Looseleaf Lounge offers tea tasting in VIP mode. The whole café was cleared and dedicated to serving our "Introduction to Tea" session which promptly began at 7pm.
Our group had approximately 20 people and we were given five different kinds of tea to sample: Makaibari Darjeeling 2nd Flush, Gunpowder, Rickshaw Oolong, Rooibos Afrikaana, and Almond Joi. Simple background information was given and complimentary pastries (i.e. blueberry muffins, chocolate chip cookies, etc.) were served. It was a very informational experience that lasted for an hour. Each attendee was also gifted with one jar of tea leaves in their preference. I had the Rickshaw Oolong which had slight hints of Jasmine.
Aside from the tea tasting, Looseleaf is quite the hole-in-the-wall, ma-n-pop café. An assortment of Chicago paintings and artwork decorate its walls along with a cabinet filled with jars of tea leaves and teapots. The café is very petite but welcoming. I especially like how they serve breakfast sandwiches throughout the day.
The wife and I used a Groupon for a free tea tasting and 2 free jars of tea. We really enjoyed it and had a good experience; Lester was the host and seemed knowledgeable. I really liked the Rickshaw Oolong and opted to take a jar of it home. The wife took home a Ginger Orange Peach, it wasn't on the tasting menu but sounds delicious!
The snacks during the tasting were really good, I recommend the blueberry muffin and chocolate chip cookie. They're from a bakery in Evanston but I don't remember which one.
Found this place on GrubHub and must say this is one of my new favorites. I Â can get something semi-healthy and good for breakfast. Â My roommate and I ordered one morning. 2 breakfast sandwiches and a juice. Fast delivery, great food. Â I did order a OJ and got apple juice ( i dont like apple juice) Â But they offered to deliver it to me and I said, it was not a big deal. Â And got a refund right away.
Review Source:This place is awesome to do some work in your laptop (they have free wifi) I didn't get a chance to eat any of the real food, but I did get tea and a GIANT cookie! And let me say: YUM! there were so many different kinds of tea to try, and they recommended a fruity green tea. I got it cold, but you can get it hot too. the cookie that I got was chocolate chip, and I had to share it with my friend because it was so big. There is also really cool local art on the walls that is for sale. Pretty awesome.
The staff and patrons are so friendly and helpful. Definitely will be back!
Yup, yup. Extra-likeable little tea stop/cafe in east lakeview.
Staff is very nice. Sandwiches are solid. I really like their Easy Like Sunday Morning croissant (egg, avocado, swiss, tomato & cucumber - minus the cucumber, that's just weird), which despite being ON A CROISSANT seems light.
They have daily specials and offer sides of raw veggies in place of chips. It's not as much of a destination as it is a neighborhood comfort stop. It's a comfortable place to relax.
Go support local business!
I love tea and am a vegan so as soon as heard this place popped up around the corner from my house I had to visit. They have a small, stark space that is dotted with local artist's creations. The personnel at the ordering counter are friendly and helpful.
We came during lunch time and it was quiet with just a couple of free-WiFi users. I ordered the Pumpkin Chi tea which I loved and could have gotten seconds of. My vegan chorizo wrap left me hungry and totally unimpressed. Specially for the money I spent on it! 8 bucks???
Sadly, I don't think I will be back because I could throw something just as tasty and more filling together at home. And... I guess I am not a tea snob enough to want to pay $2.40 per cup (which is typical pricing around the area).
This place is such a great local spot! The girl working behind the counter was so sweet and pleasant. Since today was the first time I visited (after living in the neighborhood for almost 2 years), I was sorry that I didn't stroll in sooner. The vegan sandwiches is what really drove me in. It's quite small but very cozy inside. Lots of local artwork and everyone was very relaxed inside. I had the Chorizo Wrap and it was sooooo delicious. I recommend that to anyone, vegan or not. She also recommended the plum oolong tea--iced--- to go with my sandwich and that was also quite refreshing.
I will definitely be visiting this place more frequently, as it is a nice place to study, read, and relax!!
I stopped by LooseLeaf yesterday for the first time. I had seen their vegan sandwiches advertised and went to pick up a couple for my partner and I to enjoy at the beach. I was, however, sorely disappointed.
When I arrived, there were two customers enjoying their coffee/tea with computers, and it seemed to me that I was the only customer in the store that needed service at the time. I ordered my sandwiches to-go. Preparation time was approximately 20 minutes for two sandwiches. Prior to receiving my sandwiches, I was asked if I would like veggies or chips to accompany them. I opted for chips, thinking that the sandwiches would already be full of veggies and the chips would be a nice alternative. My total came just shy of $20. The two sandwiches were all that I ordered, no drinks, and I opted for the Vegan Chorizo Wrap and the Ground Seitan Sandwich.
Now, onto my gripes:
Upon reaching the beach, I opened up the bag and realized that we had been given cheddar and sour cream chips. Now, I understand that it's likely that at times non-vegans will order the vegan options on the menu. However, I should have been notified that the chip option was not vegan. I find it pretty ridiculous that I was given completely dairy-based chips with my vegan sandwiches.
The sandwiches were very un-evenly loaded. They were sliced in half, so my partner and I each took half of each sandwich so we could sample them both. It was very clear that one half of each was much fuller than the other half. They were edible, but definitely not on my top 5 list for vegan sammies.
Overall, $19 seems pretty ridiculous for two sandwiches that weren't properly made, and chips that we couldn't eat because they were full of dairy, and a 20 minute wait on top of all that.
We will not be returning. Next time we are in the area and want quality, inexpensive vegan food, we will be visiting Vegetarian Express or Sultan's Market.
Really disappointed in this one.
Enjoyed this place and the general vibe. Â Had the vegan sandwich which was solid, but I certainly wouldn't say it's the greatest sandwich ever like many reviewers apparently do. Â Anyway, they have a nice long tea menu although I must say I do not really love flavored teas. Â I wish there was a place like this that focused more on non-flavored premium international teas, such as Chinese and Japanese teas. Â Minor gripe aside, I appreciate that this place exists and will return.
Review Source:I came here with a Yelp deal and was somewhat pleased with the deal. I tried getting the vegan sandwich with the deal however it didn't apply to that for some reason. They need to be more specific about it in the deal. So instead I got the California Turkey sandwich which was good but they ran out of Avocado :-(
The coffee was fresh brewed from Metropolis, the service was great and the wi-fi fast. I'll have to try their tea and vegan sandwiches which from the other reviews, they're known for. I'll definitely give it another go around.
I love this place. Definitely the new Intelligentsia/Argo. The folks who work here are nice (and more genuine) and look to help however they can. It is relatively calm inside. You can do crazy things like actually use headphones or read or talk to another person, things you can't do at other local coffee shops. There is a couch and comfortable chairs if you are there to relax. There is also seating for about 15 at hard top tables with wooden chairs.
Also, this place is dirt cheap. I just had a large iced Metropolis coffee for $2 and a giant croissant with ham, egg and cheddar for $3.50. Â The croissant was warm, flaky and light, not the usual heavy greasy brick found in most Chicago coffee shops.
I've also had lunch here. Big roast beef sandwich ($6) was great and balanced and came with a generous amount of carrot & celery sticks. Everything seems to be plentiful here!
I've been wanting to try LooseLeaf for a while now and I'm pleased to say it was a great experience. Â I'm a big tea person and I had the white pinapple tea (iced). Â It was mildly sweet and so refreshing! Â A great summer drink.
I also had the ground vegan sandwich and it was excellent! Â Basil veganese, red pepper, avacado, daiya, upton's, YUM!
Good food at a decent price served by caring people. Â I bet this place gets crowded on weekends, but on a Tuesday morning, I was one of two customers here. Â This is a very unpretentious place, nestled between a couple other small shops. Â If you sneeze, you might not find it.
The menu is really large and varied for a place this small. Â A huge selection of teas, lots of breakfast and lunch sandwiches with several vegan and vegetarian offerings.
This is a great neighborhood coffee shop. Â
The staff is incredible here! Â Always very attentive and helpful. Â The teas, coffee, Â and food is also very good here! Â Sometimes it can get a bit crowded, because it is SO small, but that is what makes it so unique. Â
I also love their daily specials! Â
I always recommend this place to neighbors and friends!
I'll keep this first review short since I'll be spending a lot of time here over the next four years.
The ginger-infused black tea is ridiculously good. It's caffeinated and full-flavored. It's also really fragrant and reminds you of burning peat in a fireplace.
They have a Buy One Get One free deal with a Yelp mobile check-in. This is a great deal.
They also have intimate tea tasting events, so sign up for updates.
Have you ever been to a place that you never want to leave?
Looseleaf lounge is one such haven. The place is full of pros... Cute antique decor, comfy chairs and couches (a must if the business uses the word 'lounge'), good tea, yum food, wi-fi and last but not the least a decent collection of books and magazines.
The taste: Great vegan options. Lots of great tea choices, to make hot or cold. Got the peach tea, and california turkey sandwich. good flavors.
The place: pretty small, maybe seats 15? cozy, nice staff, were kind, even though we had pretty specific food requests.
My face: big smile. good company, good flavors, all for $9. would go back.
So if my review was for service only, I would give it a 5. The woman at the counter was super friendly and patient while I bought a yelp deal for lunch. The tea was good and the atmosphere was nice and laid back. Seems like a pretty fitting place to get some tea/coffee and read the paper.
The sandwich I got (grilled cheese) was ok, but my sister got the portabella sandwich and it was so-so. The bread is pretty tasty that being said, but I don't think I'll come back for food, maybe coffee or tea.
This might be the best neighborhood lounge I've ever had the pleasure of frequenting. Â Their teas are the best in the business (their Chai Latte will blow your mind), and the sandwiches are just what I need to fuel an afternoon. Â
Given that I work from home, I often spend hours at a time at Loose Leaf Lounge. Â They have free wi-ifi, amazing staff, and great people that hang here (I've made several friends and business connections as a result of this place).
This place has everything you want in an adorable coffee shop to sit around and read a book, study, or apply for jobs (in this economy!).
But wait, does it have coffee? I actually can't remember! Who cares, the tea is amazing.
Can't wait to try the food after reading these reviews. Plus the owner and staff are all super nice. The prices are very reasonable. I don't know of a better spot in the city!
So now that I've been a regular here for a while I guess I should my rating. This place has become one of my favorite spots to come to get work done or to just meet a friend for tea. The staff is always friendly and helpful when I decide to change things up and try something new.
I love the neighborhood vibe, the great internet, and the good background music.
In the summer their patio is definitely a great spot to have a sweet, summery iced tea and people watch (and for the record, they still have their patio tables out into November for those random days when it is nice enough to sit outside).
Was debating between Intelligentsia, Noble Tree, and Starbucks when I walked just past the dry cleaners and found LooseLeaf. Decided to give something new a try in my area and now I think I'm in love. I think this may be my new hidden secret spot, although with this swimmingly positive review, I hope that not TOO many people go lol. It definitely got a bit more populated the longer I sat here, but still not the party atmosphere of Intelligentsia or Starbucks around the corner.
Plenty of outlets.
Free and GOOD wifi.
I even found a free tea coupon and got the Rooibos Afrikanna tea w/ honey which was effen phenomenal.
They've got specials EVERYDAY.
Sandwiches made with Red Hen Bakery bread (also down Diversey, and they bake their bread fresh daily). I ordered the black forest ham & cheese panini which came with carrots and celery sticks, totally fresh ingredients and only $5 bucks.
Also, let me mention that the service was fantastic, the quality of tea and food was immaculate, and the atmosphere was incredibly relaxed. Even the music had the perfect vibe, was not too quiet or too loud. This place just gets it. And they get it right.
LooseLeaf Lounge - you've got me hooked. :)
I picked this shop due to the yelp reviews and comments and am completely happy with my choice. I needed somewhere to work for 8 hrs while in town and this place is great!
They are extremely nice and accommodating. I asked the dude if it was weird that I have been here all day and instead of confirming this commended my choice to start with tea and move on to coffee. The food is good and inexpensive: I had a grilled cheese with spinach (added on) & tomato for $4. They have daily specials on both beverage and food.
All in all, I definitely recommend coming here. Great staff, food, beverages and tunes. Oh and some attractive people sitting around on their respective computers also helps.
Cheers!
I'm in love with a sandwich, its name is Vegan Ground Seitan. Â It was love at first bite - a perfect combination of Uptons ground seitan, avocado, red peppers, tomato, Vegenaise, and Daiya cheese served on soft and tasty pumpernickel bread. Â You can find this tasty sandwich at Looseleaf Lounge, a place that now offers several tasty vegan sandwiches - if you haven't been to LL, you should go immediately.
PS - This is a small café so seating is limited.  They also carry vegan cookies and other baked items too.
I'm with Aise. This is an excellent place.
The food is homemade and you can tell. Today I had tomato basil soup with a portobello sandwich, and an excellent cup of coffee.
It was perfect. And, the service is excellent. They even cared what I thought, noting I was someone they'd not seen in there before, and they were right.
I'm going back soon. It's walking distance to my house, and worth the walk.
Great discovery.
Up until today, each time I passed this place, I was in a tug-of-war battle with the #36 bus. The stop is outside the cafe and the bus almost never comes. I walk there, stand, scowl (at the non-coming bus), look inside (LL -- and think, "How sad that no one's in there."), turn back to look for the bus, scowl, and start walking north (many times getting to my destination before a bus ever came). Today, I went inside the Looseleaf and I am glad I did so.
I like the word play in the name. Does it refer to paper/writing/school/studying? Or, does it apply to the tiny little tea leaves in Tetley tea? In any case, the words work. I sat down on the park bench just below the window nook seating, took out my lap top, started to do some work, got wise, and ordered food. This isn't a restaurant; it's a tea joint. That said, the food and service are pretty good. I ordered a tuna sandwich and a tall Thai Iced Tea. The sandwich came with choice of chips or veggies (carrots and celery). Much to my doctor's chagrin, I went with the chips. I really need to start doing *some* sort of physical activity. Sigh.
The tea was yummy. I love the two-tone look of it and the sweet taste is just sweet enough to satisfy but not so sweet as to not allow you to finish it. A large is $2. The sandwich came on a nice-sized dinner plate with a good quantity of chips (plain). The sandwich was tuna on thick multi-grain, cheese and veggies. A substantial sandwich with some sort of health appeal. I can dig it.
As warmer weather promises to come on the horizon, I can see myself coming back here for some Thai Iced Tea, some sort of healthy-ish nosh, wi-fi, and an online to-do list. Thankfully, the #36 will have nothing to do with the visit.
P.S. I never saw one come during my stay at the LL L. One day, CTA...
Charming, quaint, delightful... all words I would use to describe LooseLeaf. Â Sarah W. and I ventured here on a Saturday to do some lesson planning. Â I had heard of LooseLeaf because a friend had some art on display here, so we decided to go check it out. Â Of course, I checked Yelp before we went to see what others thought of it, and I was pleased to know we were going somewhere that served good tea, coffee and food.
LooseLeaf is small. Â Be warned now, the place is pretty tiny and I cannot really imagine what it's like inside when it's busy. Â We arrived around 10 a.m. so it wasn't packed. Â We snagged a table easy (though not the most comfortable one in the house, for sure) and we got to work. Â I started with some tea (duh - it's a tea lounge) and I was happy with my selection. Â I was a bit sad that my tea didn't come out in an actual teapot - it was just poured into a cup for me. Â However, the tea was still tasty and there were about 20 others to choose from. Â
I had the Vegan sandwich for lunch and it was pretty tasty. Â I'd elect to not have it on the Tomato Foccacia bread next time, but the bread didn't really ruin the sandwich. Â I completed my adventure with a cup of coffee that was happily refilled whenever I needed some.
Overall, we spent about three hours here and we had a good time. Â The atmosphere was nice, the music wasn't so loud that I couldn't concentrate or talk and the employees were really friendly. Â Only downsides: the shop is really small with only a few tables (maybe five?); you have to walk through the kitchen area to get to the only bathroom and if this place is hoppin' you probably won't find a place to sit; there's no street parking at all.
I'd definitely come back, though, if I'm in the area. Â I got a lot of work done and found it really easy to get into my work because the shop wasn't too loud and there were few distractions.
I just love hippie sandwich shops!
They have:
- hand-painted trippy tables
- local art on the walls
- friendly employees
- books to read
While riding my bike down Broadway looking for a sandwich shop other than Subway, I barely spot Loose Leaf Lounge and notice a menu in the window. Joy! They have sandwiches.
I ordered the Roast Beef sandwich. It was a special that day which came with Thai iced tea. I also ordered the Chicken Pesto sandwich. This one was juicy and full of pesto flavor. A winner! My friend and I both agreed, though, that the roast beef was lacking something. Flavor for one. It maybe needs some basil leaves or spicy sauce to pump it up a level. The sandwiches came with your choice of chips or veggies (celery and carrot sticks).
While waiting I spotted the cozy window nook with comfy chairs and the sign in the window declaring "Free Wi-Fi". That's when I knew I would be back to this hippie sandwich shop again for one of those loose leaf teas and a lounge in the window. :)
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