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Kickstand Espresso Bar
Category: Food Coffee & Tea Coffee & Tea [Edit]
824 W Belmont Ave(between Dayton St & Clark St)
Chicago, IL 60657
Neighborhood: Lakeview
(773) 248-6300
- Nearest Transit:
-
Belmont (Brown Line, Purple Line, Red Line)
Wellington (Brown Line, Purple Line)
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 7 am - 9 pm
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
96 reviews for Kickstand Espresso Bar
Review Highlights
"An added bonus they have metropolis coffee."
(in 18 reviews)
"They make the best mochas and their latte art is great."
(in 5 reviews)
"i very much enjoyed the iced mocha."
(in 4 reviews)
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96 reviews in English
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Review from Dave W.
Chicago, IL
12/25/2011
This is by far my favorite coffee shop in Chicago. I am former military and drinking copious amounts of coffee was a part of daily life, and it was awful tasting crap. But coming to Kickstand and getting a cup (or two) of delicious metropolis, whether hot or iced, makes me forget all of those gallons of muddy water I had consumed.
There used to be bad robot art on the walls but now they have upgraded the decor and it is much more pleasant. I do still like the idea of selling a local artist's work.
The music can be hit or miss depending on who is at work and playing the tunes but that is just personal taste.
Speaking of workers, the staff has changed a bit since I first started showing up to this place but they are always very cool and knowledgeable. -
Review from Elise K.
Chicago, IL
1/21/2012
I came here having a Groupon. It was great because I bough a pound and a half of beans and only had to pay a little.
This place is generally expensive. The atmosphere was quiet and Hipster... I really didn't fit in. However the locally cooked beans were delightful when ground and brewed at home! -
Review from Laura S.
Chicago, IL
12/13/2011
$4 for the smallest soy latte (cappucino? I ordered a latte and got 50% foam-- granted it was nice and dense) I've had in Chicago. Rather bitter. In a city that takes its coffee pretty seriously, I've grown to have high expectations.
Good tunes, if a bit loud. Also, personal bias, but I always appreciate a little somethin' gluten free, whether a macaro(o)n, soup, or whatever. Helps them, since I'm spending more money, helps me, because I'm hungry! A nice looking space, though!
p.s. businesses should ALWAYS list extra charges (like $.75 for soy milk) -
Review from Mikey B.
Chicago, IL
2/4/2012
I just don't get this place. I've had americanos here twice and did not like them either time. The first time I actually had to return it, because it was undrinkable. The second time, I managed to drink it down, but it tasted weak and bitter (odd, since it's usually a strong, bitter taste when the espresso drips too long). It was warm and I could drink it but I just do not care for this coffee.
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Review from Eliza R.
Boston, MA
1/5/2012
A lovely little cafe with free wifi. It wasn't too busy, but pleasantly half-full, when I visited around 2 in the afternoon.
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Review from Pauline D.
Gilroy, CA
12/14/2011 1 photo
This review is long-overdue! I had Kickstand on my list of must-visits during my 4-day vacay to Chicago this past May, and it was a great place to stop in for a dreamy cup o' cappuccino while catching up with my college friend. Baked goodies are indeed good, especially the blueberry corn muffin! It's not so much a loungey kind of space with cushy chairs and warmly decorated walls... No, no, not at all. Think of it as a haven for the minimalist hipster caffeine addict in your life. Blue walls, cool bikes, chipped drinkware, Metropolis beans. A [you have to understand it in order to like it] kind of place. Well, I totally get it and I definitely dig it.
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Review from Amanda C.
Brooklyn, NY
11/25/2011
Been here once, it was really good coffee - had a latte and it was made just how I like it. Also had a blueberry muffin, whcih was good but nothing exceptional.
Very cool space and furniture. -
Review from Sandy N.
12/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
Nice location, good coffee. Pastries from Hoosier Mama are good, though it's really annoying that they can't heat it up for you. That kind of makes it meh. Overall, nothing special.
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Review from beth a.
11/13/2011
foamed milk on an iced latte...never had that before (thought that would make it an iced cappucino?)
wasnt big on that texture/flavor aspect but the espresso was decent and had a good kick wo sending my heart racing...prices are comparable to other coffee shops
$5 credit min.; straws and cup tops are in an awkward place but im sure the guy i knocked into w my ass while i was tryin to reach for em didnt mind -
Review from Ivy t.
8/8/2011
Not sure what the hype is about, oh wait, it's hipsterland.
The barista behind the counter didn't even say hi or anything. Just stood there like a statue. I had to say hi first. Not cool. My friend I lost the will for getting anything just because of that.Comment from Dan W. of Kickstand Espresso Bar 12/19/2011
Dear Ivy, wish you could have actually had something to eat… More » -
Review from Don H.
Chicago, IL
8/18/2011
I was looking for a place in Lakeview to meet some clients for a quick meeting. We settled on Kickstand because it is centrally located between downtown and Evanston and is a quick walk from the Red Line.
At 5:30p on a Wednesday it was not busy. Inside there are about 4 high-top tables for two people and a large, 6-person table with some kitschy chairs for meetings. I settled there. Unfortunately, the WiFi was out today and the outlets were scarce so I ran (and prayed) on battery power. For drinks, I got my usual chai which was expertly made and tasted fantastic. They have a proper drinks bar/counter and another area for local pastries. I didn't partake, but they all looked yum.
I paid $5 for my chai (no shot), which isn't cheap but about what I'd pay elsewhere. There was another person there who was a little loud -- the echoes are pretty bad in here -- but it wasn't terrible. It's not one of those comfy-sit-all-day places, either. It feels more short-term. -
Review from Yaqi Z.
Chicago, IL
9/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
Espresso drink from kickstand was extremely good! I have tried their cappuccino and latte! Both are really really good!. I love the rich foam on the latte, a lot better than starbucks.
I would say the food is average. I would recommend get a drink from Kickstand and bakery from Ann sather. -
Review from Tia S.
Chicago, IL
9/28/2011
I've been wavering between three and four stars for Kickstand for a while now. I'm going to settle on three though, for now - this is subject to change if I have a solid experience next time.
I'm struggling because Kickstand isn't a BAD cafe by any means, but with how many awesome coffee shops there are in Chicago, Kickstand oughtta be up to higher standards.
I got a large iced chai latte and a salad. The chai latte was alright, but it was small and expensive, and I've definitely had better. The salad was also really small, and also too expensive - something like 6 or 7 bucks! It was alright but again, not amazing. And it came with a small portion of fruit salad... And when I say small portion I mean literally one piece of pineapple, one piece of cantaloupe, and one piece of a strawberry. What the hell? Also, why even have a side of fruit salad with salad? Weird.
Then I was going to get a slice of pie because I felt bad for sitting there on my laptop for so long, but the groupon I was using was only valid for things baked there, so I got a cookie instead. It was alright, not bad.
Overall I like the decor but the place isn't very comfortable. The baristas were friendly enough, but the girl in front of me in line waited for her drink for fifteen minutes, and finally asked where it was only to be informed that there was a mix-up and they forgot to make it. Ok...
So yeah. Kickstand. It's alright. Maybe I'll try a latte next time, maybe that will be better. But until then, I'm not impressed. I'm not UNHAPPY, but definitely not impressed. Meh. -
Review from Kelly R.
8/24/2011
I went here a couple of times while I was visiting Chicago. Their coffee is delicious and strong. The baristas are nice enough. Probably my favorite coffeeshop I've been to in Chicago.
The storefront is very pretty with lots of natural sunlight streaming in. Great for a day of reading/caffeinating. -
Review from Lakshmi R.
Chicago, IL
6/29/2011
Three stars. Not because Kickstand is so terribly average, but because there are pros and cons that depend mostly on what you're looking for in a coffee shop.
Pros: adorable name, helpful and friendly staff, lots of tea options, tasty tasty food, $1 day-old pastries that nevertheless taste great, fun location.
Cons: fun location = very noisy at times, the food can be really expensive (their sandwiches are, for example, from Southport Grocery) and the weird booster-chair seating at the lower tables is very uncomfortable if you want to read or use a computer.
Major con (for me): their wi-fi homepage says something like 'serious about wi-fi.' Should be changed to 'seriously bad wi-fi.' It's slow, at times seemingly dead. If a coffee shop is going to make the effort to offer wi-fi, it should be reliable.
All said and done though, Kickstand is a great little addition to its neighborhood and I definitely recommend a visit. -
Review from Gregory Z.
Chicago, IL
7/12/2011
My rating was 5 stars ... until today.
The coffee is good, the food is fine, and the store is fine. But, holy smokes, what the heck is up with the music? It's not been so loud in the mornings when I've been here on my way to the L, but this evening, it is blast you to the walls. I did ask if it could be turned down, and I think they turned it up instead. I thought coffee houses were for conversations, studying, and reflecting, not frickin' dance clubs. I'll gladly change my ratings if they get their identity back as a coffee house and not a night club. Get in, get the coffee, get out. But when there are so many other coffee and tea houses in the neighborhood that know what they are, why bother???? -
Review from Iman W.
7/13/2011
Um, exsqueeze me, why have I never been in here?
I find that the older I get, the lower my tolerance for anything too sweet gets. In other words, while I still will roll with Starbucks at times, it can be a bit much for me. But the mocha I had today at Kickstand was not too sweet. It was delightful. Really. I should have gotten a bigger size but I always get anxiety when trying new places. And the place is so cute that I actually sat down and enjoyed my drink there. I NEVER do that! Fate has dealt its hand today and Kickstand and I are now friends. -
Review from Jenny b.
Chicago, IL
6/2/2011
When they opened, I thought "wow that will close in 4 days." It's a coffeeshop across the st. from a 24-hr starbucks, the most popular dunkin donuts in the city, and a couple blocks from intelligentsia.
But they've carved out a niche! It's always packed! The decor and art are great. They have Hoosier Mama pie. I would come for dessert but they close too early!
They serve Metropolitan coffee which is not really my preference, so I avoid most coffee drinks. Service has been kind of slow in my experience but everyone in there is just chillin. -
Review from Anthony P.
Chicago, IL
8/14/2011 2 Check-ins Here
This place really stands out with the service. The girl that took our order was friendly, and the guy making the drinks was great; he took the time to tell me about the art on the wall when I asked.
The prices are good, too. Medium-sized drinks for 2 plus a shared (biggish) muffin would push towards $15 at many places. Here, it doesn't break $10.
It's a great place to relax and get a little pick-me-up. One con: the wi-fi, at least on the day I went, was really sucky. -
Review from Stephanie L.
Chicago, IL
3/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
Ugh...alarm goes off from a very long night of thinking Budweiser was water. What a coyote morning (who knows what that means???). I stumble out of bed, barely splash water on my face and head up to Lakeview for my hair apptmt.
I'm dying for a caffeinated beverage. After I park I start walking and realize that I forgot to brush my teeth...WHO DOES THAT? Disgusting. So I figured I better get some java fast so I can disguise my morning breath with coffee breath...ALAS, kickstand to the rescue. An added bonus they have metropolis coffee...yes this is turning into my lucky day. Ahhhhh the first sip of my latte was like nectar of the gods. What a cutie little coffee joint that served more than one purpose in this hell of a morning for me.
After I had my amazing latte, I stopped in at the Walgreens and grabbed some brush ups before heading to the salon...thank goodness for some smart inventor that made these handy things for hungover people like me that actually forgot to brush her teeth...I dont think that has ever happened to me....ever...seriously. -
Review from Kelz M.
Chicago, IL
2/25/2011
What a nice little place!
I've walked past Kickstand a million times but never bothered to stop in for anything until tonight. I was thoroughly pleased - I only had a chai tea but the leaf blend was fantastic (they purchase locally and the aroma of my chai was heavenly) and the price for a latte-sized mug was only $2; can't complain about a price like that! The people working behind the counter were very friendly, helpful and low-key (another favourite blend of mine).
So why 4 stars? Because they close at 9pm! Boo! -
Review from Joy W.
Chicago, IL
7/7/2011
Though a newcomer to the neighborhood, Kickstand looks like the best coffee in sight to me so far, and this from a coffee snob. Their roast (from Metropolis, a Chicago coffee company) is deliciously strong and nutty, and completely blows anything from Intellegentsia right out of the water.
More than this, the place has good vibes, chill staff, and free wi-fi. It might not be the best place to work for a long time, though, since it is small and not necessarily quiet. -
Review from Renae L.
Cedar Falls, IA
7/27/2011 6 photos
Kickstand Espresso Bar is the one of the few independent coffee shops in the Lakeview neighborhood in Chicago and is the only one with a hint of quirky personality. It was the brainchild of the owners of Dollop and Noble Tree. Located near the busy Belmont train station there is plenty of opportunity for me to sip on my java and people watch. The owners were brave to place their shop across from the 24 hour coffee king Starbucks, which I must admit, has a slightly better location for the avid coffee-drinking-people-watcher.
But what Starbucks does not have that Kickstand does is Chicago running through its veins. Metropolis coffee is brewed along with local food and pastry suppliers including Hoosier Mama Pie Company and Southport Grocery and Café. The selection is somewhat limited but what is available is quality, generous in portion, reasonably priced, and most importantly delicious. I enjoyed a perfectly chewy chocolate chip cookie that was more than I could eat (and that's saying a lot)!
My baseline order that I use to gauge quality at the coffee shops is a soy latte with sugar-free vanilla. The Metropolis beans were ground right after ordering and the flavor was deliciously strong. Kickstand seems to be a little lighter than Starbucks and Caribou on syrup flavorings, which allows the latte lover to truly appreciate the flavor of the bean. The foam (which any true latte devotee can acclaim is the best part!) was the perfect depth and artistically adorned with heart latte art crafted by the barista. Need your coffee to go? The to-go cups are simply beautiful with a blue Kickstand hand-stamped logo on a plain white paper cup and Metropolis-proud sleeve.
An old mosaic tiled floor, re-purposed furniture and décor, old-school radiator heat, and two antique bicycles hanging on the walls create a funky, hipster-loving atmosphere. The espresso bar was fashioned out of old soda crates and the low top tables out of an old bowling lane. The lighting is urban chic with industrial or (non-functional) wire shades. Walls are "wainscoted" with re-purposed Ace Hardware yardsticks. Seating is somewhat limited although I have never had difficulty finding a seat during afternoon hours. High-tops, tabletop, espresso bar, and window seating are available but due to the extreme high traffic in this area, outdoor seating is not available. (If you are looking to enjoy your java alfresco, the nearest option is Broadway's Intelligentsia a few blocks over and down).
Now, it is time for the nitty-gritty need-to-know details. Although patrons receive 90 free minutes of wi-fi it is quite slow and will test your patience. Speed is not a virtue at Kickstand either, but quality of product and craftsmanship allows me to gracefully overlook this flaw. Staff does not ask to punch your loyalty card (buy 9 get one free) so it is all-to-easy to forget to get credit for your purchase. However, if you forget your card and remember to ask for a punch they will let you combine your cards. And the final crux of why my café dollars sometimes migrate to Starbucks: fairly short coffee-shop hours from 7am to 9pm. Overall, however, this funky independent java house produces a high-quality product from local suppliers that is reasonably priced AND has an eco-conscious philosophy that keeps me coming back. -
Review from Katie P.
San Francisco, CA
3/21/2011 4 Check-ins Here
I.love.coffee.
This place knocks my socks off.
Coming from Northern California where there is a huge (and awesome) coffee culture, I was concerned I wouldn't be able to find a local shop with the same attention to detail and relaxed atmosphere. Thankfully I was proven wrong.
They make the best mochas and their latte art is great. I dont think i've ever had the same design twice!
The negatives to Kickstand is the slightly uncomfortable seating. It's good for catching up with friends but i dont think I could do a couple hours of work here (other negative; no wifi either, again making a couple hours of work pretty hard...) I also wish they roasted and brewed their own coffee, but it seems that is chicago's way of doing coffee.
These negaties don't change the experience for me, hence why they wont be bringing down my rating.
(by the way, why does everyone use Intelligentsia or Metropolis? Come on small coffee shops, source, roast and brew your own beans!) -
Review from Jennifer R.
Chicago, IL
10/17/2011
I frequented Kickstand about a year ago while I was working in the neighborhood for a few months. The lattes were great, service was fast, and I liked the atmosphere. I'll take this place over a Starbucks any day (especially the one right across the street on Clark - always busy, music was stupid and loud, and frankly I'd rather hang out with hipsters than yuppies.) While I haven't been there in a while, I still feel a pang of nostalgia whenever I drive by.
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Review from Maureen S.
Chicago, IL
2/18/2011
This place is really great. The espresso is impressive, the staff is kind and generally unpretentious, and the snacks are great. I love the look of the western side wall- the yardsticks look really great.
My only complaint is that the seating is on the uncomfortable side, but that makes sense because of the limited amount of seating. Overall, this is a really great place with a nice atmosphere and incredible service. -
Review from Amy H.
11/9/2010 1 Check-in Here
Damn you Daylight Savings time! You got me again!
On Sunday morning, I arrived an hour early for an appointment. Doh! I swear that I knew about Daylight Savings time ending, but for some reason I never changed my clocks. Double doh! So I nestled into Kickstand Espresso Bar with my book and a little mug of cafe au lait and waited for my appointment.
My coffee was decent. As Colleen C. mentions in her review, this is not a place to study or read as the music is blaring! However, if you want to catch up with your friends (as many of the customers were doing that Sunday morning) this is a cool place.
The staff is nice and friendly and the baked goods at the counter looked good, although I did not partake. -
Review from Joel M.
10/18/2010
I love local Chicago coffee shops and this is a welcome gem in the heavily trafficked Clark and Belmont intersection. You cant miss the place - the giant sign has rotating, flashing lights reminiscent of a Las Vegas wedding chapel. Don't let this fool you, it is ridiculously laid back and quiet inside.
The first thing I noticed is that I was the least hip person around. My hoodie, Colts shirts, and flip flops stood out In a group of thick rimmed glasses wearing hipsters on their Macbooks. Fortunately, I know my coffee and didn't do anything stupid like try to order a Venti Mochachino. The African drip Metropolis was delicious and my wife loved her latte. The baristas were nice and didn't discriminate against my initial frat / brosef appearance. They had several slices of pie available which looked great but we weren't really hungry.
Walk past the SBUX and DD and give this place a try. -
Review from Becca S.
8/4/2011 1 photo
I wish I lived in Chicago just to have this be one of my coffee joints. Some friends and I went here a couple months ago in a scurry to find a quick coffee place to meet up before all going our separate ways. I wasn't blown away when we first walked up but we just ran in.
First thing, the staff (or at least the one guy working at the time) was super nice. Very, very friendly and smiley and chill. Not overdone like people at chain stores are trained to do, but he was genuine and didn't rush us since we had never been there before and had no idea what to get or what snacks were good. I ended up getting a standard cappuccino since I had no idea what I wanted and was half hung over anyway. We all sat down while they got the drinks ready. It is super cute inside, not cute as in - trying to look cozy and homy... cute as in it has its own identity and feel. More unique but still inviting. Maybe you could say it's "hipster" but I just thought it felt simple and anyone could walk in and not feel out of place. The atmosphere was really chill at the time and there was a tall table we all sat at to talk. It's not terribly large inside, but it's spaced out enough so if you are lucky to grab a table, it's not cramped.
When I got my drink, I was immediately a sucker for the foam art in my drink. I had no idea they did that and it was really cool that they do that for every drink. The prices were totally reasonable too, I think my drink was like, $3. Which, really, is what it should be (versus $4-$5 like some places...). -
Review from Annie D.
8/18/2010 1 Check-in Here
Kickstand was my caffeinated (and air-conditioned) oasis during Attack of the Heats & Humidities last Thursday.
I stumbled in around 3 p.m., drenched in sweat and dragging my wheelie suitcase. I was waiting for my host/friend to get off work and thought I'd spend some time working before meeting her for dinner. Trying to avoid Starbucks at all (or most) costs, I found Kickstand on the Yelp app and made a beeline in the direction of locally owned and artisan.
I made the right choice. The A/C was cranked up so high I actually had to put a cardigan on midway through my iced coffee. It was about 100 degrees outside, so I cannot put into words how insanely happy that made me.
My iced coffee was served by some friendly dudes who brew their coffee strong. It was late afternoon, so I knew I shouldn't have finished the whole glass... but I couldn't help it. I spotted a piece of lemon pie in the case that looked phenomenal. Too bad my appetite was suppressed by the sun or I would have ordered some.
It definitely seemed to be a neighborhood hipster hub. I hung out for a couple of hours with my laptop along the window-counter seats and got a lot done, despite the loud-ish music. There weren't too many other customers, and those that came in were grabbing things for the road. I, however, couldn't bear to leave the happy confines of Kickstand until I absolutely had to.Listed in: Chicagoing, Chicago's Caffeination…
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Review from Adam B.
Denver, CO
7/26/2011
Viseted Chicago in March ... and found myself in this awesome Coffee house! The customer service was great and the espresso was even better! :) cant wait to return someday.
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Review from Erica T.
Chicago, IL
1/8/2011
I was in the middle of a Great Christmas Shopping Expedition when I started to lose some of my mojo and needed a little pick-me-up. I had about 15min until the next bus arrived so I stopped into Kickstand for some...(trumpet fanfare)...Metropolis!!! (If you didn't already know, Metropolis coffee for me is like spinach for Popeye.) It was the best latte of my life - I was a new person who could withstand any wind, rain, snow, slush or sleet that stood in the way of me getting my shopping done.
Oh, and I could have gone to the Starbucks across the street to use the gift card that was burning a hole in my wallet, but that would have been sacrilege. Metropolis coffee over Starbucks, any time, hands down. -
Review from Casey M.
12/7/2010
Kickstand Espresso Bar is a great little neighborhood independent coffee shop. Kickstand used to be a currency exchange. I used to get quarters and bus passes there. And surprisingly, being right across the street from, big brother, Starbucks, Kickstand seems to be doing alright.
The Low-Down on the coffee shop. I ordered a small mocha and a small coffee. The cashier said" $5.38, please" and I replied "You got a small mocha and a small coffee on there right?" I could not believe how affordable this place was. They even keep the cream refrigerated so it does not spoil in between customers. I paid the cashier, tipped the barista (Of Course!) and left to deliver the mocha to a friend who was working next door at a shop.
The coffee was freshly brewed, I did not catch what kind of coffee they brewed, hot and served with a big smile. Whenever I am in Lakeview I will stop by this little gem of a coffee shop. As for you, do yourself and the local community a favor and pass the big brother shop along the way and stop by this old Currency Exchange converted into a little cozy coffee shop and sit down and enjoy a nice cup of coffee. -
Review from Minah L.
New York, NY
7/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
i've only been here once at around 10am on a tuesday.
and i LOVED it! the casual hipsterish atmosphere with the simple decor and simple menu. made everything simple and great.
my friend and i had a CHERRY PIE with ICED MOCHA and ICED CHAI.
i very much enjoyed the iced mocha! the pie was a little bit cold but the crumbs on top were crunchy. good!
not a fan of chai in general so i can't say anything for that.
it's quiet. very good for studying, reading, quietly facebook stalking. ;)) -
Review from Nirmal G.
Chicago, IL
2/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
What a great place! Its really close to the Belmont el stop so that makes it convenient for me. They also serve Metropolis which satisfies my desire to buy local. We went 15 minutes before they closed and they didn't rush us at all. The baristas were friendly and answered the questions we had. My vanilla latte was exactly what I was looking for although I was a little sad that I got it in a disposable cup rather than a mug even though my friends tea came in a mug. My friend had tea and said that the tea was fabulous.
Overall, I know that I'll be back soon! -
Review from Karina D.
Chicago, IL
9/5/2011
Love this little spot. Last time I was there, the barista let me make some Cuban-style coffee... good stuff!
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Review from Aliza D.
Chicago, IL
3/28/2011
Kickstand has such great potential. Both the decor and staff have an indie coffee shop vibe, which I love and was truly surprised to find at its location. I loved the coffee. As well, the staff was pleasant: low-key and keeping themselves busy (I sort of also want to mention that the staff was really well dressed).
I feel like a big part of a coffee shop is good seating. I want to meet a friend and chat at a coffee shop. I also want to sit and study at a coffee shop. Kickstand is definitely not the place to do it. The tables are high, which can be ok, but is just not very comfortable. Worse, the tables are not sturdy. There are rolled up garbage bags and coffee holders under the tables meant to keep them from rocking back and forth, but not really doing their job. I ordered a coffee, and though I knew the table was unsteady, I could manage to lift my cup up and down without spills. My friend, however, ordered pie and as soon as he started to dig in, the table was rocking. We even switched tables, but had the same problems.
New seating could make this a local coffee love affair. I will check back! -
Review from Rebecca C.
Chicago, IL
9/1/2011
Service is awesome. Free wi-fi. Super cool atmosphere to meet with clients, things are going on but it's not chaotic or loud. And now they sandwiches too, so new lunch stop for me :)
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Review from James Z.
Chicago, IL
6/5/2010
I am currently writing this at Kickstand. Obviously I like this place enough to be compelled to write a review about this sitting on the premises. That, and I don't want to do schoolwork right now.
I am obsessed with coffeeshops/houses and having been to over thirty different coffeeshops/houses in Chicago (I'm not a bragger, but this I'm very proud of! What an accomplishment!), this has instantly moved up into my top 10 list.
It's a small spot, but it's super chill. I LOVE the highchairs (sorry shorter friends.... they must hate me for saying this)... obviously because it's supposed to be an "espresso bar" (or so goes their moniker.) The pop art on the wall is very eye-catching and the old school Coca-Cola imprints at the espresso bar is precious... oh and so is the multiplicity of clocks above the doorway.
They serve Metropolis coffee so that's another plus. The Iced Americano was excellent. (That is my standard litmus test drink. I order that for every first visit to a coffeehouse. If they mess that up, it's over! I'd flip a table "New Jersey style.")
Another plus is the location; its proximity to Belmont station. I often travel up and down the red and brown line (and of course, the hipster/cool person blue line) for awesome coffeehouses and having a new favorite right off an el station is fantastic. The best thing about this spot is that it's not pretentious nor is it trying too hard. Even the barista Claude introduced himself to me (the cashier was nice too, but I didn't grab his name!).
I highly recommend this place, but I'm kinda scared this place will be so popular that everyone and their momma will come here. I'll be back! In the meantime, I'm still sitting here... so I can't really talk in the future tense just yet. -
Review from Elizabeth B.
Chicago, IL
7/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
I stopped in here for a quick cup of coffee. Cute name, great art/decor, very friendly and helpful staff and most importantly great coffee. It's nice to see a local coffee shop that isn't a chain. I'd stop in again if I'm in the neighborhood! :)
