Next Door
| Address: | 659 W Diversey Pkwy, Chicago, IL 60657, USA |
| Phone: | +1 773-472-3667 |
| Site: | nextdoorchicago.com |
| Rating: | 4.7 |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 14
SA
Sam Gillmer
Next Door is the coffee shop that Ill go to if Im looking for something a little different. Its got a really unique modern design, and you can even write in dry-erase market on some of the tables. The furniture is all on wheels, so they are constantly changing the organization and layout. While I wouldnt go to Next Door for the food, they do have a nice selection of crepes and bagels to choose from. The coffee is good quality, and their cappuccino is one of the best Ive had. The real cool part about Next Door are there events. They host tons of events, from financial advising (they are owned by State Farm), to yoga, to live music. They also have office meeting rooms that you can rent out. You have to plan far in advance if you want one of the office spaces, as they are typically spoken for weeks ahead of time, and you can only book thirty minute blocks at a time.
JO
Joe Mullenbach
This place is really a treasure and one of the great perks of living in this neighborhood. It is always confusing to newcomers, but this is foremost a coffeeshop. They have good coffee, a good selection of hot or iced tea, as well as smoothies, and light food items. There is ample space for working at tables and standing counters and there are plenty of outlets. You can even reserve a private cube, table, or conference room for your meeting or event. The events are what makes it special. They bring in speakers and facilitators to run free workshops for topics like learning how to become an entrepreneur, financial planning, or discovering your lifes purpose. It creates a sense of community in the neighborhood, and I am very thankful its here.
IS
Isotope Blue
A strange but agreeable co-working space owned by State Farm. Lots of tables and comfy chairs. Free wi-fi (blocks some adult sites, but not Fetlife - yay). Lots of power outlets. Low instrumental rock. High ceilings exposing nice wood. Aggressively upbeat messages, chalkboards, and other modern workplace kitsch on the walls. Light food, coffee, and a few desserts. Chai is Oregon Chai, which the barrista agreed was vile. Good selection of loose leaf teas. The angle seems to be that State Farm “financial coaches” get first dibs on some of the meeting spaces, which are large, rolling cubes. I think this must all be intended to appeal to young people who wouldn’t go into a normal insurance office.
ME
Meghan Nance
This place is really cool. It has huge, comfy chairs and couches, tables, a cafe bar, and a nice staff. It is well decorated too! There is a lot of color, but its not overwhelming. They play chill music that isnt too loud, so its great for studying. Also, I loved how they had an information desk. The staff member working was very accommodating when I asked about their (free) financial coaching and other (free) classes. I really like the environment here. The only reason I have it four stars is because the lacked variety in some healthy options for food and there was a $5 minimum for using a card (but both of which can be overlooked).
EM
Emily Belke
This is an excellent spot to work on a project, either solo or with a group. If you need a space for a group meeting, get in touch with them about getting on the rooms in the back. They are free to rent out for your brainstorming sessions, just remember to bring some dry-erase markers for the walls. They also have some little cubicles and spaces in case youre easily distracted, making a video call, or need a private space to think. The prices are excellent as well, and the tea selection (particularly their herbals) is great. I love the Summer Romance tea for an herbal afternoon drink.
MA
matthew gilboy
This is a great coworking space. They have a crepe iron and plenty of baked goods. Typically the have vegan donuts fro Fritz. The coffee, I think, is Bowtruss, and for sale by the bag. They often have events and various community education sessions ranging from bill keeping to food blogging and budgeting. The staff are pleasant. Theres a ton of small rooms that, as I understand it, you can reserve for meetings or whatever. You have to sign up to use the wifi, but their mailings arent terribly spammy and gmail filters it easily.
JO
Joe Piehl
A must visit for Chicago creatives, students and freelancers, this space is great for both quick meetings or full day work sessions. A steady crowd cycles in throughout the day and there is normally a solid group at the beginning of the day and just after 6:00pm. The work space has a solid cafe serving Bow Truss coffee, a series of sweets (brownies and donuts), crepes and light sandwiches. The cafe is a little light on fruits and healthy options but otherwise its a good place.
NO
Noga Sachs
This cozy coffee shop has a sincere homey, empowering atmosphere. People come here for serious self improvement, whether thats educational, finance, professional, coaching, you make it and everyone wants you to succeed. All programs are empowering and free, theres no push to buy anything and, unlike Starbucks, music isnt so loud so you can have a quiet phone conversation. The one pretty annoying thing is the height of tables and chairs are really really uncomfortable.
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DVNET
Next Door Cafe by State Farm is a great place to co-work with fast wi-fi, get wired on coffee or tea, or eat their world famous crêpes/bagel sandwiches. They have private pods and conference rooms available as well, and there are licensed State Farm reps on site answering questions throughout the day and night. I like the coffee shop/financial consulting combination and believe all large bank/financial branches should do this with their spaces. Great idea.
AN
Ann Marie Sullivan
Next Door is the perfect place for small businesses, start ups, developing businesses, college students, any professionals, and anyone who has a need. They offer incredible and extremely helpful workshops on financing, start-ups, marketing, networking, budgeting, etc. They also have conference rooms that are available to rent, and personal private "cubbies." All for free. Apart from these great features, they also have fantastic teas and crepes.
JO
Jonathan Corvin-Blackburn
Horribly unprofessional. Our community group has reserved a table there to conduct board meetings multiple times. In the past weve shown up at our scheduled time and without notification the space was given to someone else. Now we received a completely unapologetic email that all of our future reservations have been cancelled so their staff can use the space. If they arent able to keep reservations a few months in advance, they shouldnt offer them.
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Lauren
The space alone is 5 stars. My 2 star rating is for the service i received at the cafe. When I asked the barista about the pour over coffee, his response was dry and dismissive. He seemed like he didnt want to be bothered with questions about coffee. (I know right. Go figure.) Perhaps Next Door should employ baristas who actually want to do their job. The coffee was at least good.
AN
Andrea Donatucci
Great neighborhood meeting place in Lincoln Park. They do not allow outside food or drink - but it offer s great place to work/study or take free "professional development" or skill based classes. (Also offers a free neighborhood yoga class each week). Definitely a great add to the LP/East Lakewood area!
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Thomas Besore
I went to a seminar at this place tonight.... what a find! They have a terrific work environment and also some private event space to hold meetings. Ill have to add this to my list of coffee houses that cater to mobile entrepreneurs! Check it out and youll wonder why youve never been here before!
