and do work or study. everything here is pretty decent but not mindblowing. avoid starbucks, come here instead

    (4)
  • Charles J.

    Great place - great coffee & atmosphere..but please lose the one amazingly cranky, disinterested staff member who gives "I-would-rather-be-anywhere-but-here" death stares to customers...if I see her working, I actually turn right around and go across the street.

    (4)
  • Saralyn M.

    Free wi-fi and good coffee, but I find it overpriced by volume. Also, the atmosphere is great, but they only take cash. I find that really frustrating.

    (3)
  • Jennifer H.

    I think it speaks volumes to Unicorn Cafe's popularity (or the coffee drinking habits of Northwestern students) that there are always people in Unicorn, even across the street from Starbucks. While I appreciate that they brew Metropolis coffee (mmmm), for me, there's nothing about Unicorn that sets it apart from any other independent college campus coffee shop. Good coffee, good food (I do appreciate a menu that spans from scones to homemade soups to sandwiches to pie), comfortable enough seating area and it is really nice to sit outside when it's warm. There's plenty about Unicorn that's good, but, for me, very little that's exceptional or great.

    (4)
  • Jamie F.

    This cafe is super cozy and adorable with delicious coffee and nice baristas. Perfectly pulled shots of espresso.

    (4)
  • Skipper D.

    This little coffee shop is pretty ok, and at one time served the best coffee in the city (Metropolis-Micro roaster of the Year) and was super special. Alas, in the last few years it has gone way downhill... Hope this changes.

    (2)
  • David F.

    This place has a wonderful, relaxed atmosphere with outdoor seating. It has been one of my favorite cafes for over a decade.

    (4)
  • Midori G.

    I like coming here to work on a paper, enjoy a few cups of coffee and the music playing. The first time I came in they were playing Wilco, which made me love the place instantly. Not the best coffee or tea in Evanston, but what it lacks in rich flavors it makes up for in atmosphere.

    (4)
  • Keith A.

    I've never been as sold on this place as other coffee aficionados I've talked to, and I think the main reason is that it feels crowded to me. One might rightly point out that many of the coffeehouses I praise most highly are often full, with people waiting, and with tables quite close together. True enough. But I call that "density"; that's not what I mean by "crowded." Crowded is when you don't have enough personal space to maneuver in, and that's what I feel at the Unicorn -- like I never have enough space. I don't have to worry about bumping into someone at the table next to me; what I have to worry about is whether I have enough room on my tabletop for my coffee cup, my pie plate and my book. I truly think that all it would take for me to be sold on the Unicorn is larger tables. Unfortunately, the ones they have now are enough to bounce me over to Kafein when I'm in downtown Evanston.

    (3)
  • Ramon R.

    This is my favorite cafe in downtown Evanston. It is a terrific place to hold group meetings, especially if you're a Northwestern student. There's a tight area where people sit and read while drinking coffee and eating bagels, and then there's a separate area with larger tables that are commonly used for group meetings. The food here doesn't compare with what Panera Bread down the street has to offer, but that's fine because this place is more conducive to group interaction given that it's more talking-and-reading oriented than food-oriented.

    (5)
  • dave s.

    A good independent coffee shop located near Northwestern University. Usually filled with kids on their laptops, this place is almost always crowded. Good place to eat grilled cheese, drink and people watch.

    (3)
  • Ray E.

    I was visiting Evanston for an academic conference with my girlfriend. I came across this cafe while doing a search online for places to work during the day. Judging by the pictures posted it looked like a great place to meet up with friend, sip coffee and work. The cafe was just what I expected. Very comfortable, plenty of seating. Lighting and electrical outlets were in abundance. Also got a chance to meet the owner. I found here to be pleasant, welcoming and eager to make sure her customer have a great experience. I liked the cafe so much I bought a Unicorn Cafe t-shirt for my barista back home.

    (4)
  • Catherine Z.

    Unicorn Café on Sherman Avenue is at a comfortable capacity, much like a cup of its hot chocolate: satisfyingly full but not overwhelmingly so, left with a bit of breathing space. When it was rescued from the corporate grasp of a coffee chain in 2003, this independent coffee house adopted its own sense of style, evident in the faded yellow paint job, the generous milk and sugar station, the cans of local coffee displayed at the counter, and the unicorn portrait displayed proudly in the center of the menu. Study sessions inside the café fill the warm, perfumed air with a soft chorus of voices. A man staring at his computer jiggles his foot impatiently, a side effect of one too many cups of coffee. A woman in the corner leans lightly with her elbows on the tabletop's worn marble, and it trembles under the weight. The chairs emit a low creak every time a patron stands or sits. The cashier stands directly behind the elevated counter, like a captain stands behind the upper railing of his ship, watching over his crew. He displays an armful of tattoos. After patiently telling a customer at the counter that the 16-oz cup is just called medium, not grande, he hand-delivers a sandwich to a patron's table with a small smile. The box of well-played board games sitting in the corner and the scuffs on the wood paneling tell a love story of the way caffeine addicts are drawn to this one-of-a-kind café, a friend's house when home is too far away. full review is up on my blog! catthecritic.wordpress.c…

    (3)
  • Joanne L.

    I like the vibe in here--an abundance of small granite topped tables and sturdy wooden chairs, understated art work (not counting the unicorn by the register--which I will overlook given the name of the cafe!), and plenty of interesting patrons to furnish the type of bookwormish ambiance that imbues the term "character." However, the coffee is meh and the wifi is horrible. I'm currently writing this review by employing my phone's hotspot. Attempting to utilize the "free wifi" was an exercise reminiscent of the days in my basement, listening for the dial-up screech from my modem. I was altogether unable to access my work desktop (citrix application), which renders this a not ideal place to get some work done. I also find it somewhat annoying that they don't take credit cards of any kind here (they will sort of take debit cards--they force you to withdraw at least $10 and will hand you the difference between that and the cost of your order). That being said, given the crowd here, it seems there are quite a few people who don't mind the chronic tech snafus.

    (3)
  • Lori L.

    I LOVE the homemade Chai Latte and the scones. Go get some!

    (5)
  • Rosa J.

    It's ironic that this lovely place is diagonally across from the imperialistic Sta*buc*s, but prices here are SO much better. For about $2.50, you can get a 12 oz. coffee. The most expensive and the largest-sized coffee (20 oz.) is merely a few cents over $4. Does that sound more appealing? Don't think because their coffee is expensive, that wouldn't be made with good-quality coffee beans and an intricate Italian-style coffee machine. If you think so, you're WRONG. They do have the heavy-duty coffee machine and makes awesome coffee. Please be aware that they only take either cash or a debit card. If you pay with debit, you will get cash back by either subtracting by $10 or $20, whatever amount that covers the cost of your order. They do NOT accept any credit card. There's free wifi provided and it worked great the entire time I was there. That place is quite busy, but there isn't a bad seat in the house. I like this place, and it's a five (5)-minute walking distance from the CTA Davis Purple station and the Davis Metra station.

    (4)
  • Sharon C.

    I dropped by Unicorn Cafe twice in one day because I mixed up my meeting times... but I didn't find it to be anything special either time. I ordered a green loose leaf tea, and it was given to me in a small, plastic, pretty dingy looking container - the kind where you have to push down the knob yourself to filter out the tea leaves. The tea itself tasted fine, but not much better than anything that I could do myself, and the presentation was definitely lacking.

    (3)
  • Valerie R.

    Coffee is great, but please JUST TAKE THE BLOODY CREDIT. People don't carry cash anymore, and I've seen too many people get their debit turned down and be forced to run to an ATM for cash. And be back in time to drink cold coffee. Really, it would be a better business move to take credit. Because meanwhile, across the street, the Starbucks accepts payment via an app--you don't even need a wallet!

    (2)
  • Leah M.

    I'm appalled at the treatment my friend and I received today at Unicorn. The employee was a young male with dark hair and glasses. He came outside to clean the tables and asked us if we had purchased anything from Unicorn. I said "Oh, no, but I'm about to!" It was understandable that he was asking - we had been sitting there for a bit now and my friend was finishing up her Starbucks drink from earlier (mind you, there was not a single person sitting outside besides ourselves - it's not as if there were others trying to take a seat). He immaturely responds, his tone extremely hostile and sassy, "Well you're sitting at our tables drinking our competitor's product--that's not great form." Little did he know, I was about to purchase a drink from Unicorn as soon as she was finished! Our laptops and books were out on the table, indicating that our intention was to stay there for a while (and obviously purchase a drink--if not multiple). He follows up, after staring us down for a minute as he pointedly cleans the table next to us, "...but feel free to sit here" (a clearly sarcastic statement). Unicorn Café: mediocre coffee, suboptimal form. Try to be a LITTLE bit professional next time.

    (1)
  • Adi G.

    I love it here. The food and drinks are lovely, it's much less expensive than Starbucks, and it's a comfortable place for sitting, chatting, and working. I would certainly recommend it to anyone near the University looking for a cute, independent coffee shop. Note, though, that it is cash-only. This is kind of inconvenient, but definitely not enough to deter me from coming here - it's definitely worth a trip to the ATM!

    (4)
  • Tanya V.

    The name of this coffee joint implies rainbows and fantasy and cuteness... dreamy, right? No, 'cause really it just smells like a grandma's basement! Seriously, do you guys smell that? Holding my nose, I've popped in for a coffee or two and wifi - the wifi was fine, coffee was ok, service was eh, and it was crowded. Not my fav, not a first choice, they need to de-mustify before I'll return, unfortunately.

    (2)
  • Angela P.

    If you're like me, you spent your elementary years reading Sweet Valley Twins novels. You'll remember that Jessica Wakefield was a member of the "Unicorns," a sort of elite group of popular girls in junior high. They always wore purple. It was a predecessor to "Mean Girls" and the whole "we wear pink on Fridays" thing. During those sweet years, I was also obsessed with Lisa Frank and those magical, rainbow-colored unicorns. Enter: Unicorn Café. I was looking for coffee shops in Evanston, and Unicorn Cafe made it on my "must stop here" list. I ordered an iced chai (~$3), sat outside and read my book. I liked my drink, and the barista was both friendly and quick. There are a lot of tables inside, most of which were occupied by students camping out on the free WiFi. I stuck out like a sore thumb because I was 1) the only one reading an actual BOOK,, and 2) I think I was the oldest person here. The interior of the place isn't anything special, but it feels raw, independent, artistic, as if in the minds of all the people here, something really awesome is happening. I don't think there are any other Unicorn Café locations (sigh), but I appreciate an independent coffeehouse. It's a nice departure from Starbucks. They also sell t-shirts. My inner Jessica Wakefield pined for a purple Unicorn Café t-shirt (yes, there's a unicorn on the shirt!), but they only had ladies size medium left. *Sob*

    (5)
  • Jane L.

    Great atmosphere - perfect place to catch up with a friend or to do some work for a few hours. In the spring/summer months, you can also sit outside and enjoy the sun. It can get crowded with Northwestern University students during midterms/finals period. Their coffee and tea selection is quite extensive. I also love the fact that they make their iced coffee more like an iced americana - two shots of espresso poured over ice. For a coffee shop, it does not have a great pastry/baked goods selection. The only downside is that it's cash only and that it closes relatively early.

    (4)
  • Michelle B.

    Great ambiance, good prices & an overall chill enviroment. I liked it. The lady working the cash register was really friendly. There were a few people in there working on their lap top. Definitely a good place to do work or just talk with friends!

    (5)
  • Yousuf K.

    Solid coffee shop. Cool for NU kids but no discount. A bit overpriced and you can't use credit card. Looks super hipster.

    (3)
  • Kyle G.

    Great ambiance, a folky, college town indie vibe, excellent coffee, and overall charm all contribute to the excellence of this fine establishment. I have very little of anything negative to say about it, except that they are cash only. You'll encounter that every so often in businesses, however, so definitely no real qualms here.

    (4)
  • Diana M.

    We often come here for a light lunch. The menu is small but everything we have tried has been delicious with good portion sizes and fresh/wholesome ingredients. Our sandwiches came with giant slices of canteloupe. The hummus sandwich was on delicious toasty bread and had very fresh veggies. And the daily soup is always vegan! The cafe also has a great atmosphere with changing art exhibits and local newspapers/mags available for browsing.

    (4)
  • Nina P.

    So good, worth the walk from north campus. Friendly people and some good coffee-- my go to spot for writing papers.

    (5)
  • Chris H.

    Small and cosy Caffe in Evanston. Tried pumpkin &mushroom soup, loved it. Service is great coffee was perfect. Definitely place to come back.

    (4)
  • Liam A.

    Quick tip: it says that they don't accept card but their cash register/card machine can double as an ATM so you can take money out from their register (with a debit card) and pay with that. With that said, I highly recommend this place because of their strong/tasty drinks and the good mix of people that I often find myself surrounded by when I'm studying here. I haven't really had a problem with finding a seat/table but they do get crowded from time to time. The free wifi is fast, the baristas are cute-- err, I mean really nice, prices are similar to other coffee shops in the area, the indie music selection is great, and there's a decent selection of food to munch on. I subtracted a star because the outlet wires (although helpful and allows everyone access to a plug) are kind of haphazardly laying around on the floor and can be quite unsafe. Also, as someone else mentioned the chairs aren't very comfortable and the past two tables I've chosen have both been lop-sided and got in the way of me working.

    (4)
  • Elizabeth W.

    This place is cute and in a very convenient location. I like to stop here after going to the movies or if I am visiting the Northwestern campus. The drinks are well-made and they have a solid sandwich menu. It is a nice place to study and get work done, but it can get crowded. The staff is always friendly too. My only complaint -- as mentioned in other reviews -- is that there are not enough plugins for laptop/tablet users. But all in all, it is a nice coffee shop to visit when I am in Evanston.

    (4)
  • Jessica L.

    First of all, unicorns, they rock. the end. Next, I'm a huge coffee fanatic, and I have to say that unicorn has one of the best quality coffee beans in Evanston (well, more specifically, around the Northwestern campus). Of course you can buy shipped Intelligentsia or other awesome brands at the nearby Whole Foods, but unicorn get's their Alterra beans freshly delivered, and you can buy the beans straight from the counter. One complaint I have about the place is that it's not very "study"-friendly, meaning that they don't have many plugs around the place, and most of their tables are round and too small for someone studying with a laptop, multiple books, notebooks, etc. But their lattes and coffees taste amazing, and they always have some nice indie music playing so the atmosphere is great. Oh, and they always switch up the arts on the walls so it's never boring waiting around for your coffee!

    (4)
  • Melissa R.

    The peppermint latte was good, the server... not so much. He was kinda rude, and kinda pushy for me to give them my order. (Considering no one else was in line behind me.) I'll go back if I'm in the area, but that's about it.

    (3)
  • Jenn E.

    Cute local coffee shop with free wi-fi and a nice selection of baked goods. The service here is friendly but at times can take a little while especially during crowded weekday mornings. I find the lattes and cappuccinos to be top notch and really strong. Prices are similar to many other big chain coffee shops but be prepared to have cash on hand as it's a cash only shop.

    (4)
  • Kasey B.

    Service is atrocious here. I just went in to try to grab lunch in between appointments. I said hello to the two people behind the counter and received no response. Ok.. I looked at the menu and ordered a sandwich and iced coffee. The guy helping me was quite surly, grudgingly acknowledging they did indeed have soy milk. When I went to pay with my card, he said "oh.. We're basically cash only." I am staring at a debit pin pad as he says this. I search my wallet for cash as he continues ".. Or we have like, a little.. ATM you can use." I don't have enough cash so I say "ok, forget it I guess." He answers, "do you want a coffee or something?" I said no and left. No apology, and I am not at all convinced he couldn't have rung me up. Either way, I had a much better experience with the polite employees at cosi across the street. What a shame.

    (1)
  • George R.

    I didn't like this place and wish I had found a different place to study. The apple cider that was supposed to be hot was lukewarm and got cold in a couple minutes. Also, the cider was jewel brand at a marked up price. Finally, the internet was spotty and they don't accept credit cards.

    (1)

Sorry, we don't have Q&A for this restaurant.

Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.

Map

Opening Hours

  • Mon :6:30 am - 8:00pm
  • Mon : 6:30 am - 8:00pm

Specialities

  • Accepts Credit Cards : No
    Parking : Street
    Bike Parking : Yes
    Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
    Outdoor Seating : Yes
    Wi-Fi : Free
    Good for Working : Yes

Unicorn Cafe

Share with your social network

Looky Weed - Buy Marijuana Online

Looky Weed is here to help you navigate the maze of legalized marijuana. We provide you with a complete dispensary directory.

© 2024 Restaurant Listings. All rights reserved.