Street parking available. But even better-it's less than half a block from the Sheridan Red Line stop.
PAYMENT
POPULAR DRINK
The Red Eye is the coffee of the day with two shots of espresso. The coffees have nifty names, like Chicago Blues Blend. There are also tasty smoothies.
UNIQUE DRINK
Here's a warm concept that will sound pretty darn good
when fall rolls around (and we actually like the changing
of the seasons): hot caramel apple cider. It just sounds like a fall drink, and it might take the sting out of the inevitable change from fall to Chicago winter.
FOOD
Tasty Grinders are a high point. These are toasted sandwiches on Italian bread. They're under five dollars, and a lunchbox, combining the grinder with chips, cookie, and drink, is only $6.50. The shop also offers egg bagel sandwiches and bagels with cream cheese for cheap. The baked goods are laid out neatly on the counter and include scones, muffins, cookies, and biscotti. There is often a special offered that combines coffee and a baked treat for around $3-4.
SEATING
The shop is small, but intimate. Two seat tables are spread around the perimeter, while the central area has comfy recliners surrounding a coffee table. Very cozy.
AMBIENCE/CLIENTELE
Maybe it was the carpet, or the warmly painted walls, or the endearing clutter. But entering the Emerald City Coffee shop felt like walking into a large studio apartment owned by an eclectic artist, which just happens to have a kitchen-centered business set up inside. The walls are painted with murals of the El, a coffee machine, and a Seattle scene, and covered with hanging framed art and shelves filled with flea market knick-knacks. The addition of two wall air conditioning units and ceiling fans merely added to the apartment-like ambience. With XRT playing softly over the boombox speakers strategically placed around the store, the homages to the El placed around the store, and the rumble of the actual El penetrating the air, patrons are treated to cozy comfort in a very Chicago environment.
Extras/Notes
On the day I patronized Emerald City, it was a beautiful spring day, the first Sunday Cubs game of the season. So it was appropriate that Emerald City was holding drawings for tickets to the impossibly expensive rooftop viewings. As a reviewer dedicated to full disclosure and experimentation, I entered (purely for research purposes, of course). Hopefully this review finds you willing to check out the Emerald City, and me the proud recipient of some luxurious Cubs viewing.
