Intelligentsia Coffee Monadnock Coffeebar

Category:	Coffee Shop
Address:	53 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60604, USA
Phone:	+1 312-253-0594
Site:	intelligentsiacoffee.com
Rating:	4.5
Working:	6AM–6PM 6AM–6PM 6AM–6PM 6AM–6PM 6AM–6PM 8AM–4PM Closed

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 11

Alice Wang

It has become tradition for me to visit an independent coffee shop in any city I travel to. Im a big fan of Chemex/pour-over coffee, and I absolutely love third-wave coffee roasters and independent coffeeshops. Ive had all the "Big Three of Third Wave Coffee" coffees - Stumptown, Intelligentsia, and Counter Culture - but this was my first time visiting a standalone Intelligentsia Coffee shop. This Intelligentsia was only a mere block from Millennium Park, so it was very conveniently located. I like the industrial feel which didnt diminish the coziness of the shop. Theres a large coffee bar, behind which the baristas work their magic. Theres a handful of seats available, but it can definitely fill up quick. If you are a fan of Chemex, V60, Siphon, and Cafe Solo, you will be satisfied with Intelligentsias offerings. They also have espresso, cold brew iced coffee, chai, loose leaf tea, iced tea, matcha latte, and hot chocolate. I had their Chemex and their matcha latte, and both were fantastic. The baristas take great care in crafting the perfect cup for you. I like that for Chemex, theyll give you a cup of the brewed coffee and an additional decanter of extra coffee on a wooden tray. Free WiFi too!

Michael Wang

I never thought that Id see some SoCal coffee in Chicago, but Intelligentsia has proved me wrong. As one of my favorite coffee shops in LA, having the ability to come here and grab a cup in Chicago is something to die for. Intelligentsia is not your typical coffee shop. Unlike Starbucks, the coffee here actually tastes good, and the baristas know what theyre doing. Theres a neat hipster feel to each Intelligentsia location, which gives it that character that Ive come to love. If you love having a regular cup of coffee, and not those sugary drinks that youd find at Starbucks, then youve come to the right place. They make each cup of coffee to order, and whatever blend you decide to go with has a whole lot of flavor. For those who prefer an espresso drink, their cappuccino is something to rave about. Its nice and creamy, and when mixed in with those espresso shots, creates a coffee bliss. It is kind of unfortunate that they close at 6pm because I wouldnt mind a cup or two after work, but on the bright side, you can just buy a bag of beans and make a cup yourself at home. The staff here is friendly, service is fast, and there are plenty of tables and chairs for you to hang out at.

Jason Harbison

I am changing my review. I really love a good cup of coffee. Not a regular cup of joe; something that needs to be doctored up to ensure that it can be enjoyed on the go or by individuals with a lessor palate. I am taking a cup of coffee where the flavor is everything and the bean is showcased in all its true splendor. This is what you will find at Intelligentsia. I love the Mocha because it is rich yet not sickening sweet, which has a tendency to mask the unique flavors of the chocolate and coffee. I also love the different coffee varieties they bring to the country that you would not normally find at your local Beanary or Grocer. If you appreciate coffee for more then just its caffeine, this is the place for you. PS, the staff is very knowledgeable so test their skills, it will make you a better customer in the end.

Sam Gillmer

Intelligentsia is a local favorite in Chicago, and has been listed in national publications as one of the best coffee spots in America. The interior is nice, and seems as though the design is catered to the business casual crowd. It feels like the coffee shops that you would find in the 1920s inside (although, full disclosure, I wasnt around in the 1920s to verify this comment). The staff is very friendly and very quick with your coffee. The mocha and cappuccino are both good bets, although I wouldnt go so far as to say that the coffee is mind blowing. Its good coffee, to be sure, but not so much so that I make a point to go here for my coffee. All in all, its definitely worth checking out Intelligentsia, as they have good coffee and a good atmosphere.

Konstantin Inozemtsev

Renowned for their spectacular coffee, Intelligentsia is always money well-spent, as evidenced by the constant influx of coffee lovers ranging from CEO types to artists and young professionals. This is what coffee is supposed to be, and it consistently attracts a more refined crowd than the usual hipsters that dominate the scene. Dont let that intimidate you! The baristas are amazing and friendly, the atmosphere relaxed and welcoming, and the beans and pastries always fresh. Word of warning - you will never want to go back to cheaper and more ubiquitous chains.

Niv K

I am very disappointed that intelligentsia charges such high prices for coffee delivery charges. The coffee bean prices are fairly dear and to add an extra $13.00 for a 5 day shipping is a bit extreme. I would think a coffee roaster would pride themselves on getting the coffee to you within 3 days of roasting an not charge exorbitant prices for it. I am comparing this to Cimarron coffee roasters who I have ordered from and for only $5.00 extra shipping on top of he coffee price you get the roasted coffee within 2 days of roasting.

Andrew Sutherland

Intelligentsia deserves its renown. I was introduced to their coffee/espresso when I worked at a coffee shop that served it when I was in high school. Since then, I have made a point of getting some from the source whenever I go home for Christmas. I like their espresso best, and it really is better when you get it at Intelligentsia because the baristas are experts. Every espresso shot is pulled perfectly, and they nail the latte art. If you like espresso, be sure to try Intelligentsia!

Rhonda Robinett

Love the Monadnock location, even though I was robbed in it. Seriously- be careful if you are sitting there for a bit. Occasionally people dip in and run out the side door with purses, and iphones. Love the coffee, but sometimes I can do without the attitude. I think it depends on the day, because Ive had cheerful, friendly service there. The coffee is pretty consistently amazing, cafe au lait being my favorite drink. The prices are to be expected-not cheap, but the quality is there.

Paul Kern, PMP

Very friendly staff, very approachable and helpful for newcomers to the full line of espresso based coffee drinks (delicious, by the way). Plenty of space to sit and enjoy your ceramic cup of coffee that they made just for you, or take it to go in a paper cup. Between Intelligentsia and Rom (Franklin & Monroe) this is what a top notch coffee experience should be. So walk passed Starbucks (with their Starbucks terms and slightly burnt coffee beans) and treat yourself to a the real deal.

Inti Acevedo

Es el café más hipster que puedes tomarte en Chicago. El lugar parece sacado de una película retrofuturista filmada en 1963. El café es de otra dimensión. Los empleados deben venir del universo alterno de Fringe.

Przemek Wojtowicz

Very good coffee made by baristas that take the time to make it properly. The espresso drinks are very good and they offer a lot of options for pour over and other coffees. Really nice to see a place that puts the effort in to make a good cup of coffee. The only complaint I have is that the coffee is more of a dark roast and I prefer a smoother medium roast, but thats truly a subjective opinion. This is a much better option then many big box coffee shops.