Perhaps it's just me, but it seems that the most appropriate phrase for an enterprise which exists most specifically to serve cups of coffee or espresso-based coffee drinks to customers who will or will not spend time nursing them while reading or in conversation is "coffee bar." It might be the time in Baltimore I spent working in such an institution, learning about and preparing "drinks" for "regulars" and being referred to by my boss as a "barista," but the parallels between the type of business the OP seemed to be asking about and the places that in other cities offer happy hours seem reasonably obvious. Although the "coffee" modifier is, of course, necessary as to not get anyone's hopes up.

I like that, mgp. It's apt, and reminds me of Italy, where most of the places we stopped to get capuccino were prominently labeled BAR.

I'm just going to start calling them that, and see if it catches on...

in search of a coffee house in Evanston(ish) that:

* serves Metropolis beans
* is housed on the first floor of an old building on a corner.
* with asian proprietor?
* has a relatively large space

i can't remember the name of this place and definitely can't remember where the heck it was...

I don't know if they use Metropolis beans, but the rest of the description reminds me of Cafe Express on the corner of Main and Hinman.

Right you are, Bob S. Definitely Cafe Express on Main (1 block east of Chicago Avenue). (The other Cafe Express, (the one on Dempster) is on a corner, but it is smaller and is owned by an Irish-American woman.)

new coffee shop requirement:

** air conditioned
** free wifi
** opens later 9pm
** 6 mile radius of the loop

anyone wanna give this a shot? it is, afterall 100 deg outside... Panera Bread doesn't count. their baked goods are all inedible.

Cafe Mestizo has all the features you seek. A couple of minor potential caveats. First, they are only open just barely past your mark -- till 9:30 tonight. Second, WiFi is free, but only with a food or drink purchase (presumably not a problem for you). I verified all of this with a phone call 5 minutes ago, including asking whether their AC is functioning (it is). If it works out, you owe me $3.95.

Cafe Mestizo
1646 W. 18th St.
Chicago.
312-421-5920

Gourmand, on Dearborn near Polk, might fit the bill. They are open until 11 on week days and midnight on weekends. They have wifi. I've seen others using it, but I've never used it so I don't know if it's free. They have a surprisingly wide range of food.

berryberry wrote:Gourmand, on Dearborn near Polk, might fit the bill. They are open until 11 on week days and midnight on weekends. They have wifi. I've seen others using it, but I've never used it so I don't know if it's free. They have a surprisingly wide range of food.

Gourmand charges for WiFi. Otherwise, it's a nice place and has the advantage of being not merely within 6 miles of the Loop, but by some definitions IN the Loop.

The Unicorn Cafe on Sherman in downtown Evanston has:
1- Metropolis coffee (the best I have ever had).
2- Free Wi-Fi (according to the sign; my Wi does not yet Fi).
3- Decent baked goods.
4- An atmosphere unfouled by tobacco fumes.
5- A very nice (and attractive*) owner and staff.

Big-E's on Damen near Foster has closed, but signs in the window promise a new one soon.

Ventrella's is a new one on N. Damen (4900 block). Only been in once but the coffee (Lavazza's, I think) was fine and again, the proprieters are friendly.

* I just turned fifty, so I am officially allowed to be an old lech.

corydalus wrote:The Unicorn Cafe on Sherman in downtown Evanston has:
...
2- Free Wi-Fi (according to the sign; my Wi does not yet Fi).
3- Decent baked goods.
...

Have they really posted a "free wi-fi" sign? Within the last year, they were still requesting a $10 fee for "one year's access." They mediate access by periodically changing the WEP key on their WAP and emailing it to people whose time has not yet run out.

Re decent baked goods, I believe they source bagels from New York Bagel and Bialy. I sometimes get a cinnamon scone there in the morning and although they are just a little greasy and not quite as craggy as traditional scones, they are really pretty tasty, especially if they are still warm.

germuska wrote:They mediate access by periodically changing the WEP key on their WAP

The Bastards!!

I really like Sip on Grand Ave.

Nice staff, gread coffee. A little light on baked goods and the definitely have speedy WiFi that is free. It is very air conditioned, but when it cools off a little, they have a nice patio as well (in the back, away from the traffic).


Sip Coffee House
1223 W Grand Ave
Chicago, IL 60622
(312) 563-1123

http://www.nadateahouse.com./index_files/Page504.htm

recently opened (< 2 wks ago). Nada focuses on teas > coffee, uses Mountanos Bros beans, has (WPA enabled) wifi. seating for 20, soft classic tunes playing and a muy modern baboo + alumi decor (bamboo seating on 1 side, alumi standing bar on the other).

best part: all pastries are from the neighboring Sweets and Savories. (and the AC is very efficient).

1552 W. Fullerton Avenue
Chicago, IL 60614
closes 6 on weekdays, 5 on sat, 4pm on sunday

Just wanted to give a little recc. for a small place in Wilmette on Greenleaf that is right across the street from a Panera and seems to be getting the dough beaten right out of it. It's called Links Sweet Bean.
They roast their own coffee, which is nice for it's robust flavor and lack of heavy acidity. The real draw though is the fact that they make their own pasteries. The owner is a scone master. I've had to give up most sugars lately, and I do not think I will miss anything as much as her orange currant scone.
They also have free wi-fi, good air, and a freindly staff (which I guess you could term really good air.
There is another coffee roaster spot further east on Linden by the El. (around the corner from Mrs. D"s) They also roast a good bean and have the novelty of making coffee ice cubes for their cold drinks, which I think is genius.
Can't think of the name off hand, but, unfortuantely for me, they also have excellent scones. Hello Diabetes!