07/06/06

great coffee and food, open late

by alyicious

This is a great place. It's a low key coffeeshop where the music doesn't repeat and the drinks are fantastic. It's unique, independent, and female-owned, as an added plus.

The service is also friendly and genuine, especially considering that the employees are overworked and underpaid. I have been going to Kafein for a while, and while I know that they used to kick people out after a while, that doesn't happen anymore and in fact, the staff are willing to go to great lengths to make your comfortable/accommodate your requests.

• Pros: ambience, service
• Cons: too loud to do work, at times

06/17/06

terrible service, water tastes like sewage

by ilyabuni

The waitresses at this place act like they've just come out of a coma. When asking about a specific drink on the menu I was told to look at the menu instead of asking questions. However, since it was pitch black on the outside seating, I couldn't even see the text so all my friends had to bring up their cell phones so that I could read.

It's your job to smile, bring me a drink and answer my questions, NOT mope around and stand there like you're from the British Guard Armored Division. Oh and a simple "goodbye, have a good night" when I leave would be nice. If you forgot how to smile, at least wear some flare or quit!

Thanks but no thanks Kafein. You may be trendy but your service sure as hell isn't. Hire someone who knows how to provide good service: Mexicans.

05/20/05

Evanston's Cafe!

by newmail5456

This cafe will always bring back memories of late night coffee getaways for me, so therefore I hold it in special regard. For a suburban cafe it is hands down original. When you are looking at the posters though you can't help but think of your relationship with coffee. It can be painful. I have had moments when I order the hummus with veggies, just because the reminder of coffee's not exactly great health benefits is too great to ignore.

But Kafein is a great place, late night or not!

Northwestern students kick-start their days with fancy coffee drinks in a mock-Renaissance, intellect-friendly setting.

by Contributor

In Short
Grad students tap away at keyboards amidst lush burgundy and gold vintage decor, velvet curtains and crackled walls, while laid-back couples settle in for hushed conversation at tables, booths and sofas. Coffee is the main draw, with lattes, cappuccinos, and specialty drinks like the Tuxedo Mocha with white and dark chocolate. The menu also offers patty melts, sandwiches and croissants, plus sweet treats like cookies, muffins, scones, malts and shakes.

• Pros: cool decorgood food and drink

02/22/03

great place!

by AMiller10

definitely one of the best coffee houses on the north shore. the hummus plate is amazing, as are the shakes and pretty much any coffee drink. tons of fun on a weekend when its crowded but also great when its kind of empty. parking is kind of tough but theres usually a spot down the street.

01/14/03

Good coffee to finish off day.

by jdoc3o3

This is a great place to go after a long day to unwind and drink some good coffee; or even finish off a date talking over a cup. The menus poke fun at caffeine drinker, something most caffeine drinkers do already, showing a true java addict never really takes life too seriously. The service is always friendly and willing to spend a couple minutes chatting about the food or drinks before taking orders. And the late hours is a plus, something Chicago needs more of is late night coffee houses and Kafein's has never disappointed.

• Pros: late hours, reletively priced

11/30/02

EccentricFunkyEclecticGothCoolHangDoGo

by lizgraphix

It didn't turn out to be the quiet, "find-a-nook-and-write-on-your-laptop-while-they-keep-bringing-you-coffee" place I was expecting based on other reviews. However, it did turn out to be a place of energy, great food (sandwiches, soup, desserts ... and, of course, coffee) with outstanding friendly and cheerful service. What I didn't read in other reviews was, that this is very much a college gathering spot and everyone was having a good time. After midnight it did quiet down enough to get work done.

• Pros: Friendly service, Great food, Intriguing atmosphere
• Cons: Crowded until late, Parking can be tough

10/07/02

kafein, more than just a name

by lucien13

this swanky place has been around forever and a day. the coffee is great, staff friendly, and the ambience exquisite. If your looking for a cozy number to commuincate over coffee, look no further.

07/30/02

Smooth and racey...

by fjo009

I love this place, smiles all around and the coffee, is really the yummiest in town.

• Pros: John in a thong
• Cons: weather