I'm not a fan of big chain coffee spots (like Starbucks), so if you're not either this is definitely the spot for you! Easily one of my favorite coffee shops in the West Loop area. It has a very dark, rustic and cozy vibe to it, so if you're looking for a place to work or just have a chill coffee time for yourself this is it. It's connected to Green Street Smoked Meats, so it's a super spacious place in general. I always get the Military Latte (matcha, cocoa powder and espresso). The entrance to the actual coffee shop is on Green St, but you can also enter through Green Street Smoked Meats and find it in the back. Definitely check it out if you haven't already!!

Popular for their handcrafted coffee and matcha immediately I knew I had to come here and I wasn't let down. Sawada coffee is a unique coffee shop experience from the moment you walk into their shop all the way to the end of your last sip because there is some art in the wall and also you have the view of a BBQ restaurant. I had matcha and the military latte both of them were really good and not over sweeten. The staff was busy but when they interacted with every single costumer they were so friendly! Kudos to you guys ! Costumer service is not easy! My respects for handling so much !

I love the feel of this place! Sawada coffee is located in a little warehouse-like space with other locations that include a bar and other eats. We missed the door directly into the coffee area on the first try but what a delight it was to discover it after some other guests exited! You can have your food and bev anywhere in the space including the very cute outdoors breezeway, another entrance into the plaza. The baristas were so nice and very helpfully explained their various custom drinks. I had a black camo latte and the houjicha brownie which was so moist and packed with chocolately flavor! I would get that brownie a second time in a heartbeat! Loved the atmosphere and would love to come again for a meal in the plaza.

Long time favorite of mine for coffee in the city. 10-15 minute walk from the heart of Chicago and hidden away behind a sticker-filled door. Drinks have never disappointed me and the ambiance is like no other. There is also a hidden restaurant downstairs as well as one in the lobby area. Be sure to check this place out!

Great coffee with an equally great atmosphere. I ordered their best seller, the Military Latte, on the staff's recommendation. A friend of mine ordered a cortado (pictured here). The staff explained the differences between the coffee options to us. They were even nice enough to remake the drink I spilled, free of charge! 10/10, or in this case 5/5.

Very cool place. Seems like it would be a good spot to work/hang out for a bit. I tried the military latte, and though I probably wouldn’t get it again, it was worth trying and had a unique flavor. My only issue is that they don’t offer mugs for here, yet proceeded to charge me a restaurant charge (my assumption is that there isn’t much difference than to go since I’m still drinking from a disposable cup I throw away 🤷‍♂️?).

I really like this place for the ambiance. The aesthetic is something that you usually can’t find in a city. It reminds me of something you would see in a small town movie. I’ll be spending a lot of time here :) If you stop by on the weekend there’s probably not going to be a lot of seating.

Good Vibes only place! There was a queue on a Saturday morning but was worth the wait. Vibes are so good and best I loved that they have cold water with glasses kept at starting. I ordered a military latte; it was coffee, and matcha tasted good. Wifi is available to grab coffee and work

Well executed and clean drinks. Masks required as stated at the door, at time of my visit card only and take out only. Got the military latte as pictured up close and the black camo latte pictured from afar. Long lines to be expected but the wait is worth it. Took less than 15 to make it from the door to the counter. Friendly staff and relaxed and cozy atmosphere. Feels like an upscale version of your friends garage for their band if you know what I mean. They do have alternatives to milk available and CBD additional.

Heard good things about this place from a friend so had to check it out. I'm not a latte person but the thing to get here is the Black Camo Latte. Cold is better than hot. Personally, a simple black coffee is all I get here and it's great. Would skip out on the pastries. I've gotten the matcha donut and the croissants here and they're not very good at all. While the inside has a cozy ambiance to it, I would recommend going out back to the little alleyway. One a nice day, it's a great spot to relax with a nice cup of coffee.

This is going to become a my new favorite coffee shop in Chicago. Funky, eclectic, and cool coffee spot where you can enjoy delicious coffee, hangout, study or get some work done . I tried the chocolate latte and the chocolate croissant and both were a 10/10 for me. The latte was frothy and tasted amazing. The croissant was perfectly baked and chocolate filling made my day. I absolutely loved the vibe and decor of this space. The service is great and fast. I will be back to try their military latte next time.

It was a good experience. We had the military latte, which was a bit warm and tasted good. The cappuccino was just okay. Servers are friendly and quick service. The sitting area has a really cool vibe, even though the coffee shop closes at 4 pm you can stay there after hours since there is another restaurant/bar they share their space with.

sawada is a popular west loop cafe, and for a great reason! i came here on a sunday morning and the line to order was pretty long-- it was nearly out the door. but it moved pretty fast and within 15 minutes, i got my order: the black camo latte with oat milk. i absolutely love matcha, so i was excited by all the unique matcha options on the menu (which i have yet to see in any other cafe). the black camo latte features roasted matcha (hojicha) and espresso, which made an excellent combination, though the roasted matcha taste wasn't super strong and i could taste more of the espresso than matcha. there were detectable hints of cocoa with every sip, which were perfectly subtle--sweet without overdoing it. overall the drink was warm, flavorful, and satisfying. next time, i'd probably order the normal matcha latte for a stronger matcha flavor. the price is quite steep even by west loop standards-- i paid nearly $8 for the drink, so i recommend the place as a treat / special occasion, rather than a regular destination. otherwise, the cafe interior is super cute and has a large cafeteria-style seating area connected to green street smoked meats. it also has a beautiful outdoor seating area. the inside area is generally pretty loud, so it might not be an ideal place to do work or read, but it's definitely a great place to meet up with friends!

The military matcha latte was very unique! (Matcha with a shot of espresso) There are lines for the cafe, and sometime seating is limited because the other seats are for those who eat the bbq.

⭐️4.5/5 Coffee was great! Military latte was unique, if you’re a fan of matcha latte, try it! I used to add espresso shot in the matcha latte at Starbucks. It’s great combination. We shared a donut it was fine. They share the space with some sort of bar? It definitely gives some unique vibe. But I don’t really feel cozy and comfortable with those chair and table:/ I like more comfortable and cozy vibe cafe. Still, worth to try there one time.

As a non coffee drinker I like that Sawada had a great selection of other warm caffeinated drinks. Various different matcha combinations along with chai. The staff is great and I like the skateboard theme, it's both different and interesting. Sawada also has a good selection of baked goods.

such a cool place!! the atmosphere is awesome, and there is more than enough seating both inside and outside - the perfect place to get work done or meet with a group of friends. glad matcha is getting the attention it deserves!

Really enjoyed my visit here today. The ambiance was amazing. The coffee was delicious and had to get myself some beans to go. Great place to work remotely from and also meet up with friends. But interesting interior as the coffee shop is there but also so is a smoked meat shop.

Love Sawada!! I swear they have the best iced matcha latte in the city. I make it a point to come here whenever I’m near west loop and sometimes even when I’m not. Love the vibe, workers are friendly, and of course there’s easy access to green st smoked meats! Definitely a must try in Chicago.

If you’re spending $7 on a latte, this is the place. This hidden gem inside Green Street Smoked Meats is definitely one of the best coffee spots I’ve been in Chicago. The coffee is freshly roasted (strong though, it’s a dark roast you can purchase for $20 Do yourself a favor and order the black camo latte, which combines espresso and toasted matcha. The military latte is the same but with green matcha, definitely coming back to try it !!

Stopped by for an afternoon coffee fix and asked about their flavor options and was intrigued by the black sugar one. I got a black sugar iced latte and it was perfect. Black sugar has a bit more molasses to it than brown sugar, and combined really well with their espresso and milk!

Great coffee shop! The space is very spacious and the espresso has a uniquely sweet taste. I got the iced vanilla latte and it was delicious.

Had a need for some matcha and on the quest of who has the best in the city. Pretty good. I would go back. Wasn’t aware it shared the same space with the meat kitchen/ restaurant place but it was cool.

I always come here for the matcha and military latte when I’m downtown, it’s very pricey but so good!! The first U.S. coffee shop of world renowned barista and latte art master Hiroshi Sawada. Love the industry style of the place and that you can get bbq under the same roof.

Super cool coffee spot that is attached to an open area where there are other places to get some food and drinks from. We had the Military Latte and the cold brew jasmine tea. Both were excellent choices.

Grabbed an Iced Latte and the Military Matcha on a Sunday morning. The line was long, but we were able to get our coffee very quickly. Both coffees were excellent and the ambience to sit down and chat was ideal. Recommend going here for a coffee date or to socialize on a weekend morning.

Visited around 3pm on a Wednesday, and this place was poppin' ! I had the iced black camo latte and it was absolutely amazing. The matcha level was perfect and, apparently, it looked amazing because the folks at the other end of our table asked what it was :) A very fun, warm vibe overall!

I tried the Military latte there and it was absolutely delicious (matcha latte with a shot of espresso in it!). Although I found it weird at first, it was surprisingly very good! I also got a matcha doughnut that was very tasty as well. I will definitely try it out again!

Great spot to grab a coffee and a bite to eat! Really enjoyed the chill vibe here, and the coffee itself is pretty awesome too! There’s a BBQ place on the back side, so if you want something more substantial to eat, there’s choices. Had one of the chocolate chip cookies, it was huge, but have to admit it wasn’t that good. But you’re coming for the coffee — solid choice! ☕️

Great pastries and coffee!! Just note that the seating area with all the string lights you see in pictures is actually for the Green St. restaurant. I came on a Sunday at 9 AM and they said I could sit there until Green St. opens which is ~11 AM. Good place to catch up with friends over some coffee, maybe not the best if you’re looking for a longer study spot. The line is always super long on the weekend so try and come early, but they move fast and make the drinks quick!

If you are in the area grab a military matcha! I am sure by now everyone knows of how wonderful this place is. I visited twice on my last trip to Chicago. Believe it or not we don't have a place in the Twin Cities that does this.

Had lattes and a pastry here during a trip to Chicago in October 2021. Everything was excellent, staff were friendly, atmosphere is great. Will definitely come back. This was in my top 2 lattes I had during our whole trip to Chicago.

This place is amazing! We got their iced Matcha Military Latte, Black Camo Latte and Matcha Doughnut. It was all absolutely delicious. My husband likes his drink not too sweet and I love my drink sweet but both matcha Military latte and black camo latte was a perfect sweetness for both of us to share! Out was amazing! Their matcha doughnut was soft and not too sweet either! It was just perfect! And the waiting and seating area was so nice, clean ans beautiful! We love everything about this place!

This is a good coffee shop. The coffee is good. Food selection seems limited but I was in a hurry and didn't explore too much. The shop should work on quickening the service. Service was slower than expected for a coffee shop.

Highly recommend the military latte. It’s a mix of coffee and matcha latte - although it sounds weird, it actually has a very nice and special flavor. Would recommend to have lunch at Green Street Smoked Meats right next to Sawada coffee, and then come here for a cup of military latte. Walking around the west loop area was also pretty nice!

Excellent DARK COFFEE!! Finally. A place that gets that not everyone wants hipster bean water. This is how black drip coffee should be. $3.10 for a medium cup. No outlets. Seating is mainly for the barbecue cafe it shares space with. Don't plan to sit here to do work or study. Great blues music at a reasonable- slightly loud level depending on your preference. Good place to meet a friend for an early coffee! Weekends they have a line out the door at 9am. Odd. It's for coffee. 🤷‍♂️🤷‍♀️🤷‍♂️🤷‍♀️🤷‍♂️🤷‍♀️

Stopped by for a coffee and saw a really long line. I heard about the black camo (dirty hojicha latte) and wandered if I would like it because usually these drinks can be sweet. Heating such good things I decided to get it as is and I was pleasantly surprised how delicately sweet it was. I also really liked the picnic tables in the side alley.

Like the vibe of the place and how was explain what whats, and what not to add to my drink. One of the top best dirty chia tea lattes I've had

Unique coffee at affordable prices served in a clean, spacious, and decorative setting. Staff was fast and friendly. Great coffee place!

Absolutely loved this place. First time trying Japanese coffee and also Tokyo style coffee. Delicious. Major plus, they have Doughnut vault doughnuts!!! We got lucky and there wasn't a line, but every time we passed it there was a line out the door.

FAR and away my favorite coffee joint in the city. Their menu is short, but has some great variety and unique drinks, which are prepared extremely quickly. Staff is always accommodating and friendly, and the environment (shared with Green Street Smoked Meats) is both expansive and cozy. I could sit on the steps or at a picnic table and vibe out for a couple hours... though I probably would want another coffee or some brisket at that point. Perfect little mid-day or morning hang spot on a Saturday/Sunday. I can't recommend it enough.

The coffee is really good. Little difficult to locate the place but try going in the morning cause they sold out of few pastries by afternoon.

Absolutely delicious coffee!!! The military latte was so beautiful and was the perfect start to our day. Can't wait to be back!