Caffe Umbria — Restaurant in Chicago

While staying in the River North neighborhood on a recent visit to Chicago I made a point to try the local craft coffee offerings as I do on most trips I take. Caffe Umbria made sense based on location and keeping a tight schedule. Wow, is this place popular with the locals. On a Saturday morning at about 10:30AM there was a line out the door and I could tell these were locals. That's saying something on a Summer weekend in July, peak tourist season for Chicago. Caffe Umbria met my expectations and I would go here again. I would make an effort to go when the line is short. I feel I was very lucky that I only waited about 10 minutes to place my order for one espresso and only about five minutes for my espresso to be presented at the bar. However, if I arrived just a minute or two later I would have waited in a much longer line that formed outside along the storefront. Credit to the employees for being very hardworking and friendly. I am holding back a fifth star because my espresso lacked the brightness and pop that I have come to love from other places I have reviewed. Also, while I did buy a bag of whole beans for home brewing, the bags did not have a "roasted on" date. I still bought beans and will update this review based on my brewing results, but normally the best roasters have a "roasted on" date on every bag of whole beans. Overall Caffé Umbria is a solid coffee shop and the location is absolutely unbeatable near the Marina Towers and upscale hotels in River North on Clark Street.

UPDATE: The whole beans were decent for brewing coffee at home. Better than Starbucks. The light roast beans yielded a brew with notes of 🍒🥠🍫. Usually I don't get 🍫 from a light roast, but...

I just went to the location on Clark Street (Chicago 60654) and had the rudest experience with the register person. I walked in and ordered the simplest thing, a medium brewed coffee. The young lady at the register asks me light or dark brew? I replied with "light". She just stares at me and tilts her head and asks "what???", I replied "light" again but after my response I felt like she rolled her eyes at me.

I then look over at the pastries to see if maybe there was something I was interested in and when I glance back at her she's just starring at me again and rudely asks "is that it???" to which I replied YES. Not a chance I want to spend 1) another moment of my life talking to such a rude barista or 2) spend my money at a place that is making me totally uncomfortable at 7am.

Not sure if it was a bad day, too early in the morning or just how this person is but the certainly do not have the vibrancy, friendliness or energy of any barista I have encountered OR like the baristas literally down the block at Starbucks which is sadly under renovation and the only reason I...

If you’re in downtown Chicago and craving a cozy spot for exceptional coffee and pastries, look no further than Cafe Umbria. This charming cafe offers a warm, inviting atmosphere, perfect for relaxing or catching up with friends.

One of my absolute favorites is their Spinach and Mushroom Croissant—it’s the perfect balance of flaky, buttery goodness with a savory, perfectly seasoned filling. It’s a must-try for anyone who loves a delicious and satisfying breakfast or snack.

The Cafe Mocha is another standout. It’s rich, smooth, and has just the right balance of coffee and chocolate, making it a perfect pick-me-up. If you’re in the mood for something a bit lighter, their Cappuccino is equally top-notch—frothy, velvety, and full of deep coffee flavor that’s never too bitter.

The staff is always friendly, and the vibe at Cafe Umbria is cozy yet stylish, with a relaxed atmosphere that makes it easy to linger. Whether you’re looking for a great spot to grab a coffee to go or to sit and enjoy a leisurely break, Cafe Umbria delivers every time....