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Backlot Coffee
3982 N Avondale Ave, Chicago, IL 60641, United States
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Backlot Coffee
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Ni
Review №1

Staff is super kind and friendly. I had a really good first experience. No dining which I was bummed about but the coffee & spinach and feta croissant was rly good :)

An
Review №2

Always wanted to stop here, we live a few neighborhoods over. It was well worth the stop. The Rose Cardamom Latte was out of this world. We had a few several vegan desserts and they did not disappoint. The customer service was incredibly friendly and welcoming. We will definitely be coming back!

Pr
Review №3

Great place for coffee. We tried the honey bee latte and like it!!Friendly and welcoming staff

Mi
Review №4

Great service! I ordered a breakfast scone, a Honey Cinnamon Cortado, and some coffee to try at home.The breakfast scone was top top notch! It came recommended by the barista and I thought super highly of it.The Honey Cinnamon Cortado was a little disappointing. I did not taste any honey or cinnamon. Tried to ask for more Honey/Cinnamon and still didnt taste any. Will try some coffee next time I swing by.Im very happy the coffee I purchased from them was roasted recently. Coffee was amazing!!! Will be snagging some more!

Wa
Review №5

First time trying this place. I ordered their seasonal Lavender Matcha Iced Tea with everything bagel, so delicious! Definitely recommend stopping for quick breakfast run.

La
Review №6

We came here for coffee, and it has a nice atmosphere! They also offer a diverse range of coffees, including local favorites. In and of itself, the coffee was excellent and well-balanced. We had a special matcha latte and chocolate croissant to go with our iced coffee this morning. If you enjoy coffee, I highly recommend this coffee shop!

Ai
Review №7

Their pastries and coffees are literally delicious and one-of-a-kind. The location is also incredibly open and pleasant, as it is really within the mall. You get a very homey feeling when you have your coffee here. Furthermore, all of the personnel are really friendly and knowledgeable about the coffee you select for food pairing. Strongly advised!

Ca
Review №8

Our favorite coffee spot in Old Irving. They have DoRite donuts 🤤

Aa
Review №9

Love Backlot, havent had a bad experience yet and Ive been dozens of times. Great drinks and the donuts arent bad either!

Ly
Review №10

Great coffee. not much for parking.

Ly
Review №11

Good coffee. Not much parking.

Ta
Review №12

Favorite coffee shop in irving park! can’t wait for them to have seating again one day. it’s such a chill place to hang and do work normally. all the drinks i’ve tried have been great. even got a box of coffee once and they really hooked it up with creamer and all that jazz. love them!

Jo
Review №13

Service is awesome! Great coffee and croissants. Love that whole milk is the default. Although hot chocolate is mild for my taste.

Bu
Review №14

Didnt even realize this place was here but it was very good! I got an iced chai with oat milk. Theres no indoor seating right now but theres outside seating nearby. There is a parking lot also that I didnt see until I had already parked on the street.

Ro
Review №15

Cute shop, great coffee and friendly staff! 10/10 would recommend.

Ar
Review №16

This coffee shop is my favorite spot to hang out. I really like this shop because it has a nice atmosphere. The coffee and the pastries they had were all delicious and affordable. Its not too heavy, I like their espresso. My taste is the bittersweet taste of it. The workers were so welcoming and accommodating. This is a must-visit store.

kl
Review №17

Great coffee just wish they had indoor seats...

Ca
Review №18

Coffee is hipster standard, so good. It was a bit hidden in a tiny parking lot. They do prioritize social distancing very seriously so there is no seating, but the barista are super nice and give great service!

Be
Review №19

Backlot Coffee, definitely one of the best coffee shops in Chicago. The location is very close to highway 90. Parking is kinda hard, however street parking is available. I wish the working hours were until 8pm on weekdays instead of 6pm. Would visit again. Loved their espresso. ☕👌😍

An
Review №20

Great place for coffee. I enjoyed their esoteric coffee and loved it. The coffee had tones of rose and other spices.I was treated to this place this day, so I am not sure how much was spent here for the two coffees we enjoyed.

Al
Review №21

Came here one day before hopping on the train and I’ve been coming back ever since. My new favorite spot for a latte, I rave about it to all of my friends and bring as many new people here when possible. I love supporting small local businesses especially when their coffee is this great. They also offer oat milk, which is a bit hard to find coffee shops that do, so I definitely recommend ordering it with your coffee if you’re looking for a good alternative to milk! Staff is also super friendly and very welcoming.

El
Review №22

Love the honey bee latte

Tr
Review №23

Very friendly people working here. Theres also a printer for your on-the-fly printing needs. Got a cardamom-rose latte; very good and they make their own rose syrup.

Ti
Review №24

Its been my personal project to find the best chai in Chicago and they have won.

Sc
Review №25

Great go to neighborhood coffee place. Delicious options

Bi
Review №26

I really wanted to like this place the people who worked there were great the place was decorated very nicely but at the end of the day its all about the coffee I enjoy a nice full bodied cup of dark roast which they do not serve the Americano was not to my liking

Ca
Review №27

I went for a morning run in this coffee shop. All of their offerings, from their freshly brewed coffee to their decadent cake, are excellent.

Ti
Review №28

I had a fantastic experience with this shop when I went there last Monday. The coffee and foods were tasty and yummy. Besides, it boosts my morning to be more energetic. Also, I was thankful to the waiter who entertained my order. He was kind, accommodating, and helpful. Honestly, I greatly want to visit here again and again. Thanks for the service!

SL
Review №29

When looking for Blacklot Coffee initially I could not find it until I walked around Irving Park to Avondale. Once I did find it, it was easy to spot. I was greeted by three very pleasant gentlemen. I ordered a hot chocolate which tasted very good. The place was small... But if youre in old Irving stop by the Blacklot for a quick drink or pastry. You wont regret it.

Je
Review №30

Even if I couldnt basically roll out of bed and into this shop, it would still be one of my favorite coffee shops. Really good drinks, snacks from local bakeries and Pretty Cool Ice Cream, and interesting blends and single origin coffees.Not only are they a great neighborhood place with awesome coffee but theyve also recently decided to offer insurance and PTO for employees. Its so worth the cost of a fancy cup of coffee to support local businesses who care about their employees, especially right now.

Ma
Review №31

Great coffee, solid covid procedures, and good pastries/food that they bring in from top bakeries around Chicago. Plenty of parking. You can also buy whole or ground beans (they’ll grind them for you). Highly recommend.Updating review: they’ve started only stocking cinnamon rolls on Saturday and Sunday. Minus 1 star. I have started going to Brew Brew, which is equidistant to my house and has the same Phlour pastries (and good hot breakfast sandwiches) all week.

Lo
Review №32

Ill definitely return, and Ill bring my coworkers along for some coffee and relaxation.

Da
Review №33

Always so friendly and welcoming. Their drinks and food always get it just right. Definitely my favorite local coffee shop.

Ca
Review №34

Love it-the coffee and the nice staff!

Ab
Review №35

Randomly selected this place for a quick coffee. Soon as we entered our attention was drawn to the menu board and types of latte they had. Great ambiance. The people working here are really friendly and easy to talk to. Our favorite part was the number of vegan donuts they had. Although they source it from another vendor, it was nice to see the option. We ordered the rose cardamom latte and matcha latte. Bother were amazing. Love the place.

Ka
Review №36

Good coffee, and HUGE pastry selection. Lovely atmosphere, too, and good traffic flow during COVID. Nice that there’s parking, too, and it’s right off the highway. Been there several times and never had a bad cup of coffee.

Ka
Review №37

Most chill coffee shop Ive tried in the area. It was full but somehow still quiet. Superior service. Love the reusable mugs and water cups! Pro tip: they sometimes offer buy one get one free pastries in the pm if they have a slow morning.

Le
Review №38

I always go here whenever I want to relax because their ambiance is very relaxing! This coffee serves really great coffee and yummy pastries! I highly recommend this coffee shop to all coffee lovers!

Je
Review №39

This is an amazing coffee shop with awesome energy, delicious coffee and treats, and a convenient location.

Ro
Review №40

Great place. Starbucks, watch out. I dont know if I was more impressed by how nice and helpful were the people that worked there; if the cuteness of the artwork on the walls impressed me; or it was the quality of their coffee and tea.We got there about 20 minutes before closing time, ordered and sat around and talked. Before we knew it the doors were locked and they were putting things away. But they never asked us to leave. When we realized they were really close, we got up to go but were encouraged the stay and have a good time until they were done.Seriously, I dont think Backlot Coffee is going to put Starbucks out of business. But finding a local coffee shop I really enjoy makes me want to go there before thinking of a national chain.

Al
Review №41

Really cute space, good selection of single origin coffees, Rose cardamom latte was delicious. Great spot!

Co
Review №42

Their hot chocolate is great

Ca
Review №43

Been going here since 2018 after looking for around Portage Park/Old Irving Park for a good coffee joint. Ive tried other coffee joints like Finom and Percolator, but their coffees just didnt do it for me. Either too acidic or fruity. Backlots is right on point. Fair prices too, especially for cappuccinos!

Sa
Review №44

They have the best espresso Ive had in Chicago. Its very floral. Their syrups are made from scratch. The unique taste of their espresso is addictive. I also like four letter word for reference.

Ne
Review №45

My favorite ☕ place

Bl
Review №46

One of my favorite coffee spots in the city! They have a super friendly and knowledgeable staff! The manager is amazing! The coffee is great! The vibe is awesome!

An
Review №47

Fantastic pastry selection and seasonal lattes

Al
Review №48

Good coffee!

Li
Review №49

Coffee is very good. Dont miss the pastries, especially the apple fritters. Service is friendly and fast.

An
Review №50

A fine corner for espresso and donuts.

El
Review №51

We were through for a day out and came in for late lunch. Really friendly staff. Very nice and relaxing. Lots to choose from on the menu and the food was excellent . Would definitely recommend it. And can’t wait to come back. Thank you!

Je
Review №52

This may be my new favorite spot! Bright and sunny location with adorable decor, friendly staff and delightful food and drink. Had a difficult time choosing from all the options but settled on a rose cardamom latte and a ham and swiss croissant. Everything was lovely. Quiet enough to get work done or chat with friends. Will be back soon!

Ma
Review №53

You made Tim very happy :)

Am
Review №54

Following covid protocol strictly, their coffee is excellent and made with care

Ma
Review №55

Great coffee with donuts, and other sweet and savory offerings, my go to!

Ol
Review №56

Good macha. Try with lavander.

Ta
Review №57

Im a coffee lover. Coming from Portland OR, this place feels like home. The coffee is excellent, fresh, and they make a great latte. The place is small, but quite and have room to sit for a quick break. Location is perfect for driving Kennedy express way.They sell their coffee beans too, we took some whole beans Flying squirrel home for our espresso machine and it was great!

Li
Review №58

I ordered an iced coffee, and it was perfect. Great atmosphere, and I love the location.

An
Review №59

This place always comes through with great coffee and great service. In addition to drinks and pastries you can also buy the same beans they use in their drinks and theyll grind it up for you. I usually walk there since I live in the neighborhood but they have parking too if you need it.

ba
Review №60

Great coffee and friendly employees. It is small inside but kid friendly. Big commitment to being green which is nice to see. The gluten free donuts they order are awesome and I’m not gluten free!

An
Review №61

I only had regular coffee but it was still good! I loved the vibe of the place - simple, clean, and quiet. Though it is a little smaller than your average Starbucks, Id definitely come here again.

Pe
Review №62

The perfect little coffee shop. Friendly staff, great drinks, the greatest old fashioned donuts on the planet and perfect location on my daily commute. The parking lot can be a bit tricky to navigate as its super crowded, but with enough patience, you too can get a piping hot togo coffee that you hopefully dont spill on your goodies.

Jo
Review №63

Great selection, everything Ive had has been delicious, and the workers are super friendly. They take this pandemic seriously and I feel safe visiting with the rules they have set up

sh
Review №64

Best oatmeal cookie latte!

Ke
Review №65

Good local coffee shop with fresh pastries every day

Jo
Review №66

I just moved to Old Irving Park under less than pleasant personal circumstances. Walking to the train, I happened to notice the sign advertising fresh Do-Rite Donuts at Backlot. Do-Rite has the best donuts in the city, but I can only get them on shopping trips downtown. Now, I can have one on my morning commute. This little treat really perked me up and helped me fix my attitude toward my new neighborhood.So far, I’ve had a latte and a regular coffee. They’re good. The decor isn’t exactly cozy though. Not sure if I’d post up in here with a laptop to work. Definitely part of my morning routine now though, and for that, it’s aces. Very friendly staff.

Lu
Review №67

The coffee is very delicious and nutritious

Th
Review №68

Super nice staff and the food and coffee is great. Get there early for the empanadas.

Sa
Review №69

The nicest people and the best coffee! You feel like family here

W
Review №70

Simply everything you want in a local coffee shop. Friendly staff, tasty pastries/treats, and amazing coffee/espresso. Not pretentious at all. Bonus is the solid wi-fi. Price point is a little higher than a Starbucks, but its worth it. We come about three times a week.

ly
Review №71

Just finished a spinach and feta quiche....it might have saved me!!! Pastry was buttery crispy and light filling was perfectly seasoned and generous amount of cheese and spinach!!! Ahhhhh time stood still...thank you!❤

Al
Review №72

Great place to have morning latte or espresso 👍

Ra
Review №73

Fantastic coffee and even better staff! Their menu has classic coffee treats and some specialty things Ive never seen before--and it updates seasonally! Even better, all the staff is friendly and easy to talk to, its like having a friend make your coffee.

Em
Review №74

Amazing!

He
Review №75

I had a great experience here. They do have a very friendly staff who didnt make me feel hurried or uncomfortable even though I was tired and cranky. I tried the rose cardamon coffee. I thought it had good flavor and the carrot cake muffin was very tasty. It tasted fresh and well made.I really like this place and I am glad it is in my neighborhood. It has a very comfortable feeling to it. I look forward to going back and trying new stuff.

Ma
Review №76

This is my happy place. I would spend all day here if I could. The coffee is delicious and the owners and all the employees are the best!!!

st
Review №77

Great little spot. Good menu. Iced Latte was a perfect pick me up. Will definitely return when I need a coffee fix.

Bi
Review №78

Only 4 stars because they were out of a few things including oat milk. However the service was good and the coffee was great I think I liked this place even more after reading the story behind the cafe. Great purpose, great coffee.

Me
Review №79

Great second outpost of Backlot coffee. I love their creative lattes like the cardamom rose. They roast their own beans now, which I also enjoy.

Ni
Review №80

Great tea and pour over. Wasnt a huge fan of their espresso. Awesome baked goods and pastries. Amazing, super friendly staff and good atmosphere. Love this spot!

Cy
Review №81

Totally love this small quaint coffee shop in our neighborhood they have the best decaf coffee pour over Ive ever had. The pastries are delicious the ambience is wonderful. The music is great its not too loud you can have a wonderful conversation, the owners are just great people.

Lo
Review №82

I’m a regular now - great coffee, good place to do some work or meet a friend. So glad to have a great coffee shop in this neighborhood. Try the cardamom rose latte - it is out of this world!

Em
Review №83

By far the best coffee in the city. The Oatmeal Cookie Latte is other worldly. Bonus points for them offering Do-Rite donuts. I support this local shop every weekend with the same order and will continue to do so as long as Im in the area!

Ed
Review №84

Always good for a friendly cup of coffee. If before 8:00, coffee only $2! Love the mocha and my wife enjoys the Cortado. Willing to customize too! Hope they are here for a long time. If parking lot is full, just go around the corner, plenty of free parking in neighborhood.

Ad
Review №85

Delicious espresso drinks!

Al
Review №86

Great local coffee shop, has became one of my favorite spots in the neighborhood! Coffee is so amazing. Nice atmosphere and excellent service!

Ra
Review №87

Backlot is an invaluable addition to the neighborhood. Their espresso drinks are expertly made and they collaborate with different bakeries around the city to provide delicious pastries. The staff is always friendly, the cafe is airy, and the atmosphere is great for working on your laptop, with a community table and individual tables. Theres a parking lot and, if its full, non-permit and non-metered parking on Keeler.

Sa
Review №88

So cute!

S
Review №89

Warm smiles, hot coffee. This has become my go to spot in the neighborhood. The oat milk latte is amazing. The service is knowledgeable and it’s a great quiet cute space

Ch
Review №90

Absolutely love this place. Wonderfully balanced special lattes and truly friendly people. Nice ambiance. Try it!

Br
Review №91

Delicious coffee drinks are superbly executed in a bright happy environment... Cheery on a workday. Oh and good DoRite donuts as well.

As
Review №92

Backlots menu is very streamlined (not cluttered with too many choices). They do carry a few unique drinks with accoutrements and the menu changes during different seasons (ie honey syrup in fall instead of lavender syrup in summer). Tea is a great, varied part of the menu that pleasantly surprised me. Plus, I will never say no to a Do-Rite Donut, which they carry alongside seasonal savories (ie breakfast sandwiches).

Th
Review №93

Great coffee! Super nice people! Convenient location off the highway. Easy Parkin most of the time!

Ja
Review №94

Very good coffee. Very smooth. Well brewed. Outstanding cortado. And they have Oatly as a milk alternative which, honestly, only makes the espresso-milk drinks better. Skilled and friendly baristas. Definitely check this place out if you are in the area.

La
Review №95

Came to this spot.for the first time and cant wait to go back.Great little local coffee shop with well-crafted beverages, local treats and awesome art.Friendly baristas and great atmosphere overall make this a wonderful neighborhood space.

Jo
Review №96

Great coffee. Friendly, fast service. Nice atmosphere.

Ad
Review №97

Backlot has become my favorite coffee shop in Chicago. Great brew, people and vibes. If they threw in a few comfy chairs, I’d never leave.

Ad
Review №98

Great coffee, great vibes. Perfect place to chat with friends over coffee. I recommend trying the oat milk. Thank you

ml
Review №99

Nice place for short gathering and commute stop right next to the trains. Great coffee, tea and deserts

Ai
Review №100

Great coffee!!!

Information
100 Photos
100 Comments
4.8 Rating
  • Address:3982 N Avondale Ave, Chicago, IL 60641, United States
  • Site:http://backlotcoffee.com/
  • Phone:+1 773-657-3797
Categories
  • Coffee shop
  • Coffee roasters
Working hours
  • Monday:7AM–3PM
  • Tuesday:7AM–3PM
  • Wednesday:7AM–3PM
  • Thursday:7AM–3PM
  • Friday:7AM–3PM
  • Saturday:7AM–3PM
  • Sunday:7AM–3PM
Service options
  • Takeout:Yes
  • Delivery:No
  • Dine-in:No
Highlights
  • Fast service:Yes
  • Great coffee:Yes
  • Great dessert:Yes
  • Great tea selection:Yes
Popular for
  • Breakfast:Yes
  • Solo dining:Yes
  • Good for working on laptop:Yes
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible entrance:Yes
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot:Yes
  • Wheelchair accessible restroom:Yes
  • Wheelchair accessible seating:Yes
Offerings
  • Coffee:Yes
  • Quick bite:Yes
  • Vegetarian options:Yes
Dining options
  • Breakfast:Yes
  • Dessert:Yes
  • Seating:Yes
Amenities
  • Good for kids:Yes
  • High chairs:Yes
  • Restroom:Yes
  • Wi-Fi:Yes
Atmosphere
  • Casual:Yes
  • Cozy:Yes
Crowd
  • College students:Yes
  • Family-friendly:Yes
  • Tourists:Yes
Planning
  • LGBTQ friendly:Yes
Payments
  • Debit cards:Yes
  • NFC mobile payments:Yes
  • Credit cards:Yes
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