This might be my favorite coffee shop anywhere. The creativity and style of the space and the beverages together really make for a unique coffee shop experience. I visit Chicago once per year and for several trips Ive visited Sawada and have yet to be disappointed. I usually get a Dirty Chai Latte or the Military but this time opted for the Black Camo Latte which I really enjoyed. I tried coming in on a Sunday but the line was out the door and I waked to another shop nearby that is also good, I came back on Tuesday to be 2nd in line and received a much more chill experience.
FANTASTIC and friendly service. Such a great place to chill, get work done and enjoy your morning. The Military latte is a must try! Cant wait to come back.
Stopped by for a coffee and saw a really long line. I heard about the black camo (dirty hojicha latte) and wandered if I would like it because usually these drinks can be sweet. Heating such good things I decided to get it as is and I was pleasantly surprised how delicately sweet it was. I also really liked the picnic tables in the side alley.
Popular for their handcrafted coffee and matcha immediately I knew I had to come here and I wasnt let down. Sawada coffee is a unique coffee shop experience from the moment you walk into their shop all the way to the end of your last sip because there is some art in the wall and also you have the view of a BBQ restaurant.I had matcha and the military latte both of them were really good and not over sweeten. The staff was busy but when they interacted with every single costumer they were so friendly! Kudos to you guys ! Costumer service is not easy! My respects for handling so much !
Excellent DARK COFFEE!! Finally. A place that gets that not everyone wants hipster bean water. This is how black drip coffee should be. $3.10 for a medium cup.No outlets. Seating is mainly for thebarbecue cafe it shares space with. Dont plan to sit here to do work or study. Great blues music at a reasonable- slightly loud level depending on your preference. Good place to meet a friend for an early coffee!Weekends they have a line out the door at 9am. Odd. Its for coffee. 🤷♂️🤷♀️🤷♂️🤷♀️🤷♂️🤷♀️
We originally came here to do some work. We had seen online that they had Wi-Fi, but they did not. The coffee was good and the atmosphere was good and we were able to be productive offline. We had some excellent BBQ around lunch time.
One of the top matcha lattes in Chicago!! The military latte combining matcha and coffee is quite interesting as well. There is always a very long line, so I recommend using the app to order in advance.
FAR and away my favorite coffee joint in the city. Their menu is short, but has some great variety and unique drinks, which are prepared extremely quickly. Staff is always accommodating and friendly, and the environment (shared with Green Street Smoked Meats) is both expansive and cozy. I could sit on the steps or at a picnic table and vibe out for a couple hours... though I probably would want another coffee or some brisket at that point. Perfect little mid-day or morning hang spot on a Saturday/Sunday. I cant recommend it enough.
Great pastries and coffee!! Just note that the seating area with all the string lights you see in pictures is actually for the Green St. restaurant. I came on a Sunday at 9 AM and they said I could sit there until Green St. opens which is ~11 AM. Good place to catch up with friends over some coffee, maybe not the best if you’re looking for a longer study spot. The line is always super long on the weekend so try and come early, but they move fast and make the drinks quick!
Highly recommend this coffee shop. My significant other and I stumbled across this place and ended up talking to the barista. I wish we got his name!!! He was so sweet and easy to talk too, my SO keeps mentioning how he wants to be his friend. The coffee here was delicious, the flavor was nice and bold with hints of floral. It tasted like I was drinking a flower garden.
Was visiting Chicago and went here everyday for a week. hot military lattes are great esp when the place is less busy
I got the military latte and it was amazing. I didnt think matcha and espresso would mix so well together until I came here. Im very picky with matcha but they did a good job in making it (wasnt bitter). Good service and vibes. I also love how spacious the place was. Definitely coming back here again when I visit Chicago soon!
Fantastic job, sir! I didnt make a mistake when I went here to get some coffee. Alex assists me in locating a coffee that fits my preferences. I was pleasantly shocked at how helpful he was. I am highly pleased by how well they handled the process with no issues. Im confident Ill return again and again.
Unique coffee at affordable prices served in a clean, spacious, and decorative setting. Staff was fast and friendly. Got the military coffee and it did not disappoint. Great coffee place!
Coffee is excellent. Ambiance is very interesting and fun. A fun place to take visitors from out of town.
Cool chic coffee place with a bar in the back and seating for a more group setting. Not a place to necessarily work at as there is no wifi, but cool spot to read or sit for a bit
Very pleasing to the eye. Didnt get coffee,because they had run out of pastries. But I will go back.
Got a iced latte and it was very good. Flavors of the expresso really came through without being overpowering or bitter. Menu is pretty small, but from what I gather they do what is on that menu very well. Would recommend.
Coffee was very average, people who worked there gave us unnecessary attitude when we went up to order. Treated us as if they had better things to do than take our order. Learn some respect and common decency.
All I can say is that I wish I could give this place 6 stars. My boyfriend is a big coffee fanatic and we have had a lot of cappuccinos in our life. This was hands down the best one! Cant wait to go to Chicago and return to this place!
The best third wave coffee we’ve found in Chicago so far in a funky industrial renovation with great service. The pour over was nicely brewed but a bit slow. The beans were worth buying. The iced americano was perfectly pulled and they followed our fussy directions respectfully.
They make a mean chai latte. And the repurposed industrial decor makes for an unexpectedly affecting ambiance. Definitely worth dropping in on.
Affordable coffee shop! I highly recommend this shop to all of my family and friend who also love coffee. I came here yesterday, and I was so happy and satisfied with the overall service. You guys really deserve an award! Thanks for your kindness, guys! Cheers for your success! Highly recommended coffee shop!
Love this place! Great dirty chai ☕️
Visited on Sunday and I loved the charm. The building is multiple restaurants. There was outdoor seating for a little bit and then the restaurant need it for the barbecue. Would love to come again post pandemic. Coffee was delicious. One of the staff was really friendly (shorter, darker hair), the one who served us at the till seemed annoyed (tall, slim)
Despite the fact that its in an old industrial warehouse, they managed to make it feel cosy. Very roomy, with high ceilings. I had a cortado here, with a donut. Both were just perfect! The music played fairly loud (an early seventies Donovan record, I think...), but not so that it bothered me, or made conversation hard.
Been going here regularly for a few weeks and everything is solid. Cold brew and lattes are great here. Iced High Five mocha is definitely my favorite though; the orange peel, sansho, and espresso go really well together. Staff is also super nice.
Shared open space coffee shop with a pinball machine. Vibrant and lively in a foodie neighborhood. I normally dont drink coffee so I tried their cold brew jasmine tea, and I highly recommend that as a summer drink: no sugar, just the pure fragrance from jasmine that leaves a pleasant aftertaste. The store owners are super friendly and photogenic 😀 Pinball machine is hard (or you know, I am just not good at it 😅)
Unfortunately Sawada started prioritizing online orders vs in-person. Too bad because it’s great coffee in a cool place. Just waited 15 minutes from the time I ordered to the time they finished the drink. The person at the register poured the milk on ice and then it sat for about 12 minutes while online orders were being filled. Then the espresso was poured and it was ready. But an online order person flew in and the person handing out drinks chose to hand out theirs instead and talked for a minute or two. Then handed me mine after it was finished and sitting for a few minutes. Online orders are killing the coffee shop culture.
Cool vibe, and I really loved the Tokyo style iced latte!
I went 08/26/2021I just went here and the baristas were very rude.unfriendly staff.Coffee so good
Is your coffee boring? Do you want some entertainment while having your Latte? This coffee shop offers Free Pouring. It is like an art in your cafe. I had this morning a leaf latte art. It was so cool! When you sip and smell the aroma of the coffee, you will be relaxed and sometimes, drool! The best!
One of my favorite coffee places in Chicago! I always get the military latte if it’s cold and camo latte iced. The latte art is always mesmerizing, and baristas are very friendly and funny! I definitely recommend stopping by to not only try the coffee, but also be awed by the architectural masterpiece that the rest of the building is! The music (typically played off of records) is always on point as well!
When it comes to cozy vibes, this coffee store nailed it. Comfy sofas, beds, and plants are everywhere. The staves are good and the overall atmosphere is great. The workers were all very helpful and personable. Their coffee is fantastic and its one of a kind. To all coffee addicts, I highly recommend this place.
It is a hidden but very popular spot for a great coffee in Chicago. I have been traveling to Chicago over 2 years but never had a chance to visit. I finally made it this time.This place is a bit difficult to locate if you are a first-timer. Once you find the place and take one sip of their great coffee, you will definitely feel it was worth the time and effort of following Google Map to find the place.I ordered a Military Latte. It has very interesting and unique flavor in a good way - there isnt a word to describe it. It is completely different from the coffee you can get from Intelligentsia, Wormhole, or Metropolis. Id say it is combined of Matcha latte and Caffe latte. Although it could visually look weird, it tastes very good.Atmosphere wise, I fell in love with their interesting decor and vibe. They share a space with BBQ place, and there is a small hidden ramen restaurant in a basement.Overall, I truly enjoyed the coffee and will come back soon!
This place has the best matcha. They also have great customer service. I wish I had this coffee shop close to me.
So this place is pretty dope, what I will say is that it was on a list of coffee shops to get things done and I don’t know if my timing was off but I do not agree. They are very busy on a Sunday late afternoon and the music is booming. The atmosphere is nice but if you’re there to work, I’d say go somewhere else? Unless you work well in large crowds of people with lots of noise. This place is definitely more of a friend hangout in my opinion. Not bad by any means just different than what I thought. Yummy latte and donut, pretty lights, and lost of tvs to watch whatever sports games you want. I didn’t even experience the bar but it looks promising from over here. Would recommend for your next friend hang
The workers were very welcoming and welcomed me with a good morning and a smile. The waiter also entertained me nicely and properly with my order. When I had my order, which was a coffee and a sandwich, I tried it right away and found it sweet and tasty. I promise, finally, to come back.
Great coffee place attached to green st meats. Cool space. I got an iced Chai latte dirty which was tasty. Though the specialized in matcha based drinks.
The hippest coffee shop in town. Nice outdoor seating.
Cute atmosphere with really great coffee!! One of the best lattes Ive ever had!
There is more to the store than just a coffee shop. Nice coffee and pastries are in it. The employees, the food, the location are all first class. The rates are also fair. On top of an already fulfilling menu, they deliver a range of tasty beverages. The environment for efficient activities is light and very conducive. Highly advised!
Got an iced latte and a pan au chocolate. Both were great! Cool space too
Definitely one of the better coffeeshops Ive been to! Very affordable, great staff and above all great coffee.
One of my favorite coffee shops anywhere! Great coffee, croissants, donuts... a must stop when in Chicago!
I wish I could give this place 6 stars is all I can say. Best cappuccino I have ever had in my life.
This place will blow your mind. Absolutely spectacular, stylish, and popular for all the right reasons. The space is gorgeous, reminiscent of a hangar or industrial warehouse with exposed brick and corrugated steel finishes throughout the space. Feels like a super warm and welcoming modern tavern. Staff are no-nonsense, knowledgeable, and precise. 12/10.Someone in front of me ordered the Black Camo latte, a self-proclaimed high octane bev featuring hojicha(!) and espresso paired together for a sensational caffeine hit. I was persuaded as soon as I saw it come out of the order window. If youre a fan of coffee and matcha, come here. You wont be disappointed.
I like the industrial feel of the place. Coffee was also good, a bit on the dark side.
Nice environment, delicious coffee; a must for any Saturday morning! When you are in need, this is a great stop for coffee. I was in love with company and fun.
Nice staff and a cool environment, but not the highest quality espresso in town.
Quirky cafe in the neighborhood. Love their creative menu especially match based espresso, military espresso! Perfect combination. Definitely worth revisits!
Unique ambience, decent cortado, but the macha based drinks taste cheap.
Hipster coffee place. 1 Espresso + 1 Military latte was our choice of the day. Veeery good espresso with adequate acidity. Mili latte was a little too creamy with matcha for me but was unique for sure. Definitely comin back.