Seeking Good Cafes on the SW Side

I recently started teaching at a high school on west 31st Street near Kostner. I have a 3 hour break between morning and afternoon classes. So, today I bicycled around the area (and much beyond) seeking out possible places to hang out, have a good coffee, read, etc. I didn't see one cafe or coffee shop (nor did I expect to really). However, I'm wondering if anyone can direct me to a good cafe on the SW Side. It doesn't have to be near 31st/Kostner but within a few miles would be nice. By good cafe I mean one that serves/ specializes in good coffee or tea, not just any old diner.

Looks like you're about four miles from the Depot, which while more a diner than your criteria, has gotten mostly good (and one "meh") reviews for its coffee.

Pilsen is only a little further as the google-crow flies. There must be something promising over there, no? I'm not the best judge.

germuska wrote:Pilsen is only a little further as the google-crow flies. There must be something promising over there, no? I'm not the best judge.

Jumping Bean is a nice cafe with good quality coffee, Mexican hot chocolate, food and seems a nice place to hang out, though very busy at lunch time.

In this post KatyK also recommends Efebos Cafe, I've not been but she's enthused.

Enjoy,
Gary

Efebos Cafe
1640 S. Blue Island
Chicago, IL
312-633-9212

Jumping Bean
1439 W. 18th St.
Chicago, Il
312-455-0019

Jumping Bean is a great place, and other good spots on 18th are Cafe Mestizo and Mi Cafetal.

But Pilsen is a little far -- I think what you want is something in La Villita. Here's a place I uncovered by searching -- I have no personal experience with it whatsoever!

Catedral Cafe
2500 S. Christiana Ave.
773-277-2233

Here is a link to Metromix's entry; the menu is posted on chicago.menupages.com too.
http://metromix.chicagotribune.com/dini ... 6060.venue

I'd recommend giving them a call before going over, since Metromix listings include a lot of defunct spots.

Amata,

Thanks so much for the Catedral Cafe recommendation. That's
exactly what I was hoping to find and it isn't very far from
my school at all. The cofee is good too. From the
outside it looks like a little castle or something. Inside
its a nice spacious cafe, very warm atmosphere with seating
upstairs too I think. The decor is a little funny and doesn't
quite work with the architecture of the building but its a very
comfortable and friendly spot. They have a room attached
for larger parties, meetings, etc. The have a selection of
sandwiches and smoothies too. I'll definitely check it out again
and post some pictures.