Asado Coffee Roasters

I’m consistently looking for the perfect cup of coffee and Asado never fails to show up in the Best Coffee lists for Chicago, from Zagat to Thrillist to Eater and anyone else who writes these things up.   

They were the first coffee shop to serve individually prepared cups of pour-over coffee but they also offer coffee education workshops.

They’ve been around since 2009 and have several locations. I’ve been to their Irving Park location before, but this one I’m showing you is in the Loop.

The only indication you have of this gem is a chalkboard on the sidewalk, jutting out from a tiny alley off Jackson.

If you walk into the alley you suddenly come across a picture-perfect postcard that’s too cute to pass up. Two or three small bistro tables, a string of lights above, a brick building with iron balconies and a simple COFFEE sign above the door demand you give it a shot.

Even if you didn’t know that they were serious about their coffee, their menu would be an indication. No frilly beverages, no nonsense.

There is nowhere inside for you to hang out. This reminds me of the European cafes where you’re expected to down your beverage in three sips and walk away, but if you want to sit down and savor your coffee, the bistro tables outside are perfect for this.

Here’s a link to another article on this Asado location in the Chicago Reader.