Spring fever
Charlotte Eriksen, Nicole Jones
Issue date: 4/10/09 Section: Focus
The toughest part of spring quarter is looking outside during class and seeing the sunlight. When that happens, get out, enjoy a walk and find a cafe where you can resume your work - here are our top ten cafes right near school.
If you can focus with music...Noble Tree Café
Noble Tree Coffee House has quickly become a fixture of the Lincoln Park neighborhood since it opened early last year. Consisting of three floors and an outdoor patio, any urbanite can find refuge in this relaxing coffee shop where quality Chicago-based Metropolis coffee and conversations are always brewing. It's easy to find a favorite nook here amongst the array of comfy armchairs and lamp-adorned tables. The homey atmosphere with its book-covered walls, cozy fireplaces and curious art make it a worthwhile place to enjoy a good book or surf the net with complimentary WiFi service. But before climbing the stairs to find the perfect hangout spot, be sure to grab a delicious pastry or homemade pie made by Hoosier Mama Pie Co. (Located at 2444 N. Clark St.)
If you need to run some errands...Peet's Coffee and Tea
Located at 1000 W. North Ave., Peet's Coffee and Tea is a busy spot where young professionals go to get away from work. This hyper spot will keep you on your toes with a huge menu of coffee and espresso selections.
If you want some hearty breakfast and brain food...Lincoln Park Café
For a big breakfast, go to the Lincoln Park Café, at 612 W. Wrightwood and order a breakfast frittata and coffee combo for $5.95. This cafe also offers fresh-made Sicilian pastries like cannoli and tiramisu cake.
If you want to beat the rush and satisfy your sweet tooth...Molly's Cupcakes
A long unexplored fruition in Lincoln Park is Molly's Cupcakes, 2536 N. Clark. Open at 8:00 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday, this more kid-friendly spot has probably scared away a lot of college students. However, during the day, when kids are in school, Molly's is quiet and the staff is personable. And there are actual swings hanging from the ceiling for seating.
If you want free coffee...@Spot Café
A few blocks west of the Chicago stop on the Brown Line is @Spot Café, 901 N. Larrabee, where all college students can get a free coffee. Outdoor seating is already available on the sidewalk and inside are individual desks great for reading. Open early (7:00 a.m. on weekdays), @Spot offers a large selection of breakfast food and panini.
If you have a sick sense of smell...Baladoche
The smell of waffles is what draws visitors into the unexposed Baladoche, 2095 N. Clark. Here, the waffles come with gelato and chocolate toppings and your choice of espresso. The low-caffeine frappe is pure and low in sugar and calories while the raspberry gelato is the best on the North Side.
If you feel like being taken care of...Austrian Bakery
It's hard to find an economically frugal and delicious breakfast deal in most Lincoln Park restaurants and cafes. The Austrian Bakery and Deli is certainly an exception, serving up cheap and fresh breakfasts. Two eggs, toast and coffee that will jumpstart your day is available for less than $4. If you aren't too distracted by the extravagant and towering cakes that fill the storefront window, sit and stay for awhile with your newspaper or laptop. (Free WiFi is available)
If you want to be distracted...Couture Café
The best time during exams is the big meal and futile distractions at break-time. Couture Café at 2568 N. Clark will facilitate this much-needed indulgence with a huge menu that offers panini, salads and crepes and every junk-magazine imaginable on each table.
If you're the type that likes to spread out...Savor the Flavor
Evie Yaghmour, Biological Sciences Major, Senior. "I like coming to Savor because it's a calm environment. I more motivated to study here when I see others working. And they have really great coffee and grilled cheese."
If you can focus with music...Noble Tree Café
Noble Tree Coffee House has quickly become a fixture of the Lincoln Park neighborhood since it opened early last year. Consisting of three floors and an outdoor patio, any urbanite can find refuge in this relaxing coffee shop where quality Chicago-based Metropolis coffee and conversations are always brewing. It's easy to find a favorite nook here amongst the array of comfy armchairs and lamp-adorned tables. The homey atmosphere with its book-covered walls, cozy fireplaces and curious art make it a worthwhile place to enjoy a good book or surf the net with complimentary WiFi service. But before climbing the stairs to find the perfect hangout spot, be sure to grab a delicious pastry or homemade pie made by Hoosier Mama Pie Co. (Located at 2444 N. Clark St.)
If you need to run some errands...Peet's Coffee and Tea
Located at 1000 W. North Ave., Peet's Coffee and Tea is a busy spot where young professionals go to get away from work. This hyper spot will keep you on your toes with a huge menu of coffee and espresso selections.
If you want some hearty breakfast and brain food...Lincoln Park Café
For a big breakfast, go to the Lincoln Park Café, at 612 W. Wrightwood and order a breakfast frittata and coffee combo for $5.95. This cafe also offers fresh-made Sicilian pastries like cannoli and tiramisu cake.
If you want to beat the rush and satisfy your sweet tooth...Molly's Cupcakes
A long unexplored fruition in Lincoln Park is Molly's Cupcakes, 2536 N. Clark. Open at 8:00 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday, this more kid-friendly spot has probably scared away a lot of college students. However, during the day, when kids are in school, Molly's is quiet and the staff is personable. And there are actual swings hanging from the ceiling for seating.
If you want free coffee...@Spot Café
A few blocks west of the Chicago stop on the Brown Line is @Spot Café, 901 N. Larrabee, where all college students can get a free coffee. Outdoor seating is already available on the sidewalk and inside are individual desks great for reading. Open early (7:00 a.m. on weekdays), @Spot offers a large selection of breakfast food and panini.
If you have a sick sense of smell...Baladoche
The smell of waffles is what draws visitors into the unexposed Baladoche, 2095 N. Clark. Here, the waffles come with gelato and chocolate toppings and your choice of espresso. The low-caffeine frappe is pure and low in sugar and calories while the raspberry gelato is the best on the North Side.
If you feel like being taken care of...Austrian Bakery
It's hard to find an economically frugal and delicious breakfast deal in most Lincoln Park restaurants and cafes. The Austrian Bakery and Deli is certainly an exception, serving up cheap and fresh breakfasts. Two eggs, toast and coffee that will jumpstart your day is available for less than $4. If you aren't too distracted by the extravagant and towering cakes that fill the storefront window, sit and stay for awhile with your newspaper or laptop. (Free WiFi is available)
If you want to be distracted...Couture Café
The best time during exams is the big meal and futile distractions at break-time. Couture Café at 2568 N. Clark will facilitate this much-needed indulgence with a huge menu that offers panini, salads and crepes and every junk-magazine imaginable on each table.
If you're the type that likes to spread out...Savor the Flavor
Evie Yaghmour, Biological Sciences Major, Senior. "I like coming to Savor because it's a calm environment. I more motivated to study here when I see others working. And they have really great coffee and grilled cheese."
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