Mall Coffee Shop

I was thinking of buying some teas and coffees for people this Christmas as a "stocking stuffer," and suddenly the memory of a forgotten mall popped into my head. I remember this mall had a nice little shop that sold coffee and tea plus foodie gifts and gadgets. I can't remember where this mall was for the life of me. This was years ago, so this store may not even exist anymore, but I'd really like to visit this shop again.

It was one level, and I don't remember any large chain stores. There may have been one, but it wasn't like Golf Mill with five. It was small, indoors, full of twists and turns, and I remember the floor being "cobbled." It was in the 'burbs, likely north or northwest, but I'm positive it was just behind the train tracks. Most of the stores were non-chain, and though it wasn't Oak Mill, it had a similar feel to me.

Any ideas? Moderators, feel free to remove this if it isn't food-related enough.

Thanks for your help!

Maybe the Old Brickyard Mall on Fullerton before it got renovated? There were train tracks that bordered the mall on the West. I remember the inside of the mall was quite twisty with cobbled floors, and in the last few years of it's original incarnation all the major anchor stores closed out.

Nope, that wasn't it. I miss that one though, and that little steakhouse in it.

Hi- You are not referring to the Laundry Mall in downtown Winnetka? There is a Starbucks there now, but I vagely remember that there used to be another coffee shop there before Starbucks. I love Casteel and Company on Central Street near Crawford in Evanston. They roast their own coffee. There is also a tea place in Evanston a few blocks from where I live called I Dream about Tea. It is located on Davis, just down the street from the Evanston Post Office. I have never been inside the store, but it looks like they specialize in Japanese tea. Unfortunately it is right down the street from Argo Tea, which has a lot more business. Hope this helps, Nancy

To me, it sounds like you are talking about Gloria Jeans, at Randhurst. They closed that shop years ago, and now the mall is gone too.

Nope, not Randhurst. Laundry Mall doesn't sound familiar, but I'll have to check that out. I love Winnetka. Thanks for all the info on other tea and coffee shops, though, as I love tea and always want to try different kinds in small quantities. I'll definitely make a trip out asap, and I'll let you know if that is indeed the mall I have in mind.

Sounds like the old Piper's Alley to me...but that wasn't in the suburbs.

This isn't exactly what you are looking for, but I realize that you are in near Park Ridge. There is a really cute tea shop (Tea Lula) that is off of Main Street that sells cute tea accessories as well as loose teas that are ideal for stocking stuffers. I highly recommend the Duffy's Delight tea blend.