Café Jumping Bean is a small business whose owners have created a cafe that honors Pilsen's rich history while also celebrating the barrio's incoming evolution of hipsters and young, urban professionals.
The menu at Café Jumping Bean was thoughtfully designed to appeal to the polar opposite, yet intertwined cultures, tastes and lifestyles of the locals. Call it what you want...café con leche with a concha or cappuccino with a croissant...they have it. To each his (or her) own!
The prices at Café Jumping Bean are affordable. I was excited to see that they were offering goods of comparable quality to that of Starbucks, at a fraction of the prices charged by many corporate coffee house chains.
On this particular visit, my clients, Pastor Nelson & Principal Irma of NewLife Christian School (NLCS), and I made this our pitstop for coffee & dessert after lunch at a nearby location. As we left, I couldn't help but notice how the time had flown as we enjoyed the ambient life in the room that led to a productive meeting & time of fellowship.
In the end, "the Bean" is a quaint and charming, street corner cove that most of us, including budget-minded students, can afford to visit a bit more regularly than the next place. The complimentary WiFi, eclectic energy of the atmosphere and accessibility to binge portions of caffeine and sweets lends itself to endless reading, creative writing and thought-provoking conversation. Consider Café Jumping Bean next time you too need some time away to think outside of the box.
For the love of food, wine & service, Antonio Quintana (@AntonioQ312) @IgniteHospitalityChicago
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   Read moreStepping into Café Jumping Bean was the perfect way to start the morning. The air was filled with the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee, mingling with the sweet scent of pastries just out of the oven. The warmth of the café wrapped around me as I walked in, instantly making me feel at home.
I started my morning with a cup of Mexican hot chocolate, and from the first sip, I knew I had made the right choice. The velvety smoothness of the chocolate was perfectly balanced with just the right amount of sweetness, and the subtle warmth of cinnamon added a comforting depth. Every sip felt indulgent, like a warm hug in a cup, making it impossible not to savor.
To pair with my drink, I ordered a chocolate croissant, and it was nothing short of delightful. The exterior was golden and flaky, with each bite releasing the perfect crunch before melting into buttery softness. Inside, the rich, slightly gooey chocolate filling was just the right amount, decadent but not overwhelming. The contrast between the crisp layers of pastry and the smooth chocolate was absolute perfection.
From the flavors to the atmosphere, everything about this visit was a treat. I will definitely be coming...
   Read moreSuper great local business! I got a chai and a snack and it got me hooked. As a Indian I'm always trying to find any place that can replicate the Chai from my childhood. This place is the closest I've gotten outside of Devon and I've tried a lot (!) of places. They also have a lot of other drinks including tradition Mexican chocolate and sodas. I want able to try any of their sandwiches but they give a huge portion of food along with either chips or pasta side. As for the atmosphere, I love it. Its clear that this place has had loved poured into it. The walls are covered with local stickers and newspapers. The tables are covered in art and is so welcoming (especially with the stained glass). This is just a place where the environment is so friendly and good vibes only as soon as you walk in. Only downside is that they have a interesting wifi schedule (can't get it on weekend or lunch hours?). I do understand this to an extent because the place is more on the cramped side and people can't linger for too long. Also not too many outlets but the music is perfection. Definitely will be returning again for more Chai & a black...
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