Pepper Park Coffee — Restaurant in Lake Barrington

KeyWord: Inconsistency.

This place is super inconsistent in what they deliver after you order and I've only come here at this point because its close to where I work. Otherwise you can be sure I'd avoid it. The prices are far too high for what you get.

Examples of what's wrong:

1. You'll order a bagel and some days you'll get a brick and some days it'll be fresh bread. Some days they'll give you 2 packets of cream cheese, some days just 1.

2. Ordering a specialized drink: Some days it'll be 1/2 froth and 1/2 liquid (feeling very empty for a $5+ drink), and some days it'll be nearly full with just the right amount of froth.

3. Some days your coffee or any other drink will be warm and some days piping hot. You literally never know what the heck you're going to get.

4. Terrible inventory management. Many times you'll order and they'll say "We're out of that" or "oh sorry we don't have any more muffins (at 9am...?) Which tells me they don't get things fresh daily.

This place honestly needs to be run by someone else because it shows that it isn't being run by someone that watches the people that work there like a hawk. It really could be a much better place but I give this such a poor review because frankly I hope the owner sees this and does...

today was my first day trying this place, its down the street from my kids therapy place. i was hungry and had time in between my kids therapy sessions to take 2 of them over to try and get some food. It has a simple but nice design on the interior. Lots of staff were there and they were also amazing. My kids have special needs and a gentleman walked in after us so i tried to let him go ahead. The server grabbed another server to help him and told me not to worry about it and to let my kids take there time. She noticed and understood what was going on and was absolutely fantastic. my kids loved picking out there food from the counter, a donut and a chocolate chip muffin, my son loved carrying it on its own little platter outside to the tables. I had the El dorado panini, so good, the chipotle mayo really added something to the egg, pepper jack and bacon. Great experience overall, good atmosphere...

Update: 2 Oct 2024 Same great food, coffee, and staff. Whether going through the drive through or sitting at a table, you won't be disappointed. Maybe sit outside and enjoy a game of Jenga.

Update: 18 Feb 24 Sunday morning road trip to UIUC. The Coupe Deville is still very good. Coffee is great. Punch cards are still welcome 🤗

Update (12 May 23). My prior review still applies. The Breakfast Burrito 🌯 and coffee is my go-to breakfast. The large Dark Roast is wonderful. Ask about their loyalty program (punch card). They are located on the first floor. Handicapped parking is available. We also buy local harvested honey here. It's the best! I have not been disappointed in any meal they have offered. I would highly recommend this place, and I'm a loyal/frequent customer. They used to sell mugs too...