CFS Coffee For The Soul, Oak Brook — Restaurant in Oak Brook

I stopped here for an afternoon cup of coffee and I can honestly say the regular coffee was one of the worst cups of coffee I've had in a couple of years. The cafe/restaurant itself was very stylish and clean. Sporting a modern decor and decent ambient lighting, I can see the appeal that it presents if you want to do a little work and have a coffee or lunch as it's also quiet and has good acoustics for a cafe style shop. Parking is ample as the shop is located in a strip center, but it has little to no curb appeal. The sign out front is rather ordinary, almost drab in appearance and represents the polar opposite of the interior. As for the coffee, I was skeptical when I saw the pump carafes. I usually avoid coffee shops that use these during the afternoon as they always have a tendency to have older coffee in them. The coffee comes black and you have to dress it yourself at the station which is surprising given the amount charged. The coffee I received was very old and barely warm, meaning it was well over 3 hours old. It had a terrible flavor and I ended up returning it for another cup. The server/barista gave me a new cup from the other pump carafe and I started over. The 2nd cup was medium hot, but still had a bad flavor that followed through to a bitter aftertaste. This shop seems to struggle with the basics of coffee making and seems more suited for sugary or flavored coffees. I can't say if the barista was trained properly or if they just didn't care enough to throw out the old coffee so my experience may differ from others. The shop also serves a variety of pastries and has a lunch menu as well. Price wise they're on par with most mid level coffee shops, but the value offered is poor for those seeking a good cup of...

Went here with some friends and was very excited to try a cafe with a more South American flair to it. Interior is very cute with plenty of seating (both actual chairs and booths with piles of pillows). Employees at the register and the ones who brought us our food and drinks were very friendly and polite. The cups were gorgeous! And they actually had a little corner where they sold some wares (including cups in a similar style).

Yucca Waffle: the texture reminded us of mochi! otherwise kind of plain, even with the fruits and syrup. If I go here again, I would love to try one of their other food items. Venezuelan Arepa: meat was flavorful, cheese was gooey, dough was soft ~ Lavender Rainbow Latte: my friend actually ordered this one, so I had a sip. Normally I love lavender lattes, but somehow this one didn't hit the same. (I think probably because the ones I've had are on the sweeter end, so if you want flavored coffee without all the added sugar - this latte is perfect for you). Farmer's Latte: speaking of sweet, this one was much more to my taste. The flavor was especially unique with a blend of brown sugar cane, cinnamon, and clove. Absolutely delicious. Finished it so quick, I debated getting another one to go.

Would definitely love to go back again if I'm ever...

I found this place by chance because it was near an appointment I had and I couldn’t be more happy. The atmosphere is perfect for chatting or studying in. The coffee is smooth and divine. There’s a wide variety of breakfast, brunch, and pastery options! There’s also a lot of vegan and vegetarian options which is perfect for someone who eats halal. The owners are so kind and sweet which makes everything feel cozy and homey. What I love the most is that all the mugs are hand crafted from Columbia and are beautiful pieces (I needed up buying one for myself!). I told all my friends and family about this place and took my best friend here! This place is ~40 min from where I live but I’ve come here any chance I get becuase it’s worth the drive. I’ve been here 3 times already since discovering it a month ago. I’m slowly going through the menu and I have yet to try something I didn’t love. The limited winter white choc peppermint latte is the PERFECT blend of sweet but not overpowering I was shocked. My go to is a vanilla latte and they nailed it! Their chocolate protein bowl is the perfect filling brunch snack. I can’t rave about this place enough. It’s a hidden gem to me and one I will rave about to...