Sol Cafe

Used to be one of my favorites for the LOVELY interior and unparalleled coffee shop design, with all the art, plants, and different kinds of seating. But now it's just a symbol of gentr-inflation. You get off the Howard stop, walk past a bunch of homeless people...and go pay $13+ for avocado toast?? Prices are super high; you could eat out for the money you spend on food here. Plus, the case was entirely empty at 10 am -like how do you run out of snack food, you are a cafe- and the biscuits I ordered were dry despite having gravy on them. The staff were not kind and when I tried to order a 'cappucino, regular milk, for here' got asked 'what drink?' then 'what milk?' then 'for here or to go?' like... I've been a FOH person and low-key you could've just asked me to repeat myself. For tipping, gave options of 30% (in the spot where the 15% normally is--crafty much?), 25%, and 20%. Why am I tipping that much for coffee and bad service? Yes, I know it's a pandemic, but pay your workers the hazard pay, stop relying on community guilt-tripping to pay their bills. And like, please let the homeless people use your bathroom or something, this is getting embarrassing for y'all.

I was about to tap out on Too Good to Go after the mediocre choices from another restaurant, but I tried here (after seeing the ratings) and thought, "Now we're talking!" Their Surprise bag is worth the price. I got a scone and two donut/pastries. All of them are DELICIOUS! It's also a relief to know that they have parking in the back. This neighborhood is not known for its parking, and I know it because I lived around there for many years. When you walk inside, it has warm colors and comfortable-looking seats. It's pretty, like something from a home decor magazine. It reminds me of those "coffee shop meditation" videos you see on YouTube. My only hang-up is the Customer Service. I walked into the restaurant (looking around to see if masks are mandatory but no customers were wearing them) and the cashier just looked at me. I smiled, mentioned I was from Too Good to Go, she walked over to a bag nearby and handed it to me. I smiled again and said, "Thank you." She just stared at me, then walked away. Would it have killed her to say "You're welcome" or "Come again." I'd even take, "Get lost, weirdo." But SOMETHING. That weird icy stare made me wonder if I knew her from somewhere and forgot who she was. Even more ironically, the actual bag has this huge red smiley sticker on it and "Thank you" in big letters. The bag is nicer than the employee. Either way, this was still worth the price. I'd come again and hopefully not see her.

The cutest, greenest, friendliest coffee shop ! They always have fresh, local beans and the baristas can really dial a nice shot. Espresso isn't lost in the specialty syrup or milks, and they have non-dairy if that's your thing! The food is delicious and super creative, it's always fun to see what the new seasons bring! They have a meal program too that allows them to help feed neighbors in need. A lot of pretty coffee shops get a bad rap -- this one shouldn't. In the neighborhood for 10 years, actively trying to engage with and support neighbors in need, and management that prioritizes the safety and well-being of their staff. I genuinely don't know what Ill do after moving when this gem isn't two blocks from me!

At long last, the perfect cappuccino. I’ve searched for 2 years in Chicago to find a cappuccino like those I enjoyed daily in Italy. One where the milk is creamy and frothy and folded into the espresso. I visited this place for the first time two weeks ago and I cannot wait to return! The only reason I have not returned yet is because they do not open until 8AM which is after I start work. In addition to an incredible cappuccino, they have a variety of pastries - both traditional AND gluten free!

No idea how this place got 4.7 stars. It looks nicer than others in the area and probably is ok if you just want to use a wifi. After seeing a homeless in the female bathroom taking a "shower" in the shared sink, I already lost my appetite. Especially after I saw she even tried to walk into the kitchen and the staff didn't seem to care much. Apparently are used to that. Food was old and disgusting. Drinks were not good either.