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Intelligentsia Coffee

53 E. Randolph Street, Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 920-9332
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Ranked #123 of 7,778 restaurants in Chicago
Cuisines: Café, Café
Good for: Cheap Eats
Dining options: Breakfast/Brunch, Lunch Spot, Takeout
Restaurant details
Good for: Cheap Eats
Dining options: Breakfast/Brunch, Lunch Spot, Takeout
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102 reviews from our community

91% Recommend
    70
    22
    6
    2
    2
Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
Chicago
Senior Contributor
42 reviews 42 reviews
39 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 June 2013

I had some time to kill before an appointment and wanted a cup of coffee, so I went into Intelligensia on Randolph downtown. I ordered one of the three featured coffees (not a "creation") and a chocolate croissant. My tab was $ 7.25. The coffee is served in a nice mug with a glass carafe containing another 1/2-3/4 cup of... More

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See 7 more reviews by mike_wexler for Chicago
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Contributor
20 reviews 20 reviews
8 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 May 2013

Wonderful, wonderful coffee. These guys know what they're doing and produce espresso coffees that are just divine. It has a nice, sophisticated cafe feel, although seating is limited so be prepared to sit at a bench seat or share with others. Intelligentsia is about as far from Starbucks as you can get. I'm addicted.

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Barcelona
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 May 2013

I always have problems when i travel... I love strong and tasty coffee and this morning I have gone to Intelligentsia after to read the typical list "best coddee in...". I ordered a capuccino and after I finished it, I have to order another. Excellent service and superb coffee.

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Chicago, Illinois, United States
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 May 2013

I had my first latte in this place yesterday. It was so delicious. Not too creamy, not bitter and very smooth. I love it. Thanks guys. Keep up the good work.

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Indiana
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
6 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 29 April 2013

Amazing coffee house. Whether it be the Espresso, the delicate and perfectly steamed milk, or the perfectly timed pour overs they hit everything right on. Yes you may have to wait, yes you may be looked down on a bit if you ask a question, but it's worth it. They try to make sure everything they do is done to... More

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See 4 more reviews by RovertDrib for Chicago
Detroit, Michigan
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
4 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 April 2013

Although I am a fan of Starbucks, this is a more original, non-commercialized experience. Great dedication to serving a cup of coffee! The staff is very knowledgeable about their product and the macchiato I ordered looked beautiful! Very strong espresso but it's exactly the pick me up I was looking for!

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See 4 more reviews by schpatzdc for Chicago
Top Contributor
113 reviews 113 reviews
96 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 29 cities Reviews in 29 cities
36 helpful votes 36 helpful votes
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 30 March 2013 via mobile

I look for good coffee wherever I go. After arriving from Vancouver which has VERY good coffee, this is a real disappointment.....

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See 4 more reviews by SilverBond for Chicago
Iowa City, Iowa
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
3 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 1 March 2013 via mobile

Both my latte & son's hot chocolate looked very elegant. The shop smells terrific. The staff is helpful and friendly. But honestly I felt somewhat disappointed in the lack of flavor. Both drinks tasted watered down. And BIG letdown on the bag of coffee beans I purchased to brew at home. Yuck yuck yuck. They are dry, have no oil,... More

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Chicago, Illinois
Senior Contributor
37 reviews 37 reviews
26 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
24 helpful votes 24 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 February 2013

We hang out at the north Broadway store. Love both their coffee and the baked goodies. Great staff and fun neighborhood atmosphere.

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See 16 more reviews by Travellers1970 for Chicago
Tamworth, Australia
Senior Contributor
31 reviews 31 reviews
12 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 February 2013

You care about coffee? So do they. You want a really good cup of coffee (not just one of those mega-sized behemoth buckets of poorly roasted, over flavoured, dull as dishwater abominations?) They can do it. They specialise in good coffee well done. A small selection of pastries/food, but you come for the coffee not the food. I went back... More

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See 2 more reviews by Janie K for Chicago

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