I've been to brew brew a few times before but this experience has discouraged me from returning. My family and I decided to go to brew brew this Easter Sunday mainly to take pictures with the Easter Bunny. The flyer said that the Easter Bunny would be there from 9am to 2pm when we arrived at brew brew it was 11:30 and there was no Easter Bunny in sight (my little sister is still upset she didn't get her picture). When we entered the cafe, as we were walking up to the counter, the cashier pointed to the kiosk and told us to order there instead. There were no customers in front of us. We didn't argue, ordered at the kiosk and noticed that a few minutes later there was a line leading out the door of customers ordering at the counter and the cashier didn't tell any of them to order at the kiosk. Suspicious if you ask me; considering most, if not all, of those customers were pale. My family are very clearly of color (shout out to my Latinos 🇳🇮🇬🇹). Well, when we got our order, my drink was labeled with the correct information but the drink was obviously incorrect. I had ordered a pistachio iced latte with no ice and whole milk, the drink I received had a lot of ice and I could taste the oat milk (it has a very distinct taste that I do not particularly enjoy). I'm not one to complain so I didn't bring it to their attention and drank it anyway. My mom had ordered a matcha latte which she loves from other places like Dunkin. But when she tried her drink she said it was very bitter unlike any other drink she's tried elsewhere. We also ordered some Danish which was 5 dollars per pastry (we ordered two). I wanted to try the cherry cheese Danish but at the kiosk it said it was sold out. The counter clearly has some left. I just ordered a lemon blueberry Danish instead and my mom got an apple cheese Danish. When we got the Danish it was cold like it was sitting in a fridge. Mine was stale, like it's been sitting for a few days, and overall not worth $5. The cafe is extremely small and each table was about a foot away from each other. There's no space to walk and it's honestly annoying having to figure out a way to get from one place to another without bumping into a table or a person. Overall it wasn't the best experience. I felt as though it was a space my family and I weren't welcome in. The staff made us feel very low priority and we probably won't...
Read moreI will start with the positive. I really like the atmosphere here. And the staff is really nice a friendly, which I think is rare in coffee shops in Chicago. Many places have staff that go out of their where to try and prove how cool they are and not out of their way to provided decent service. This place doesn't do that, they are genuinely nice! They have a decent amount of seating options both inside and outside (weather permitting). It is kept pretty clean and they have a nice tea selection with a brief description of those teas, which is great if you are new to tea. The reason they have three stars is because of their food. I have had most of their sandwiches and the most of the time the ones with egg are always served with the egg cold, even almost frozen one of the times. The bagels are supposed to be toasted, but aren't toasted at all. I mean they put them through a warmer or something, but it doesn't toast them at all. Anything on a bagel is improved tenfold if it is properly toasted. I don't think they use real avocados on the avocado toast, it didn't taste like it, tasted like store bought premix. And if that is they case, fine, but you should clarify it and probably bring the price down. Or get real avocados. The other thing is there isn't much variety in the sandwiches or bread options. I keep coming back because they are so nice and I live nearby. I keep hoping the menu and food will improve. The music can be a bit loud, but not out of control. All in all, this place would be a 5 star if they served their egg sandwiches with the egg actually warm, and actually toasted the bagels, and used real avocados. One of their employees told me they were revamping the menu, but that was a while ago and I have yet to see that happen. To be fair, it seems as though they are working with limited kitchen space. However, even with the space limitations, vast improvements could be made. I used to work as a barista myself years ago and we had a small area for food prep, but we still were able to provide a variety and ensure the food was heated properly. Oh, and they have a denver sandwich which says it has bacon, but it is actually ham. That was disappointing as I was really...
Read moreNestled at the juncture of Avondale and Logan Square, just across the scenic park on Diversey and Avers Ave, lies Brew Brew Coffee. The moment you step inside, you're met with a harmonious blend of natural wood and woven fibers, creating an aesthetic that is both contemporary and inviting.
The muted tan hues, complemented by the white marble tabletops, echo the soothing natural colors of the park outside. My choice of the day was their 16oz Horchata latte, a nod to their Tijuana roots subtly interspersed throughout their menu.
Inside, the cafe is structured with ten two-person tables, some of which are a little too close to each other which can feel overwhelming. Accompanied by an upbeat modern pop soundtrack, the ambience is decidedly calm and relaxed, a refreshing urban oasis. However, I the more time I spend here, the more corporate elements I start to feel. Things feel just a little too polished and safe.
One of the café's standout features is the window's unobstructed view of the lush park across the street — a rarity among city cafes and a tranquil respite from the urban bustle.
However, while the menu wonderfully represents their Tijuana roots through a plethora of drink and food options, the interior of Brew Brew Coffee leaves a cultural impression to be desired. A TV playing ESPN seems oddly out of place, somewhat marring the otherwise consistent aesthetic and vibe of the café.
In conclusion, Brew Brew Coffee charms with its clean, modern interior design, and a uniquely crafted specialty coffee menu. Yet, I find myself yearning for more of their cultural heritage to shine through in the decor, design, and music selection. A fusion of Tijuana and Chicago elements would provide a cohesive blend that enriches the customer's experience, making Brew Brew Coffee not just a café, but a cross-cultural journey in the...
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