The Understudy Coffee and Books - Chicago, Illinois

Concha

Un lugar muy concurrido. Si logras encontrar un asiento, disfrutar de un café bastante bueno.

Oriana

El mocha está súper rico, es un muy buen lugar para ir a trabajar/estudiar

Rye

The understudy is a great place to get a tasty coffee and snack, and stay for the good vibes. Acting as a coffee shop and a book store, the place is split into two sections. You can enjoy some sunlight in the front of the store or go to the back and get a bit more cozy. The drinks are well done - I enjoyed their cold brew and although their pastries are from local bakeries, they have a wide option of unique vendors. I appreciate that they put the allergens that are included in the pastry on the display. I got the butter croissant and it was fresh and fluffy. We also got a pecan bar that was delicious. The place has spare outlets but there are some and the wifi is solid. I worked from here for a few hours and I enjoyed my time hanging out. I’d come back to check out the local book selections and get a good drink.

Ajimon T.

What a great coffee place. The book store just adds such a nice vibe to it. Went on a Sunday morning and it was super crowded. Tried the hot mocha and Chocolate croissant and they were great.

Kasey M.

I beat the Saturday morning rush when I showed up around 8:30am– when I left at 10 it was packed, and for good reason! The vanilla latte was perfectly balanced (not too sweet!) and the pastries were great. It was fun to browse the book selection in the shop, too.

Christina F.

Normally an extrovert, I find myself quite comfortable in spaces filled with strangers, and yet the moment I step into The Understudy Coffee and Books, I feel myself shrink back to the socially anxious pre-teen I once was in high school. Why you may ask? Well, let us think back onto who I was back then, an outgoing chunky Asian girl desperate to be liked but dreaming to stand out. A show choir kid who loved anime and books but hadn't written anything in years. Queer but afraid she wasn't queer enough to wear the label proudly. I had forgotten about this girl, over the years. In adult life, I've found confidence in straight spaces, not quite pretending to be someone I wasn't but also not being daring enough to be audacious with who I was. Stepping into The Understudy, I glance at the wall of community flyers- trans pop-up closets, starving artist movers, and LGBTQ parent adoption- and I observe the baristas with their unique style and friendly faces. And I am confronted with a feeling of both an intimidation of coolness and a lurching desire to belong. I go to order my oat milk latte and my credit card is declined, I feel my face burn with embarrassment as I am about to turn around, go home to where the coffee is free and the kitchen is closed. The young man with the round glasses and curly mullet smiles at me, and says "Don't worry about it. I got you." And I look at him, "Really?" He's nods, and I shyly thank him and walk away. Community is where you don't have to worry if you belong, you already do, the voice in your head that says you don't is the only thing keeping you from walking into that door way. As I sat on the velvet green couch, enjoying my delicious drink, I marvel at the books written by local writers, play recommendations given by local performers, and flyers advertising local shows. I watch friends catch up over coffee, people enjoying books and croissants alike. And I still feel a quiet buzz-one that tells me maybe safety can feel scary sometimes if you've never known what it felt like to be in a space where you can be yourself. And safe community spaces like The Understudy Coffee is definitely a place where you can both feel the excitement of a city and the love of a family all in one.

Afroz S.

The baristas were welcoming, and the coffee was spot on. We tried the summer purple drink cortado and a fresh fruit Danish everything was excellent. The combination of a bookstore and cafe creates such a relaxing vibe, making it an ideal place to unwind and enjoy some delicious treats.

I was also impressed by the creativity in the decor. They’ve used old book pages as wallpaper, which is such a unique touch. Even while waiting for the restroom, you can read the annotations and highlighted sentences on the walls a really cool and artistic detail!

Michael C.

One of my favorite coffee shops I’ve been too in the city. They make a great mocha. Also love that it’s half bookstore. Great vibes and aesthetics.