Julius Meinl

I actually went to the original Julius Meinl store on the Graben and Kohlmarkt in Vienna first, then was really happy to discover that they had locations here in my hometown, although I was at first doubtful as to whether the quality would be the same.
I had a franziskaner and a slice of my favorite, esterhazy torte. The service was very American (aka very friendly: D) but the drinks and food remained true to their Austrian roots. As a side not, one reviewer earlier said that Vienna’s tradition is a mix of «Franco-​German» but it would be diminishing the greatness of this capital of Holy Rome if we attribute it to those two cultures– Vienna is THE cultural capital of Europe, and its distinctive style, mixed with a little bit of Bohemian and Moravian, is unique, and shouldn’t be compared, least of all attributed, to French or German culture. Thanks.

The drinks were really good and I loved my gingerbread person. The only thing is that it’s a bit small with two tables and a window communal table.

interesting european style espresso drinks, would like to try more but a little pricey for my taste. got a drink that is espresso, condensed milk, and whip cream! nice lil jolt to my system…
one barista was friendly, the other clearly didn’t want to be there. really enjoyed people watching on a bright, fall day in chi-​town!

Super cute place! Came here with a friend for breakfast before an interview at Northwestern. Very convenient location and close to the hospital. The desserts looked so great, that we opted for a chocolate marzipan tart and the key lime mousse for breakfast haha. Both were delicious!

It’s not the same full service/​restaurant Meinl like the one on Southport, but what they do have is still super yummy! It’s a good chill spot, too — very quiet…
Good for a yummy dessert, some coffee and a small break from it all.

Ah, walking through this part of the city which is filled with tourists and upper class people, I was going to crave my coffee thirst. So I came here to give it a try.
I could see that it is a «hole in the wall», although visible, since the main entrance to the building it is on is right next door. Walking inside, you can see that it has one sculpture which resembles what is the logo of this coffeeshop. As well as a supposed bookcase that is on the wall of where the tables are.
So I ordered a mocha, which was fine for me, but what really impressed me was a type of pastry bar which is somehow famous in Europe. I knew before that the German speaking people of Europe have a wonderful type of pastry that seems kind of weird to a lot of people here in this country, but so far it was delicious.
I don’t know much of the origins of this company, but I do think they make a good job of making German pastry, which is so impressive to me, since I crave any type of pastry. I definitely recommend this place.

Good stuff! Order from the German menu and try something different. The desserts are good but super, super rich. Overall a good experience and worth checking out over your usual chains and pee coffee :)

My friend found this on Unilocal and we went there because it was close to the hotel we stayed at.
Interior is cute and the server was very friendly but their coffee and cakes were not as good. My latte was around $ 4 – 5, which is similar to other cafés.
I had iced latte and it was just ok. Also tried one of their cakes and it was also just ok too. My friends’ drinks were all also ok. I probably wouldn’t go back.

Great coffee and pastry café… just like Vienna Austria. Only 4 shops in North America… and all in Chicago. Bought coffee beans to bring home.

It’s a hidden gem on Ohio ave. the store is not that obvious, I would have missed it if I had not looked it up on Unilocal.The store is bright and neat. I got iced peppermint latte. U can customize it to other flavor eg caramel, vanilla, hazelnut etc. it taste pretty good! My friend got coffee chai latte! It tastes amazing!!!

I am not German nor do I speak German… And I was a little nervous when I looked at the coffee board and saw it was in German, but I asked the barista what I should get and he said «fourth down», so that’s what I got and it was so far the best coffee I have ever had!
The dessert was good, not out standing, but I would order again.
Nice relaxing place to sit and enjoy the most delish cup of coffee!

This place has a delightful selection of European pastries. I ordered a latte (to stay) and enjoyed the beautiful set up (comes on a plate with a glass of water and a biscuit cookie). The milk was frothed well, but the espresso beans weren’t my favorite. Still they make a great cup of joe and they have an elegant, peaceful spot. Seating area includes a window bar and two small tables. Free wifi with password from barista.

was here a few days ago… while a trip to vienna may set you back $ 2k the trip here will not and will present you a fun, stylish coffee/​tea/​pastry option in River North that cant be found elsewhere. This is not starbucks which is also an accomplishment in itself. I hope that it could be more comfy than it is now in one year from now so it could be a good date place as well… I will be back many times over
You dont have to suffer for your espresso any more :)

Hands down the best chai tea latte I’ve ever had. I’m from Texas, but I visit chicago really often. I can’t find a chai tea latte as good as Julius meinl any where. I’ve never had an Americano before but that was also really good.

Awesome spot. If you come here, be sure to try a drink from the Kaffee mit Schlag menu. The steamed cream is delicious, even as someone who doesn’t normal take their espresso drinks with milk.
I had two of their espresso drinks with two different beans in their regular rotation, and both of the flavors are rich if a bit standard.
The atmosphere is excellent — modern design and open space lend themselves to a relaxed if slightly more proper experience. Although the seating is limited, the effect is worth it; I sat there for about 30 minutes and never felt rushed.
The service is also excellent. The barista was happy to explain all the drinks unfamiliar to me in detail. He followed up by asking what I liked normally and suggested an equivalent drink. They bring the drinks out to you on a tray with a biscuit, sugar, glass of water in true European style.
A bit about the shop — Julius Meinl is an Austrian coffee chain with locations in several different countries in Europe and North America. Their roots, however, remain firmly planted in the Franco-​German tradition of Vienna.
The only drawback was that if you like what you drink, you’ll have to wait a while to get a supply of beans from the store. Although Chicago is Meinl’s North American hub, they didn’t have the espresso beans in stock. And if you happen to catch them at the right moment, you’ll have to buy a 2 lb bag.
Overall: good, novel drinks, excellent service and atmosphere, but not the place for your quick cup of joe. Tough to acquire the beans to take home.

Fabulous! This place is adorable and delicious. We live in the neighborhood and walk our dog in the area. An alternative to two Starbucks in the area is much appreciated (why have they both gone so downhill?) and this is a perfect spot. The lemon scones are amazing and the coffee is perfect.
Keep up the great work! We look forward to outdoor seating in the spring of ’15!

I love the goodies and coffee here.
Dear and I discovered this place in search for coffee and breakfast before a walk down mag mile. Brought back fond memories of Europe for him and bought me some coffee for my family.
:) stopped by again before I flew out

It’s a cute concept and a nice addition to the neighborhood. I don’t know where to put the overall review stars though because their hot chocolate and coffee was okay, but their pastries were yummy. It’s a really small location with only two of two-​people tables to sit at, so more of a takeout place. The chocolate tart we had was expensive but really good. The apple streusel and biscotti were good too.

Still love it – but they really need to add more tables and seating. They could fit several more in. I understand minimalism but you need to make your customers comfortable :)
Having your coffee there is classy just like in Vienna – on a little tray with a glass of water.

Nice, but not special.
Love the Julius Meinl coffee choices. But TWO tables — come on. There’s room for 4 – 5 tables. Limited pastry/​dessert selection — they all look great. We just had coffees this time.
Very convenient. Nice and clean. Good service.