Necessary & Sufficient Coffee - Printers Row — Restaurant in Chicago

Used to live in the Amli building and thought I would check this spot out. Very shady and honestly scammy business model. I tried to get a normal latte but when the total came out to more than 7 dollars I asked for the receipt… they had charged an automatic 15% gratuity fee. I’ve never seen a coffee shop do this and honestly it’s disgraceful. I ended up paying for the coffee and expected it to be good. I know how to make a proper Italian style espresso and latte so I know what I’m talking about. Also was employed at a restaurant that served these drinks and made them frequently. One of the worst espresso drinks I’ve had in Chicago. Watery, flat, no flavor. It’s clear your baristas don’t even know how to brew espresso yet they are getting automatic tips? Ridiculous.

Also, Kate! I know you’re reading this and know you’re the owner and are gonna try to come up with something passive aggressive to counter my factual claims. Honey, you responding passive aggressively about how you’re trying to prevent customers from stiffing baristas when you live in a million dollar home and can’t pay your workers a living wage is actually so funny. Your coffee shop is such nonsense it has gone viral on the Chicago food subreddit and everyone knows about your shady games. It reminded me of my terrible experience here. Here’s a tip, pay your employees and livable wage and stop forcing...

There is an auto gratuity and they don’t tell you up front. It’s not listed on their menu anywhere either. There’s not a sign by the register. I don’t mind this but usually other places inform people in one form. This felt wrong and misleading. The person on the register handling the money is also the barista. Which feels like a health violation. I got a chai latte which tasted watered down. I won’t be returning.

EDIT: I want to edit my review since the owners edit their response. Originally they posted that their gratuity was printed on their newsletter. Sorry I was just a passing customer who works in the area and did not subscribed to their newsletter. I want to make it clear in MY experience the auto gratuity was NOT printed on the menu, was not by the register, and was not communicated orally by the member. Hence my review. What’s worse was that the POS asked if you wanted to tip additionally on top of the auto gratuity. And my group of friends and I almost did because we did not know there was an auto gratuity. But questioned why it said “additional.” And for the cashier handler who also made our drinks… I wished he would have at least worn gloves. The previous response from the owner said since they are “cashless” there is no health violation. Okay but POS screens still get dirty. Thanks. I stand by my review. Thanks for editing...

Disappointing. Ordered a ham & cheese croissant -- it was rather tasty immediately after being warmed, but that only lasted 60 seconds and after that, it wasn't good b/c the fat in the butter and cheese must be warm for optimal flavor. Also ordered a hot cocoa - but I asked first what the ingredients were b/c I don't do the powdered stuff. "Milk of your choice and our house made chocolate syrup" was the response, so I gave it a try. Quite disappointing, the syrup tasted store bought from a jar and the beverage was luke warm and nearly room-temperature "cold" by the end. I didn't bother asking for a replacement as, by this point the line was long and I just needed to finish and leave. Atmosphere is sorely lacking as well. That curved bleachers thing, no purpose beyond taking up space where seating/tables could be. Decor is bland and cold, no personality (but I've noticed this is a coffee shop trend throughout town). Oh, and I was automatically charged a 15% tip, so when the option came up to add a tip, I put 5%, so I was charged a total of 20%. Did the cashier add her own tip on the sly? Did management instruct them to do so?, I dunno. Anyway, nearly $15 for a cold croissant and tepid cocoa. Pass. [p.s. some ratings would've been 2.5 but it's not an option and 3...