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Sol Cafe
1615 W Howard St, Chicago, IL 60626, United States
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Sol Cafe
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Sa
Review №1

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!

Si
Review №2

When i finally tried this cafe i fell in love I bring my daughter here and she loves it. The atmosphere is so relaxing, i love the plants. The drinks are wonderful and you have got to try their avocado toast its so good youll want more. Go check them out

Er
Review №3

Amazing is an understatement to the describe the staff, theyre truly perfection! The food, drinks, and atmosphere is relaxed, welcoming, and youre never treated like a stranger when you walk through the door. I make it a point to visit whenever Im in Chicago!

Ro
Review №4

This is such a cute little cafe with great vibes! The employees are incredibly kind and the coffee is delicious! Highly recommended!

Ge
Review №5

The interior design of this place is spectacular! Such a good vibe and a great place to either hangout or get work done. Their Tina Louise is also one of the BEST latte flavors I’ve ever had! It’s not too sweet and very natural tasting. Their food also looks great.

Am
Review №6

Cozy cafe with a lot of fun plants. Friendly staff. Nice drinks & a from scratch kitchen.

Al
Review №7

Great atmosphere, lots of plants. Avocado toast was amazing

Ta
Review №8

Soul of the Howard street. Warming, by all means, staff and atmosphere. Delicious food and good drinks.

Su
Review №9

Small menu with thoughtfully constructed healthy options as well as creative beverages. laid back, casual atmosphere with ample natural light and live plants?

Mr
Review №10

1st time in Chicago and I needed a latte place near me. found sol cafe love the vibes from this place its perfect.

Em
Review №11

Sol Café is my favorite coffee shop in Chicago! Their seasonal matcha lattes are always amazing, and their food is delicious. I love this place.

Do
Review №12

What a wonderful space to relax with a cup of coffee or work on a laptop. Plenty of small (but sturdy) tables and several longer tables and counters. Nice natural light. A bit chilly. I had the seasonal kale salad with a spicy, delicious dressing -- only $5!

Jo
Review №13

Must visit if youre around Howard station.Very nice ambient, good coffee and food.Concerned for quality and environmemt.

Bh
Review №14

Discovered this spot by accident, literally. Brilliant space, probably one of the best I’ve seen in Chicago as far as decor goes. Ordered a hot cocoa with Pacific Barista series coconut milk which was splendid. Not sure how I missed this place for so many years.

Ca
Review №15

Love this place and the coffee. The batistas are mostly great, but depending on who is working, the baristas are rude.Should management care, the person who works Friday mornings seems to be struggling. Id check in!

He
Review №16

Best Cafe ever! 😊❣️😎

Ch
Review №17

Iced latte with oat milk is the best jn chicago

Pa
Review №18

Lovely unique decor, with a very unique smell. Its somehow modern and cozy at the same time. I wouldnt suggest this place for those who are sensory sensitive. I ordered the solsoda, and it was delightful!

Ru
Review №19

Didnt know what to expect but WOW I tried the noodle bowl and it was out of this world! Great customer service and wait time was minimun parking isnt great but definitely worth the drive.

Ia
Review №20

Staff is super nice. Theyre coffee products are great and they always have delicious sammies.

Fa
Review №21

Coffee rocks 😉 even though its a play on words, this place has a lot of soul and I always love sitting here especially at the front window. The Barista is a hell of a percussionist 💟Parking in the back of the building its very convenient

Ma
Review №22

Really nice coffe and tasty homemade chai latte!!!

St
Review №23

Great coffee and pastries. Cool atmosphere.

il
Review №24

Amazing food and coffee, friendly people, and a nice place to relax or do some work on a laptop.

La
Review №25

After the tornado last night our power went out and we needed a place to charge our phones and laptops, this place let us sit in here and use their outlets. The workers were so nice and helpful. The food and decor is amazing to.

Be
Review №26

One of those hidden gems in Rogers Park. Best coffee around! The staff is very knowledgeable and friendly. The atmosphere is safe, clean, hip, friendly, and modern. Great place to chill.

Be
Review №27

Thoroughly impressed! Im a bit of a coffee shop junkie, and this is one of my all-time favorites in Chicago. It checks all the boxes: high quality coffee (Gaslight roasters) and food, compelling and beautifully designed space, tons of seating and outlets with wifi and bottomless mug in antique ceramics. Can it get better? Not really.

Th
Review №28

Really good coffee, this is my go to spot in the neighborhood.

No
Review №29

The most mediocre overpriced breakfast sandwich is the 9-5.

Mi
Review №30

You cant tell getting the outside but this place is warm, green (filled with plants) and comfy! The specialty drinks are delicious and the music was excellent.

mi
Review №31

Decided to try out this restaurant. A variety of coffees, items on breakfast menu, gluten free foods. I had an egg and ham breakfast sandwich and a cup of Coffee. Coffee was delicious. It was not Columbian. Other customers enjoying the comfortable atmosphere. It seems to be a place where you can go and catch up with friends or tidy up on business agendas.

RO
Review №32

Loved this place! Very relaxing hemisphere!

Ke
Review №33

Great Coffee every single time! They have a true heart for the art of coffee

Ro
Review №34

Great space, open, bright and creative. Quality coffee too.

Ki
Review №35

Great drinks (usually) and great pastries. I havent had a better glazed donut since eating one at sol cafe. Unfortunately last time I went I ordered a vanilla latte to go. By the time my drink cooled down and I tasted it, it was definitely no vanilla in it. Since I took it to go there was no way for me to do anything about I was very disappointed. But were all human we all make mistakes so Ill be back but I definitely will have to taste my drink before leaving to make sure I get what I paid for.

Ev
Review №36

I’ve worked in specialty coffee for 7 years and this place has my seal of approval. I only had espresso but that was great. Knowledgeable, friendly staff and quick service for a specialty place. I’ll definitely be back!

Le
Review №37

Friendly staff, lovely shop.

SJ
Review №38

What a cool spot. Picked up a couple of tasty Americanos, and a delectable banana nut muffin (wouldnt know it was vegan and gluten free!). Will frequent... Oh, theyve got a printer kiosk. Very helpful...

Ni
Review №39

Sol is a very trendy spot with a great atmosphere to have coffee with friends, do some work, or grab some delicious food. I was there for a Sol Supper and had a fantastic time meeting new people and the food was great!! Local ingredients and seasonal drinks as well.

De
Review №40

The black iced tea is delicious! Service is always fast and competent. The environment is an oddly welcoming array of dried and living plants. Really overflowing with plants. Some people come here to focus on their computers or books, and others come in small groups to chat.

Rh
Review №41

The environment is an oddly welcoming array of dried and living plants. Really overflowing with plants. Some people come here to focus on their computers or books, and others come in small groups to chat.Staff is super helpful; the owner personable and down to earth; and the food and beverage options are quality and delicious. Would recommend to family friends, and anyone looking for a great coffee shop

Ta
Review №42

The vegan maple chai donut was one of the best cake donuts I’ve ever had!

Ar
Review №43

Great drinks (usually) and great pastries. I havent had a better glazed donut since eating one at sol cafe. Unfortunately last time I went I ordered a vanilla latte to go. By the time my drink cooled down and I tasted it, it was definitely no vanilla in it. Since I took it to go there was no way for me to do anything about I was very disappointed. But were all human we all make mistakes so Ill be back but I definitely will have to taste my drink before leaving to make sure I get what I paid for.

Ju
Review №44

Very friendly place with great drinks and food!

Re
Review №45

Such a cool, artsy, relaxing, plant- decked space!! Best old fashioned and gluten free cinnamon donuts. Dope background music. I absolutely love it here!!!

Tr
Review №46

Beautiful coffee experience. Staff is super helpful; the owner personable and down to earth; and the food and beverage options are quality and delicious. Would recommend to family friends, and anyone looking for a great coffee shop :).

ew
Review №47

Nice interior. Great coffee.

Fi
Review №48

Solid biscuits and gravy, stellar cappuccino.

EL
Review №49

Great atmosphere, really good sociality drinks and nice and attentive staff

Fe
Review №50

I really like this shop. My three favorite things are: 1) creative decor, walls, tables, and ambience. 2) Great coffee from gaslight, a local Chicago roaster. 3) Do-rite Donuts. Cant go wrong. I also like that this is one of the only cool coffee shops in the far north Rogers Park area. Very cool.

la
Review №51

Lovely unique decor, with a very unique smell. Its somehow modern and cozy at the same time. I wouldnt suggest this place for those who are sensory sensitive. I ordered the solsoda, and it was delightful!

Jo
Review №52

Excellent coffee and great breakfast sandwiches. The only problem is that they move like a snail stuck in molasses. I cant go here in the morning on the way to work anymore because it takes 10 + minutes to get two lattes and a bagel. And thats if Im second in line. Its unreal

Me
Review №53

Great interior, delish creative coffee and tea drinks. Nice staff. They have awesome donuts on the weekend! The breakfast dishes are yummy but at little pricey to me.

st
Review №54

This is the new spot! Great atmosphere and coffee

Ca
Review №55

The vibe here is great and I love using Sol as a study spot! The pastries are really good and there are couches to lounge in, read a book, and enjoy some amazing coffee!

Gr
Review №56

I really enjoyed the simplicity of the menu, a few seasonal choices of both hot and iced coffees and teas, and a small but varied selection of food that delivered on taste and freshness. It was a very comfortable setting for a nice conversation with an old friend, which cemented the 5 star rating. I hope to come back soon.

De
Review №57

They got the kind of avocado toast thatll make you wanna mess around and buy too much of too often to ever afford buying a house. That toast tastes better than owning a house feels.Sincerely, a millennial.Get the Sol Avo Toast. Hard 11 out of 10.

Mi
Review №58

I expected to be singled out. The theme behind this coffee shop is more gothic than taste but yeah the lady who served me coffee by recommendation is sweet. Thank you for making this new customer feel special.

An
Review №59

Trendy space with a cozy vibe. I came here for the first time today and it was definitely not a disappointment. I ordered a latte and it was one of the better ones that I have had around town. I would definitely consider going here for a quick fix or just need a place to chill if I was in the neighborhood. I wish it closed a little later than seven, though!

Br
Review №60

First rate espresso-based drinks. Very friendly staff and lovely ambiance.

RJ
Review №61

What a great place! Laid back, great beverages and food. Love the decor and the numerous plants!

St
Review №62

Adorable coffee. Fresh beans. Happy new year!Plant myself by the window.

Po
Review №63

Great cafe, with a very relaxed and casual atmosphere. Staff are excellent. Very inviting and attentive. Owner Simone is awesome. I’ve been coming here since it hit the scene. I’ve watch it gradually changed into all it has become. Sol has set the tone and has a great impact on the neighborhood.

Al
Review №64

Very solid coffee and top-notch urban garden ambience. A bit loud for a meeting/conversation but probably nice for getting some work done. Slower service but worth the wait.

An
Review №65

Sol Cafe is a great cafe to get a basic coffee or even better one of their creative lattes. Food is incredibly delicious and there are several veg friendly options. Staff is friendly and diverse

LI
Review №66

Cozy and quiet coffee house, also provide food if you want to spend a whole day. Botanic and industrial deco makes the ambience super relaxing. Latte was quite good, well balanced of coffee and milk and smooth mouthfeel. Will definitely come back some day again !

An
Review №67

Ive been here several times. Trendy, with an upbeat flow thats always been safe for me to have a little me time. Cute faces and mood matching music . I will come again.

Em
Review №68

Sol Cafe is a nice addition to Howard Street. Their staff is really engaging and always in a great mood. I really love that they host local artists for shows and have vintage sales. Its a nice addition to the open and conversational attitude of the coffee shop. An extra bonus to them for selling Reeses peanut butter cups at the counter. Bakery is lovely, but sometimes a peanut butter cup is the best match for a cup of coffee.

Lo
Review №69

This place is great! The space is cool and there is plenty of seating. You can order a bottomless cup of coffee! There is a very limited food menu. I had the tostada bowl and it was just okay. If the food had been good, itd be five stars. (Considering they offer three items, they should each be awesome.) Still, planning to return soon (but Ill skip the lunch).

La
Review №70

I didnt like the sandwich it didnt taste like anything, it had sausage and egg but you couldnt tell by eating it. The plate looked good though, it was well presented and it came with a salad that actually was delicious.

Ka
Review №71

Has a bit of a hipster vibe, but I fully forgive it that because the donuts are awesome and the seasonal drinks are inventive. Plus, cant say a single bad thing about staff. Seems to rub off on the clientele. Very relaxed mood. Sometimes a neighbors pit bull is tethered outside and I get to snuggle him, too.

Ra
Review №72

The taste is unique the 3 times I have been here each cup has been so rare its hard to describe. I love every single one. The workers here are very polite which makes me feel comfortable and relaxed.

Ia
Review №73

Espresso is great. Awesome Batistas, would give 5 stars but I have had a few of their lunch sandwiches and they are not good. Bread doesnt work well, ingredients are not very fresh. Not horrible but the food could be as good as coffee.

Sh
Review №74

I am so happy to have the Sol Cafe on Howard. This part of Rogers Park is definitely a coffee desert. The decor is nice - Id be comfortable hanging out here. The drinks are a mix of old standards and unique concoctions. All in my neighborhood. Great..

Ma
Review №75

Hip, cool, chill - just a few words to describe this place. Everyone should stop by specially if you live in the neighborhood. It is always good to support local businesses.

Lu
Review №76

Their coffee is really good. They have a large selection of drinks and food. The workers are friendly.

Qu
Review №77

This Cafe for the most part is a very nice unique Cafe I can tell that they have some holistic vegan things going on and Good Vibrations the decor of the place is very unique and appreciative towards all cultures being natural it is the perfect place to write or work the owner seems very nice and diverse. The music thats in this Cafe is very surprising one minute youre listening to Menace to Society next minute you may be listening to some old school naija is very funny but realistic I hope the diversity that they go through in the cafe draw different colors to the cafe. And I hope that they are excepted the donuts are definitely on point

Ke
Review №78

Amazing coffee, and I love the vibe there. I wish there was more gluten free options.

Al
Review №79

Great place to grab coffee, work, and eat food. I love they plants!!!

da
Review №80

Friendly staff, good doughnuts, and my favorite cold brew coffee. Glad they are up and running!

Ka
Review №81

Nice place with parking in the rear. The coffee smelled good but I was there on a first date not for coffee. They also serve light snacks and sandwiches until 4pm if youre hungry. Now that I know the place is there I may just go back.I do have to admit, I still remember how bad the area was 30 years ago. Im happy to see that things seem to have improved greatly.

Je
Review №82

This cafe opened up a couple of months ago, and couldnt be more welcome on this street. Every beverage and snack I have had has been superb, the environment has been comfortable and inviting whether Ive been knitting or working or gaming with friends. Its right next to the Howard Depot and on my way into work, and theyve been having lots of fun community events I hope to be able to attend more of!

Ka
Review №83

Love this little space! It would get five stars, but the recent addition of food has been disappointing. Ill try it again and update if its improved, but we found it to be bland and unappealing. I also find their coffee to taste burnt, but maybe thats just me. Staff are usually friendly and helpful. Space is warm and welcoming.

Cr
Review №84

Cozy environment, however not very spacious. The barista was very friendly and provided great service (especially when I asked for a drink recommendation: I got the blood orange iced tea which was very delightful). Will come back to try the coffee!

Je
Review №85

Was meeting someone for the first time and she suggested this place. It is comfortable and has some tasty choices. Her and I didnt get past the first meeting, however, I shall be coming back to Sol Cafe.

mi
Review №86

Awesome little hideaway on Howard! Fabulous coffee and oh that bacon donut : )

Pe
Review №87

Best muffins on the Planet! Seriously intriguing flavors. Go there !

Ka
Review №88

Staff is friendly and knowledgeable. Menu is small to focus on quality food served at the cafe. Everything is delicious. Plus fresh doughnuts!

To
Review №89

Their seasonal specials (drinks) are excellent. Id also recommend their rosemary sea salt carmels. A good place to hang out and work, too.

Ni
Review №90

Simone does a fantastic job of carefully curating a space for the entire community. Youll see all types of people in Sol, all equally welcome and appreciated.

Ti
Review №91

Maybe its what coffee is supposed to be? They definitely beat out Starbucks, and great staff great atmosphere though perhaps just too strong of coffee for my preference.

Ca
Review №92

This place is cool. Music is cool. Clientele are cool. Staff are cool. Somehow its still pretty unpretentious.I bought the hash bowl and it might have been the best food Ive ever had in that price range. The portion is huge and the ingredients are used really well.The coffee is strong and good quality. It tastes light a lightly roasted Central American blend (?) and POW am I ever well-caffeinated now.I intend to return often.

AS
Review №93

Good coffee and tasty donut. Friendly. However I was surprised when I walked in to see every wall absolutely dripping with dead rotting plants. I want to come back, so hoping this is a misguided seasonal decoration. I saw multiple spider webs and bugs in all that mess. Flies. Its a shame because I can tell the space is really nice and that its generally a clean place. But having all those dead plants hanging down makes it seem very dirty.

Ia
Review №94

Sol Cafe is amazing. The food, coffee, and service are all tops. Wish that people wouldnt park there all day and hold tables, but Sol cant help that.

Su
Review №95

Gorgeous atmosphere w environmental/reuse theme. New menu is amazing - super flavorful and fresh. Staff sincere and nice. One of the best cafés in the city.

Lu
Review №96

Got the breakfast bowl. So tasty.

Da
Review №97

Friendly delicious and great location. Free parking out back.

Je
Review №98

Always prompt, friendly service. Amazing drinks. Great food. This is my favorite cafe by a long shot.

Gr
Review №99

Lovely atmosphere and a great staff.

Ju
Review №100

These people know how to handle that espresso machine. One of the few places in Chicago that I can actually rely to get a consistent espresso.

Information
100 Photos
100 Comments
4.7 Rating
  • Address:1615 W Howard St, Chicago, IL 60626, United States
  • Site:http://solcafechi.com/
  • Phone:+1 773-961-8289
Categories
  • Coffee shop
  • Cafe
  • Espresso bar
Working hours
  • Monday:8AM–2PM
  • Tuesday:8AM–2PM
  • Wednesday:8AM–2PM
  • Thursday:8AM–2PM
  • Friday:8AM–2PM
  • Saturday:8AM–2PM
  • Sunday:8AM–2PM
From the business
  • Identifies as women-led:Yes
Service options
  • No-contact delivery:Yes
  • Delivery:Yes
  • Takeout:Yes
  • Dine-in:No
Highlights
  • Fast service:Yes
  • Great coffee:Yes
  • Great dessert:Yes
  • Great tea selection:Yes
Popular for
  • Breakfast:Yes
  • Lunch:Yes
  • Solo dining:Yes
  • Good for working on laptop:Yes
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible entrance:Yes
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot:Yes
  • Wheelchair accessible seating:Yes
Offerings
  • Coffee:Yes
  • Comfort food:Yes
  • Healthy options:Yes
  • Quick bite:Yes
  • Vegetarian options:Yes
Dining options
  • Dessert:Yes
Amenities
  • High chairs:Yes
  • Wi-Fi:Yes
Atmosphere
  • Casual:Yes
  • Cozy:Yes
Crowd
  • College students:Yes
  • Family-friendly:Yes
  • Groups:Yes
Payments
  • NFC mobile payments:Yes
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