Very cute coffee shop and staff very friendly. On my first visit I had a granita. While the taste was wonderful, a little bummed that with the cup over half full I am struggling to get anything but air through all the slush. Perhaps they just used too much ice in my serving (or maybe because I asked if it could be just coffee instead of a flavor, which I was told yes, it could) ? On my way out, I grabbed a cappucino. Sadly, I ended up tossing almost all of it-I didn't care for the taste (or lack of). It was more of a latte, and overly milky for my liking. It's definitely closer to home so when I can't get over to the Barrington Arboretum for my Intelligentsia coffee I will head here for a granita to satisfy my craving!
Review Source:Updating review because I can't stand paying over $5.00 for a coffee and getting literally over 3 inches of a large coffee foam. Still good coffee, but for the price, I want to burn my hand because the coffee is pouring out the top....not sip through over 3 inches of foam to even get to it.
Review Source:A real coffee house !!! Â Â Not another cookie cutter chain where everything is predicable and so boring.... Â Â Great service, Â coffee, tea, breakfast and pasties.
Very comfortable and the wifi is super fast. Â Perfect place to meet a friend.
Baristas are knowledgeable and friendly. Â Â If you're in Crystal Lake you have
to stop in or at least drive thru for a warm cup of coffee...
This is the best Coffee around. What a wonderful place. No more bitter, burnt tasting Starbucks and you won't get a bitter barista doing the Auto Correct if you say "Large." Â Hey! I want large! Such arrogance!
The food here is excellent too. The drive-up is efficient and accurate with a friendly greeting-it sets the pace.
Come inside and get an amazing "Pour-over," the ultimate in totally smooth. A must-try experience you won't forget-almost spiritual. Sit down and drink it there in a China cup. Â Ask for a pour-over at Starbucks and you will get a ?? stare.
It is Comfortable and Peaceful  inside, an Oasis.
Enjoy.
For the last 4 years, I've been told I had to try this place.....now to preface this, I'm not a "coffee guy" - I usually go to Dunkin Donuts, get an XL flavored coffee, cream, easy on the sugar....This morning, I had a few minutes to kill so I thought I'd try Conscious Cup instead of my usual Dunkin Donuts stop between the gym and Rt. 31......
Let me tell you, comparing this place to DD is like comparing Gibson's to Sizzler...got a GREAT cup of coffee - Mexican blend - no flavoring, just cream and sugar...never knew plain ol coffee could be that flavorful without the overbearing bitterness of Starbucks!!!!
And the girl at the counter was nice and patient with me, a non coffee-snob (unlike the b!$#% at Starbucks in DT Crystal Lake who corrected me when I asked for a Large rather than a "Venti" or whatever the hell it is they call it). It looks like they've got some other good sides as well....going to have to try those as well because I think I'm a new regular!!!
I've recently fallen in love with this shop; it reminds me of the independent coffee shop that I used to live in when I was in college. It's great to have a non-chain place to go that's got fabulous atmosphere and care for product and patrons.
Not to mention, it's in a great location for commuters on their way to work in the morning; easy-in, easy-out. Don't forget to ask for a punchcard!
This place really is the best. I do like the fluffy drinks, and Conscious Cup's beat Starbucks' by a mile, any day. But much more, I appreciate high quality, single-origin coffees, that are really, really good black. That's what I go for most mornings. This place exceeds expectations on that front, every time. Conscious Cup rivals some of the best and most famous shops in Chicago with its coffees as well. Once in a while (especially when I've filled my punch card), I'll go for a latte, and they're almost too good to be true. Add to that a wonderful ambience with good music that's not too loud, attentive and knowledgeable staff, real connectedness with the community...and this place is truly a blessing to have so close to home!
Review Source:GREAT coffee, cheaper than at the chains, awesome blueberry/lemon scones, and all served with a smile. Â What's not to like? Â They have a convenient drive-thru if you're in a hurry, but the seating area inside is a nice place to sit and read the paper while enjoying a delicious cup of joe.
Review Source:All I have to say is the 7th Heaven Granita (decaffe) was named the correct thing for sure because it tastes soooo heavenly! I think it is the BEST coffee drink I have yet too have!!! Crystal Lake is a bit of a cruise for us but I will be returning there for sure!
*the hubby really enjoyed his mocha granita as well :)
In the witty words of Lorelai Gilmore, "Coffee coffee coffee!"
Will keep coming back for:
* Tasty treats. The cinnamon scones, baked fresh daily, are so amazing that you may just miss out if you don't get there early enough. Call ahead to secure your serving - they are more than willing to set aside one (or two!) for you if you're on your way.
* Day-old treats. High-five if you can score the aforementioned cinnamon scones from the day-old platter! At half the price, your taste buds will barely know the difference - and your wallet will thank you.
* Bottomless in-house coffee. Â I'm rarely without a travel cup of coffee either in hand or in my car's cup holder, but there is something about sipping from an oversized (non-disposable) coffee mug that is just so alluring. Add to that the benefit of unlimited in-house refills and you've got yourself a prime coffeehouse experience!
A friendly warning:
* Avoid the jitters. This coffee is not for the faint of heart! Don't be fooled by the smooth taste - the coffee is very strong. To keep the coffee jitters at bay, supplement your bottomless cup with items from their pastry case.
Very nice staff, and everything is made fresh. They roast their own coffee beans in-house, and it has such a fresh taste. I bought a latte (my favorite coffee drink) and it was excellent. My boyfriend got a medium coffee (Guatemalan blend), and we enjoyed the atmosphere while we finished out drinks. I appreciate supporting small businesses, and this will definitely be a place that I will go to from now on.
Review Source:I have been visiting here since they opened some time back in their original location. A few comments:
Pros
- It is a family-owned business and the family has always taken time to put a personal touch on their business. Early on when I would visit, the owners would spend time explaining the difference between different coffee brews and was always willing to give suggestions.
- Both the new and old location put an emphasis that Starbucks does not... comfort. I have long had issues with Starbucks having uncomfortable wooden chairs. The primary goal of a coffee house should be to provide a comfortable and warm place to sit and share coffee and discussion with friends. Not feel like if I sit here too long, I am going to be in pain and want to leave.
- The coffee has been consistenly good. The food is being consistently improved upon. Just recently tried breakfast sandwiches from them and they were very tasty.
Cons
- Hours are not always the most convenient. For some time they were open until 9PM, but recently they changed to 6PM. I can't blame them, but I work and can't stop in during the week until a later time.
- Coffee does tend to be expensive.
Overall, highly recommend trying it if you have not yet.
I've been across the country at various independent and "dependent" coffee shops. There are some truly amazing places from San Francisco to Manhattan, but I have to say Conscious Cup is the one of, if not, finest establishment.
Staff? friendly and inviting.
Coffee? True concern about the final product. Huge fan of fresh-roasted. Happened to see them THROW OUT a whole batch of roasted beans because they weren't up to their expectations.
Baked Goods? Fresh scones and muffins that are delightful.
Personally, I have no clue how they could ever get a review less than four stars, let alone five. I fear for those who do not have a fantastic experience as there must something else in their life that is truly miserable.
SO JEALOUS I do not live in Crystal Lake!!
I've been a fairly loyal Starbucks customer, primarily out of convenience, but I decided to try Conscious Cup mostly to support a local business.
My first impression was great. I thought the coffee tasted better than Starbucks' and the service was good. So of course, I tried it a few more times. Unfortunately, even though the coffee has been consistently good, the service doesn't really match the service you get at Starbucks.
I typically get my coffee early in the morning, so when I stop at Starbucks and the staff greets me with the "good morning" and sends me with a "have a nice day", it's actually a nice touch. I didn't realize how nice that is until I went to Conscious Cup a few times and the staff didn't say ANYTHING when I arrived or left. The glum look of the staff was an icy contrast to my warm, delicious latte.
I have never given much importance to the greetings at Starbucks because seem fake. But even if they are fake, they are a nice way to start the day when I need all the pick-me-ups I can get. I'm afraid that going to Conscious Cup early in the morning is a sure way to add to the dread of the long day ahead.
Caffeine Cruise just hit the jackpot, this is my new absolute favorite. Â My husband's family was having a gathering two hours from our home at an all you can eat chicken place. Um, I will have to hit some coffee shopson the way and we did. Â Thank goodness for family get togethers or I would have never found the caffeine heaven that is Conscious Cup.
They roast their own beans, they give coffee classes, post fun coffee facts and are always collecting for the food pantry. Â They welcome you like a long lost friend and there is none of that disturbing the clubhouse vibe. Â All this before you taste the coffee.
Ah, the coffee! Â No timid vanilla latte here, it was robust, it stood up and shook your hand. Â It had a leaf design in the foam. Â I want to marry this coffee shop and adopt the in house baker who created the best red velvet cupcake I have ever eaten. Â
I envy you citizens of Crystal Lake, go have a cup for me until I return.
Cost: Â about 4.00
Cup: paper
Preparation: hand crafted and then some
Amazing on all levels!
"Coffee 101" class was fun and informative - loved watching the beans roast, and realized that what I brew for myself every morning is not Coffee, but merely coffee.
The coffee beans are sourced from eco-friendly growers, so you can save the planet while you sip, and the owners are very supportive of local non-profit groups.
Oh - and the baked goods are to die for!
I really was disappointed with this place , I have been there on several occasions and it hasn't gotten any better, I'm just not a fan of the coffee its bitter and kind of weak. Â The atmosphere of the shop is old and not comfortable at all I will say the people working there are really friendly.
Review Source:I have been in and around the coffee business for over a decade now. I have worked for and run stores for some of the biggest names in coffee and I have to say that this is the single best independent coffee shop I have ever visited. It is clean, warm and welcoming. The staff are very personable and make you feel right at home from the start. The drinks that my wife and I had were both outstanding.
 I have only been here once since I live over an hour away right now, but it is worth the occasional drive to visit this gem. And we will be returning very, very soon.
So I went here to try something different, since I'm a regular Starbucks girl. The layout was cute, but that wasn't the real test.
I tried their Iced White Chocolate Mocha. I did like that they served the coffee as if we were dining in, but I didn't really like the drink. It was way too sweet, and this comes from a person who loves sweets. My man got an Iced Raspberry Mocha which was also too sweet. I later got really sick from this drink.
I did like the fact that they had board games here so that people could keep themselves busy. This was probably my favorite part of this whole experience. We played Mancala for a good 40 minutes! It was pretty awesome to feel like a kid again.
Some of the other reviewers have written-off this gem after only one cup of coffee. Â I would remind everyone that different coffees and roasts can vary wildly in taste. Â If you don't like the roast or flavor in a particular coffee, its not necessarily the fault of the coffee shop. Â Try a different bean. Â
My experience with Conscious Cup has been wildly positive.  The variety of beans is always excellent, and I love the menu selections (especially the oatmeal -- my kids BEG me to go here for breakfast). The environmental and societal  "consciousness" adds something to the overall concept of the cafe, to say nothing of the excellent coffees they source becuase of this philosophy.
Sometimes the wait is a little longer than I'd like, but the end result is always pure heaven.
Don't go to Starbucks! Â Go to Conscious Cup! Â Their coffee tastes much better, and it's made with love for you and the earth! Â There is no reason to support a giant corporation when we have such a great family owned business in town.
(stepping off of my soap box).....Conscious Cup roasts their own coffee beans right there in the store, so the flavors are rich and delicious. Â I highly recommend the 7th Heaven Granita (get a large because you won't be able to get enough). Â This is a peaceful, cozy place to sit and enjoy your brewed beauty with your laptop or a good book. Â Bonus: Â The staff is friendly AND they have a drive-thru!
This place is sterile. I like my coffee joints to feel like a snuggy not an operating table.
However, for the area this is probably the best coffee hang out. I like their company's mission, but it just needs better interior design and a heater. On to the coffee!
I had been on a coffee mission a couple of years back, even venturing into Wisconsin. This place was disappointing. The coffee tasted of coffee grounds, you know that burnt bitter flavor you sometimes get if you drink from your company's waterhole. If you go to Starbucks then you will love this place. But you probably don't considering this place is kinda the anti-Starbucks, so you probably hate Starbucks if you are coming here. I hate Starbucks too, let's be friends.
The quest for character in the suburbs continues with a lovely stop at Conscious Cup Cafe. Â This is definitely not my first time here, as it is my "go-to" coffee place when I am out here from the Big City visiting The Fiance. Â I truly get excited when I have an opportunity to spend time here! Â It is the best coffee shop in these parts by a long shot - great drinks, great seating, great lighting, and the best part.... board games you can play!
Review Source:In a small strip mall outside downtown Crystal Lake, off the madness that is Route 14, lies a hidden gem of a coffee house.
I'm picky about my coffeehouses, which is why CC doesn't get 5 stars. It feels a teeny bit corporate-cold, and there's nowhere to hide from the drafts of the constant door opening and closing.
But there are a decent amount of tables and chairs, not to mention a comfy couch area, so they're trying.
The staff is all very friendly and good at their jobs; on days I was feeling indecisive, they would often help me pick out the perfect flavor combination for my latte. They even undercharged me a few times (I have no idea if that was on purpose or not; I didn't really realize it until after I'd paid).
The coffee and espresso are excellent, best I've had in McHenry Co. They roast it all right there which is awesome.
The food is good too -- although here lies another small nitpick. While the paninis are delicious, they are a bit overpriced (really? over $6 for a sandwich and pickle spear?) and every time I ordered one, the worker on duty took a reaaaaallly long time -- 15 minutes or more -- to get the sandwich to me. I kind of wanted to enjoy it with my drink, but oh well. I don't know if that's a fault of the workers or the process; it's not as though it was terribly busy any time I ordered one.
Nonetheless, Conscious Cup does what it does very well for the most part. I can't support their business anymore, as I no longer live in McHenry County, but I urge others to. Great coffee, good food, good people.
We came in here from sledding last weekend to get some hot chocolate for the kids. Acutally, so did a lot of other people.
The good folks at CC had the foresight to give the kids drinks with lids, which we wound up removing to let them cool off faster. We were kicking back on the giant couch and playing some UNO and one of the drinks got knocked over. The guy working there was *extremely* cool about it, not just having a good attitude while promptly cleaning it up, but getting a replacement cup of hot chocolate for my crying kid.
This sort of thing is why I prefer CC to some other places in the area.
To perk up my morning I tried both a cafe au lait and their pomegranate smoothie and both were fantastic though the smoothie a bit too sweet for my taste (for 90% of people it will be just right).
The interior is nice and outdoor patio looks like a great place to hang out during this surprisingly pleasant weather August.
I went back to grab a bag of Guatemalan Atitlan whole beans and was very happy with the extremely knowledgeable staff. Â Coffee procurement source stamp of approval by me.
Roseanna and Jack Shipley and their sons, Jason and Michael own and operate this shop and roaster. They sell beans, of course, coffee makers and accessories. It's a bright spot, with the big red roasting machine right in the window. Hot and cold drinks are very tasty. Bakery products to go with are limited; fresh coffee is the emphasis. Local artists and photographers can exhibit their work on a good sized wall area. Comfy sofa, tables and chairs.
Review Source:
The 5 best restaurants in the 2015 Denver Restaurant Week
3,611 Views | Category: Denver
The complete list of 2015 Denver Restaurant Week businesses
1,972 Views | Category: Denver
The tourists' guide to Portillos: 5 must have dishes
3,318 Views | Category: Chicago
Pho = Pronounced "fuh" not "foe" for pho-king sake
2,915 Views | Category: Denver
Indulgery selected to exhibit at Collision Conference
2,987 Views | Category: Press Releases
Not Logged In
BUSINESSES
Local Businesses
Near Me
My Favorites
SOCIAL
Blog & News
MY ACCOUNT
Login
Register
Contact Us
Add Your Business
