Kafein

Reviews 10

A

A Private User

WILL NEVER COME AGAIN. MY FRIEND AND I GOT FOOD POISONING. I used to really enjoy coming here to study because of their late hours and close proximity to my apt. I was used to the extremely slow service, however a couple of days ago we had particularly bad service. The only available tables were booths, yet we were told we could not sit there because they were reserved for larger parties. The waiter finally agreed to let us sit there as long as we would get up and move as soon as a larger party came in. There were already smaller groups at booths so I do not understand why he made such a big deal about it. Next it took forever just to flag him down again for menus. He had an attitude as if he did not want to serve us at all, but at this point I did not really care just because I had work to get done. I had a tea and usual sandwich and my friend had a low fat milkshake. I later ordered a milkshake also. We were both extremely sick the next morning and all day. These milkshakes were the only thing we both consumed that were the same, and I am guessing they must have used expired milk or ice cream. I would be very wary of going here. I would hope they did not do this on purpose, and I believe it was just lack of any caring to serve anyone. I will never be back even though I live just across the street.

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EU

Eugene Feygin

The AMBIENCE Very chill place with super comfy couches and a very welcoming atmosphere with really nice staff. Only thing is I never understood if they come to you or you go there - just seems like there is a break there. Their quirky menu is kind of cool with the funny things you can order on the menu. The place feels homey but also a little dated and I think needs a revamp and get rid of some of the creepy books laying around. The FOOD. DRINK I wanted to get a mango smoothie but they were out and it seemed like they were out of a lot of stuff and I just settled on some other drink which was way to sweet and overpowering - I literally took one sip and left it. EAT I got some cake which was really mediocre - nothing special or surprising. My brother got a chocolate cake and he seemed to like it but overall nothing I would come back for. The SERVICE Our waitress was really quick there was just no place to put our food down because you share it with another couch and just seems average. The LETDOWN The ambience is the only reason I would ever come back here. The food is just eh and I don’t see a reason.

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AM

Amitai Loew

I used to love Kafein but every time I visit something changes for the worse. The operating hours have been shortened, staff has become more pushy and rude while service quality and speed decreases. A business with no item over $10 on the menu has no place charging a credit card fee on purchases lower than $10. Credit card fees are part of the cost of doing business and should not be directly passed on to the customer in such a way - find a new credit card processing company if the cost per swipe is too high. Coffee shops are places for friends to convene and spend time - adding a surcharge for those in a group that do not order is incredibly insulting and in poor taste.

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MA

Matt Segall

I used to go here religiously for years, when I lived in Evanston. Basically, all my high school and into College. Fantastic place. Very good drinks, this is what started my Coffee addiction. Countless hours were spent here... Countless days of my early life. I just loved it here. Everyone was nice. It was also a great place to meet people. I was there again recently and not much has changed. Sure the people are different, slightly different look... But really thats about it. As some people the service is slow. But if you are in a rush, go to Starbucks down the road. I still have my coffee mug I bought there in the early 90s. Great place.

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JA

James Wood

I cant tell you how happy I am about this place in just words. Its best that you go in and let Peter and his crew put a smile on your face instead. This is like a coffee restaurant instead of a little coffee shop where you walk in, grab a simple cup o joe, then leave. Kafein is more of a sit n stay atmosphere that is perfect for those who have to get some work done, but want a great cup of coffee. Their menu is the best Ive seen, the service comes from people who feel like youre a houseguest, and the spot is great for a date with a friend or a textbook. DONT NOT VISIT HERE AT LEAST ONCE!!! And say hi to Peter the owner for me!

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RA

Ramon Odisho

Different and simple. My GF has known about this place for a while but we just recently tried it out. Its a cool cafe with a college feel to hang out at. You can do homework, meet friends, relax by yourself, or just catch a late night coffee (open until 2am on weekends). The menu is vast and even funny ("Pot Brownies" price: "if only" - classic!). My GF ordered the Aztec latte and I ordered the Funky Monkey latte. Both were very good and they design the top of the drink with the foam - real cool and different! I uploaded pix of both. Really liked this place, would definitely recommend it and go again.

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NI

Nicole Bailey

Not worth it. Ive been here 4 times and I dont know why Ive even been there that many The service sucked 90% of the time Ive been there. Most the staff has no idea what service means. Ive had one awesome waiter and three awful ones. The music is so loud you can barely hear yourself think. And when I gave a bad tip I got looks like Im cheap when really its the crappy service, but they would never think that maybe its something they are doing or not doing. You have to ask for refills on coffee and anything but their coffee is overpriced. Dont waste your time.

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KA

Kate Jazz

This is a great place, but more important was the woman who opened it and had it for 20 yrs. My daughter sang there and its a place all students and neighbors can go with out alcohol. I can tell that the owner was a really good person and very spaecial, so on mothers day send her Mom a note. I think the owner passed away when she became ill and What is wrong with the city of evanston. Do they not have any compassion. They closed her down and caused her stress. Send money to reopen. Thanks

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MA

Margaret Larkin

I really like this place, even though it seems intended to be a hangout for students. The food is mediocre, like cheap diner food, so it seems sort of overpriced for the quality, but the drinks are good. I appreciate how theyre open late at night, so people have an option at that time. It also has a laid-back atmosphere, which reminds of of "bohemian" places that people reminisce about instead of current-time hipster hangouts (nothing wrong with those, but this place doesnt seem hipster).

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SU

Sumedha Goel

Aptly named, a drink from Kafein will keep you (and even the avid drinkers) up well past bedtime. Ive tutored here, studied for exams here, and just come in to relax - its a great getaway from the otherwise busy Starbucks or Norbucks and very comfortable. Easy to spend many hours here caught up on your laptop or in your books, but I am yet to find a drink I love, hence the 4 stars. Expansive options but Im still making my way through them!

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