Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: coffee (39) nice (16) shop (13) staff (11) Chicago (7) espresso (6) Great (6) latte (6)
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  • 5/5 Pat L. 2 years ago on Google • 204 reviews
    Cute corner coffee shop. I got an espresso and jalapeno bacon scone. The bacon scone is interesting with its flavor and the espresso had some bold flavors. Lots of room here to get things done and staff is nice!
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Carole S. 3 years ago on Google • 209 reviews
    Some of my favorite coffee and cafe treats in the area! The staff is very friendly and informative and so kind... you could tell they really appreciate your business in these crazy times! I love the to go bags of iced coffee available for purchase. Perfectly set up to maintain social distancing guidelines. Love this place!
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lauren (. 7 months ago on Google • 477 reviews
    Nice coffee joint, with light lunch fare. Great service , friendly staff. Big windows overlooking the street. I got the marshmallow latte, and it came with a roasted marshmallow 😛😛

  • 4/5 Vincent M. 5 years ago on Google • 299 reviews
    How much can you say about a nice cup of coffee and a donut? Visiting Chicago our friends brought us here. A mocha that was just right and hit the spot. Not to take any shine away from the coffee, but the glazed donut was just perfection. Pillowy soft, not too sweet. Great way to start our day.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Audrey P. 2 months ago on Google • 287 reviews New
    I really like the aesthetic of this coffee shop! It’s really cute. I went right when it opened on a freezing day and the staff was so nice and welcoming. I didn’t get the chance to try any food but I plan on coming back. I think I need to give the latte another chance :)

  • 5/5 Shawn O. 10 months ago on Google • 36 reviews
    Excellent pour over Ethiopian coffee with a tasty egg & al pastor brunch burrito! Enjoyed in-house with a paper copy of the NYT (yes, they still print paper versions...got it at the nearby CVS). Menu photo is West Town, W Chicago Ave location.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Pete S. 1 year ago on Google
    Really nice little corner coffee shop for well pulled shots and quality pastries. I ordered a latte and the barista made a point to perfectly froth the milk even in a to-go cup. I really appreciate the attention to detail and presentation. Very nice group of employees and a really cool space for people watching, getting work done, or relaxing.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mare 6 months ago on Google • 92 reviews
    This is my go-to spot whenever I am in town and staying in the area, because I like indulging in local coffee with housemade syrups when traveling. I have always been treated warmly and served quickly, plus I love working on my computer at the window countertop to soak in the abundant natural light while people-watching. Be aware that iced drinks can only be made in 20 oz. sizes, which include four shots of espresso, and I believe oat milk is extra (*cries in vegan*). Plus it is conveniently located right next to the Blue Line in a unique, older building. Entrance does require a large step, but there is a buzzer at the door to deploy an accessibility ramp if needed. :)

  • 5/5 Nuka D. 5 months ago on Google • 60 reviews
    Great coffee and awesome staff. One of my goto placed to sit down and crank some out some work. Consistently good pour over.

  • 5/5 Kir 5 months ago on Google • 48 reviews
    They’re so consistent. It’s so good. Highly recommend. One of the baristas always makes a seahorse out of the foam in my cappuccino and it always makes my morning ❤️

  • 5/5 Cristian H. 7 years ago on Google
    Captive view and staff in the multiple intersection of streets and CTA ( train,/bus) stations. The amazing window can show how is the neighborhood. Music of my favorite tunes. Cold chocolate with almond was so fresh and tasty. The pieces of art ate diverse and nicely picked. Recommended it.

  • 5/5 Liz S. 1 year ago on Google
    In my top 10 best cups of Chicago coffee. Not a lot of seating, but friendly baristas and very yummy coffee. Their decaf espresso is the best decaf I’ve ever had! If you’re touring Chicago coffee shops, you’ve gotta check out Big Shoulders. As a side note: I like this location best!

  • 5/5 Maxim B. 1 year ago on Google
    Stopped by here while waiting on some car repairs and was pleasantly surprised! I ordered a manual brew with a pastry to dine in. It was served and brought to me on a wooden tray with a ceramic cup, glass carafe, metal spoon, plate, and a napkin. The coffee itself was a delicious single origin and the pasty paired perfectly with it. The whole experience was so personable and lovely, which is so rare in today's pandemic and always-on-the-go world. It reminded me of cafe experiences and service in Japan. I will go out of the way to stop by here again when I am craving a peaceful and delicious cup of pour over coffee served by nice people. Next time I will take a photo. Thank you!

  • 2/5 M 1 year ago on Google
    Clean place. Does not take cash. Drip coffee is self serve. Out of donuts by 11am on a Monday

  • 4/5 Pat R. 1 year ago on Google
    We come here every Sunday after church. It’s our go to spot but we just found out they switched from whole milk to 2% ☹️ not a HUGE deal but we are a whole milk family and might look elsewhere.

  • 5/5 Carlo F. 11 months ago on Google
    Had a wonderful experience at this location. Visited from out of town and heard great things about this little shop. The blonde manager at the cash register was friendly and helpful walking me through the menu. Not sure if this on the menu but definitely try the iced lavender matcha latte if you get the chance!

  • 5/5 Gabriel C. 9 months ago on Google
    Ten thousand likes for the team at Big Shoulders. The company has a common thread across their shops in both quality of human interaction and beverages-- speaks to the corporate... they are doing a great job and I hope they keep it up, pushing the boundaries to find ways to best honor their mission, their people, their supply chains, and their customers. Environment, too. Thanks!

  • 4/5 John N. 9 months ago on Google
    Excellent coffee shop. I got espresso and a brunch burrito, I enjoyed it a lot. Such a lovely place the service is good and the staffs are nice and the place is really clean. The environment of the place is also great

  • 5/5 Lavoris L. 6 months ago on Google
    Amazing little cafe-ish/coffee shop. The staff where very welcoming and SUPER nice (they let me Film, and taught me a little about the coffee i was ordering, which was the delicious *Ethiopia Sidama Homacho, I also grabbed the *Overnight Oats. I would recommend both, And i will be returning! thanks! @chifashionbud

  • 5/5 Thomas B. 3 months ago on Google • 35 reviews New
    Nice coffee shop close to Chicago Avenue Blue Line Station, the Chicago and Milwaukee Avenue bus lines, and the Milwaukee Avenue bike lane. Big windows give patrons a nice view of the intersection. Coffee is quick and good. Breakfast sandwich got a thumbs up. Service was quick and professional. Nice spot.

  • 5/5 John R. 1 year ago on Google
    Very nice staff, very nice food, very nice coffee. The guy with a mustache explained what all the drinks were and brought me my breakfast sandwich when I didn't hear my order called. Overall excellent service 👍

  • 5/5 Malik P. 1 year ago on Google
    The staff were amazing and attentive. I feel like they definitely were trying to get to know everyone there and create a very supportive community

  • 4/5 Tyler D. 5 years ago on Google
    Really nice coffee shop with a great selection of Do-Rite donuts. Coffee itself was good and the service was great as well. Location is very convenient to the blue line and they have a nice transit tracker so you don't miss your bus or train. The only reason this isn't 5 stars is because they didn't have coconut milk.

  • 3/5 Jennifer E. 1 year ago on Google
    The marshmallow latte was underwhelming. I would go back just for the coffee though.

  • 5/5 Stephanie De V. 1 year ago on Google
    Having the boards showing bus times at the Chicago/Ogden/Milwaukee stops is super convenient, and the staff is always nice! Great way to start the day while waiting for the bus

  • 2/5 Patrick R. 2 years ago on Google
    Used to love this place, but twice in a row I’ve seen their managers on shift rip into their baristas in front of the whole cafe for forgetting to check vaccine cards. It’s been uncomfortable enough to walk out both times. Too pretentious of an atmosphere for overoasted espresso.

  • 5/5 eric- “Bird-E” b. 2 years ago on Google
    Excellent coffee. If you take public transit through this intersection, it’s worth a stop and grab a coffee. Service was quick. They even have a monitor to tell you when the blue line passes chicago ave stop.

  • 4/5 Alvin J. 2 years ago on Google
    I have always liked the coffee at Groundwork. It has a taste that is quite distinct from Starbucks/Coffee Bean/Pete's. It does cost more, but unlike some establishments, I will say that it is just a much more enjoyable experience as far as coffee goes. Of course, if one cares about sitting there all day for work, it might not be as helpful. There isn't that much space at Big Shoulders Coffee, but that's fine by me.

  • 5/5 Douglas L. 2 years ago on Google
    Have not been to the store, but I order from them regularly. They an Lexington Roasters in Virginia, are the best roasters in the United States. Big Shoulders Colombian mash up is the best coffee I have ever had. So nice to find a roaster who does not over roast every bean.

  • 5/5 M C. 2 years ago on Google
    Great coffee! Amazing scones! Very clean and open space! And the staff was so polite!

  • 5/5 Whitney W. 3 years ago on Google
    It was a real pleasure to visit this coffee shop. With their assistance, I relax and feel relaxed. In choosing this coffee shop to chill out, I was not mistaken. It was very hard to find such a professional place for my taste. I am profoundly impressed by how they treated their client well without any complications at all.

  • 5/5 Aislinn W. 3 years ago on Google
    This is the only coffee shop that I really enjoy visiting. The workers were so welcoming and the coffee prices were incredible. Wifi and lovely seating are available. It is a perfect coffee shop for new people to meet. This place is so awesome!

  • 5/5 Callum T. 2 years ago on Google
    Their house coffee is delicious and inexpensive! Their little is fairly small, but it's packed with caffeine. They also have a menu so you may get anything to go with your coffee.

  • 5/5 Kay R. 2 years ago on Google
    I loooooove Big Shoulders coffee! I had the most delicious s’mores matcha latte, and I got to watch them slowly roast the marshamallow (which was huge by the way) that went on top 🤤 I can’t wait for my next one! 😍 I also find the environment in this location and right around it to be very enjoyable. Very warm and welcoming and lots of cute shops and eateries around too. There are other locations, but I think I like this one the best!

  • 5/5 Emily E. 2 years ago on Google
    Great coffee shop! Friendly for people with allergies. Put a note in the app and they are very careful with the order. Highly recommended!


Call +1 312-888-3042 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Prepared foods
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Breakfast
    • ✓️ Solo dining
    • ✓️ Good for working on laptop
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible car park
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Breakfast
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Delivery
    • ✓️ Takeaway

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