Fairgrounds Coffee and Tea
306 W Erie, Chicago, IL
Crema's Take
“Fairgrounds is a spacious, welcoming spot near the Brown Line that excels at pour overs and draft coffee pours, with enough room and friendly staff to make it equally suited for a quick caffeine fix or a long work session. The shop offers a nice range of options beyond coffee—matcha, smoothies, and light breakfast—though execution can be inconsistent, and cleanliness has been a concern for some recent visitors. Best visited during peak hours when the cafe feels most lively and well-maintained, this is a solid neighborhood option for coffee lovers who value atmosphere and seating as much as the cup itself.”
What to expect
Espresso-focused, with a pour-over program, matcha and tea options too. A slow-sit, laptop-friendly, quick-grab, outdoor seating spot, good for meetings. Full breakfast, pastries, and light food on the menu.
Google Reviews
I had a deeply disturbing experience at Fairgrounds Coffee and will never be returning. A man who appeared homeless and mentally unwell was loitering inside the shop, loudly yelling offensive and aggressive comments, including repeated attacks on nurses saying they should all be…
Small spot along the brown line that's open early. Has a good many available all day with draft coffee pours and pour overs available. Staff were super friendly and service was quick.
As soon as I walked into Fairgrounds, I was excited. A lots of room to work, and I was eager to try something new. I ordered a mango smoothie, and while the person who took my order was friendly, the smoothie itself was underwhelming. For nearly $11, the quality just didn’t…
Fairgrounds was underwhelming. Pricey for super mediocre drinks. There was vomit next to the table outside that was left unattended, the tables were dirty as well. My matcha lemonade tasted like water and the servers were weird because I didn’t leave a tip.
Cute coffee place with plenty of seating both inside and outside. The coffee was good, and the place is nicely decorated and clean. It's a great spot for working or studying.
Crema Reviews
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