This is a really great place to get coffee. It is usually filled with hipsters. I am there quite a bit during the semester though so it's not like I am judging anyone. It's just the kind of place where you find people working on their novel or having an intellectual conversation rather then people complaining about their drinks they bought with their parents credit card.
Staff is super friendly, I have never had a problem or felt awkward asking them to fix a drink for me or my girl friend. They are always understanding and really polite. Coffee is pretty good, I also like that they have some good ice tea. Really great place. I usually get the americano, or ice tea. Occasionally white Mocha. Their blended drinks I think stand out the most to me.
The Naked Lounge is a great place to do work or hang out and have a drink in DT Chico. Very convenient location, there is a lot of space, but only an average amount of seating - because of the location it can be hard to find somewhere to sit inside sometimes. Backroom is a great place for a group of friends to kick it.
I read a few reviews before posting this, I definitely back up the positive feedback on the Bowl of Soul. The prices might be a little high, but I typically spend a few hours in there when I visit, a few dollars for a drink and hours of mooching off their internet is a deal.
I do not agree with the reviews about the unwelcoming atmosphere - I have been here maybe 5-6 times, the staff has been in a talkative and cheery mood as many times as I can remember. Looking around right now I don't see anyone I'm threatened by, no anarchists, no hiking backpacks, no homeless pitbulls etc etc.
The credit card charge is bad, bring cash and you'll have a good time.
Great place for local coffee and to hang out. I always order the Bowl of Soul: Chamomile Tea, Honey and Soy Milk. You can also try the Cider Chai, during those wintry cold days to perk you up. Thai coffee is served here too!
(Their coffee rosetta is the best design in Chico).
The atmosphere is casual/trendy, mostly for college kids but older people are welcome of course.
The back room features art by local artists and is always a great place to meet quietly for a date or chat with friends.
I absolutely love that they have a thai coffee, super sweet and delicious! Regular coffee is great too. Â Really don't mind getting a Chico chai and sitting in the back for a while either, it's quite nice. Â It's a cute and comfortable place with some neat art. Â The one size drink fits all is pretty cool too, my cup of chai lasted me for quite a long time!
Review Source:Updated: Changed to 5-stars because it deserves to be after rethinking about the consistency and deliciousness of all the drinks I have tried there.
Drinks I have had: Hot Chocolate, Plain Latte, Macchiato, Gibraltar, Cappuccino, Americano, Gunpowder Green Tea.
Being the coffee snob that I am, this place is the best coffee in Chico (and possibly until you hit Sacramento for Temple Coffee).
Lattes and drinks still cost the normal arm and leg, but the latte is simply addicting.
Most of their hot drinks come with the nice appeal of foam art all the while staying true to coffee and flavor. Although not my favorite espresso blend of all time, they still remain a favorite of mine. Intelligentsia, Temple Coffee, Blue Bottle, and Noble Coffee (in Ashland) are among my favorites to give a scope.
I have heard instances from friends of receiving poor shots of espresso but have yet to experience this myself. Many people also might feel intimated by the hipster environment or the employees (intimated is another word for insecure), but I do not feel this at all with the employees.
I will say the employees have seemed to be happier and smiling more without an initiation, but I have chatted with them before this, and they always seemed pleasant, just a little reserved until spoken to.
I have mixed feelings about this place. Â The coffee is not all that good and they change it rarely. Â I have bought bags of beans here, made them at home and they were OK. Â Cheap for $10 a bag and a free drip coffee so that was fine.
Also, I know that credit cards are expensive but to charge something extra for using one is a little cheesy and leaves a bad taste in the mouth, so to speak. Â I am guessing that if the owner were reading this, he would have all these great reasons as to why he does it and why the credit card companies are evil, but it's just cheesy to do that. Â If the charge is even 3 percent of each transaction, why don't you just build it into the price? Â No one will notice if they are paying $2.50 or $2.60 for a cappuccino. Â But they will notice your quarter of 50 cents extra (I forget how much it was) to be punished for having credit. Â
Staff not so friendly either. Â But on the plus side, they know how to make an espresso drink right although the underlying coffee may not blow you away.
i don't drink coffee and coffee shops are not my thing, but i agreed to meet up with a friend here anyway. the rating i gave is purely because of the bowl of soul. i mean, the atmosphere was fine, the baristas were nice, but this drink is pure heaven!! just order it....you'll thank me later;0)
Review Source:WHY OH WHY must I love the bowl of soul so much!! If other places (Bidwell Perk or Empire) could do the bowl of soul as well as Naked Lounge I really wouldn't bother battling parking and trekking through the urine soaked sidewalks of downtown Chico to get a bowl of soul.
I agree with many of the other reviews that they carry high quality products and that spending the extra money is worth it for the quality and "economic karma" of supporting a local business.
I also agree with the many people that did not feel welcome in this coffee house. Perhaps that is on us for not feeling welcome, and that is what I boiled it down to... I felt a tad bit awkward sitting there sipping my beautiful bowl of soul without being part of the "in" crowd.
I was actually prepared to give 5 stars, because I love their products, don't mind that I have to pay cash, and appreciate the art and music they support. But then I read other reviews and the owner (or whoever their representative is) COMPLETELY perpetuated that unwelcome feeling.
Go back and read some of the negative/luke warm reviews and then look at the Naked Lounge response to those reviews... so defensive, unapolagetic, and completely alienating towards the customers that clearly already feel alienated.
Pretty sure I won't be back =(
Maybe I'm part hipster, but the Naked Lounge kinda rocked my socks! To any you who were in Chico last weekend, it was HOT. Too hot (109) for this San Franciscan's taste. My girlfriend suggested we hop into the The Naked Lounge and grab some refreshment. It sounded like a good plan to me!
The Naked Lounge not only plays a bomb soundtrack, but is quite a swanky little coffee joint. Plush leather couches, tones of red and black, if I lived in Chico, I'd frequent this spot a lot!
My Iced Latte was delicious, as was her Mocha Slushee thingy. Way to go Naked Lounge!
My sister described this as the "hipster coffee house hangout." I hate to say it, but I was already prejudging Naked Lounge based on that comment. On Tuesday morning, my sister and I were across the street getting breakfast and I told her I wanted a good coffee. We headed over to Naked Lounge.
I ordered a Mocha and the sister ordered the chai. The art, no doubt provided by a local artist, were large canvases with dark pictures of famous musicians. Awesome. Anyways, the coffee was made rather quickly and we were on the way. One thing i did notice that unlike many other coffee companies *cough* Starbucks *cough* they don't pull long shots that burn the shit out of the espresso. Dear Barista's, the espresso is dark enough. Love, Me.
Anyways, I liked Naked Lounge, but then again I went at 7:00 AM on a Tuesday morning - way before the hipsters have stirred from their respective resting places.
Walked in with a friend and placed an order for a drink. I tried to pay with a credit card and was told there was a 50 cent fee for all cards. I walked out and will not be back.
VISA states that "you may not impose any surcharges on VISA transactions"
MasterCard states that "A Merchant must not directly or indirectly require any Cardholder to pay a surcharge or any part of any Merchant discount or any contemporaneous finance charge in connection with a Transaction."
If you want my business, don't charge me for it.
First I have to say i never ever ever drink coffee ...... But this place has by far the best ice coffee in the world!! i would drink them till i was bouncing off the walls. Given they're a little bit more than what i was paying in Sacramento but hey can't complain over a good cup of anything.
second, try the bowl of soul so yummy and good and good and good and good......
last, i like to laugh at the people who complain about hipster this hipster that really?! you're going to rate negatively on this place because you dislike hipsters? Mind your own business get your coffee and get on with your life, I choose this place because of their iced coffee, their more than nice staff, and the bowl of soul...they're trying to get by like everyone else and if hipsters want their coffee so be it! if you want your coffee fix get it to go and be happy
I was standing in Naked Lounge the other day, ordering a delicious Thai coffee, and realized that I haven't had a "snippy" barista in quite awhile, and I tried to remember -- did I give this place 4 stars, or 3? I hoped it was 4, and I'm glad it was, because it's definitely worth upping to 5 stars now, for the wonderful crew they have at Naked Lounge these days.
Everyone working here now is super pleasant. In fact, believe it or not, when we wandered in on Christmas day last year, not only were we greeted with two friendly baristas, but we even picked up a couple of seriously last-minute Christmas gifts (FYI your Aunt Patty will totally appreciate a Japanese tea cup and some Chico Chai).
Thanks Naked Lounge, for being radical!
I love the Naked Lounge - its the perfect place to "lounge" and have a drink. I really like that they use reusable cups/mugs to serve your drinks.
It used to be my favorite place to go and read newspapers/books, but I hadn't been there in a long time. Went back last week, and the place has improved - it looks cleaner, the lighting looks brighter, and the fact that the smokers in the front are now banned from lighting up helps, too. Feels less trashy.
The only thing I didn't like, and I did not ask for, is the WiFi password. I guess that does make sense because only customers should be able to use it, but I am sure the staff will give it to you. The staff, btw, is very friendly.
I'd recommend the Hot Chocolate/Coffee drink. Mmhhmm...
***UPON FURTHER REVIEW*** After posting this review, I read through some other reviews on here - wait, I used my debit card. Was I charged a 50 cent fee? If so, the cashier did not disclose this, and I did not see any signs posted disclaiming this. Also, I noticed that while the owner is responding to people's negative reviews on here, he is doing it in a very blunt and almost rude manner. Dude, seriously - calm down, acknowledge your customers frustration, and offer to fix it - don't stoop low and insult them or talk down to them. I'm pretty offended right now...*
This place bats about a thousand in negative experiences for me. The decor is great and the atmosphere would be great except the help seems to hate their jobs. Each time I've been there, I've gone in planning to support a local small business and more unique than a larger chain coffee shop. They even have great products as far as I can tell.
However, I've seldom been made to feel less welcome anywhere else. I don't need to go somewhere in a small town to spend a few bucks on a cup of coffee and to be treated rudely by the people working there. Aren't coffee shops supposed to be pleasant and welcoming?
What takes the cake for me (and seals that I will never return) is that my last visit was for a casual business meeting with a collaborator. When I went to pay for our Thai coffees, I handed the barista my business checking debit card I was told that their machine "does not take business credit cards". I asked if she tried to run it and she said that she did and that it rejects any card that is designated for a business account and that there was no way it was going to clear so I had to produce cash or another card. I have NEVER experienced this ANYWHERE.
I find it hard to believe that any bank or credit card processing gateway would ban business credit cards, so it has to be some policy of the owner not to want business from other businesses for some political or philosophical reason. I honestly felt slapped in the face, like my small business's money wasn't good enough for them. I would have canceled my order because of the way I felt treated but I didn't want to make a scene.
My friend called today (a week or so after the event) and asked if they take business credit cards. He was told that they "are not allowed to accept business credit cards". I'll never spend another dollar in this shop.
PS. I went to Naked Lounge against my better judgment on this trip to Chico. I usually go to Empire Coffee on Orange St, where even though I only visit monthly or less, the owners recognize me and have always made me feel welcome.
The Naked Lounge is and has been my second home for a good....6-7 years now? My friends and I used to come here literally every day to hang out, study, play games. To say the least, it was our version of Central Perk from the show Friends.
I really enjoy the iced teas. they arent too strong, but just enough to last me for the day.
the lounge has a bunch of games that you can play. my favorites are scrabble and chess (im kind of a nerd haha).
so, basically local artists always get to exhibit their pieces to sell there, meaning that the artwork always changes. this is probably my favorite aspect of the lounge.
I totally recommend this place!
I miss my old neighborhood coffee shop Little Bird in the Tenderloin. For many, many reasons, but mostly because they serve grown up coffee. Not Starbucks, not Peets, but actual grown up coffee like Ritual. Naked is ok, its just not ass kicking strong coffee like Im used to from SF.
But the staff is cute because they think they are hipsters and they are easy to banter with.So I always tip my SF coffeehouse rate. Chico hipsters remind me of Canada. They're like Americas annoying little sister who you can tolerate just as long as it takes to out wit them or bedazzle them with your bullshit..
Live and let live. But change it up to slow drip, yo.
I'm confused, are we in Portland? Seattle? Â Overlooking that Naked Lounge is a vacation spot for hipsters, the Bowl of Soul (chamomile & soy) is incredible! It's warm, creamy and rich; I swear, for a moment I feel like I'm holding hands with Jesus.
People have been commenting that the prices are high but I'm sure they are pretty standard for an independent coffee shop.
Well, some people have shredded this place and I won't say they are totally wrong. The staff CAN be a little into themselves and maybe forget that they are just serving coffee for a living. But that does not apply to everyone.
and yeah, the clientele is predominantly hippies n hipsters, but in chico what else does that leave you with? frat boys and hookers?
ANYWAY--I go there because I have yet to have a better espresso in chico, anywhere. Seriously, if you like drinking shots of espresso, and not just fancy orange mocha frappachinos, give it a shot, so to speak.
They also do the fancy latte art, if that's what you're into.
Also, I often go in there with food from the farmers' market and eat it there and no one breaks my balls about it, so maybe they're not so bad after all.
Whoa. The Naked Lounge has changed, and definitely not for the better.
I recently moved to the Bay Area, but I was in Chico last night visiting with some friends. I knew I was going to need some major caffeine to make it through the rest of the night, so I decided to stop by my favorite coffee place, The Naked Lounge. While staring at the menu, I'd noticed a definite price-hike. $4.00 for a white mocha? What?! I knew that the Naked Lounge had started roasting their own beans, and that had added to their popularity, but I don't think that merits a four-freaking-dollar mocha. But I was already there, and desperate for caffeine, so I decided "To hell with it!"
Then, I was informed that there was a $.50 charge for using a debit/credit card. I understand that the Naked Lounge is political, but $.50 charge isn't sticking it to The Man, it's sticking it to your clientele. Plus tax, my white mocha cost me $5.37. With that price tag, they'd better be using some pretty exquisite chocolate.
But no, when my mocha came (which, it took 10 minutes), it was luke warm and not sweet at all. Such. A disappointment.
At least the guy behind the counter had been nice, but the coffee, and the hassle to find seating isn't worth it anymore. I'd much rather be able to pay tuition.
It was recently brought to my attention that my review for The Naked Lounge is a bit unfair because I focused on the inhabitants of the cafe rather than the cafe itself. If there is anything I hate more than smelly, socially awkward hipsters, its injustice!
4 stars for the quality of beverages and individualistic ambiance.
2 stars for the 'I'm much more interesting and deeper than thou because i buy my clothes from a thrift store' clientele.
It must be said that the clientele does in fact contribute to the quality of  any establishment. Its just too bad for The Naked Lounge, I dont think their clientele even buy the coffee...
I only went to the Naked Lounge on my own once.  After that I could take it or leave it.  Yes it was the people and the large amount of flies that surround the ones sitting in the gutter on a hot summers day.  I've not had a bad experience with the service, I've known most of their baristas socially at one point or another and they were friendly.  I also know many of the people who frequent there and I don't want them to think I am speaking of them when I say this but I CAN'T STAND the clientel (with the exception of my close friends)  take a shower for christs sake and get a job,  There is no reason for you guys to spend your entire life in front of this place with a  puppy and a guitar.
as a side note this is also why i don't go to duffy's. Â same friggin people
Whenever I am visiting Chico the first thing on my to do list is go to Naked Lounge and have one of their amazing white mocha's with extra (addicting) whipped cream. (but it cost extra, 50 cents to be exact)
OK, so let me break it down for you. Â
THE GOOD ;-)
Mocha's, gotta have whip and chocolate syrup
Chai
The cold coffee drinks
laid back vibe
art work on display
WIFI
location (If you sit outside long enough you'll see the whole town walk by)
TTHE BAD ;-(
Slow service
Kinda pricey
Coffee is not strong
they charge extra for everything
I have a lot of history at this place and like it too much to give it anything below 4 stars even with all the bads. Â My recommendation, try it if your ever in Chico and see if you agree!
This is hands down the best coffee house in Chico. Â Anyone who says otherwise doesn't understand coffee!
The staff is polite, respectful and fully capable of making the best coffee drinks around. Â They've even competed in national barista competitions and use some of the best beans in the world.
OK, I am a fan.
One reason. They serve decent coffee. They serve very high quality beans that haven't been burnt. (Unlike the big box down the street that wouldn't know an unburnt bean to save their soul...)
The baristas are reasonably talented.
Now... downers...
The staff have 'tude out the ass... it is not appreciated.
The crowd is a little trashy... but hey... its Chico
The service is slower than ...
It would be nice if I could actually get french press after much anticipation.
It would be nice if you could get something decent to munch on.. (Jeez guys... the best bagel bakery in nor cal is just across the street!). I am somewhat jazzed that they are now serving Tin Roof goodies.
Though I have left Chico behind, the Naked Lounge still holds a piece of my heart---a piece that is probably far more comfy and filled with tea-induced warmth than I am at the moment. I'm jealous.
In Chico, having a bicycle means that you often develop multiple "homes." Home could be your place, your friends' communal household, a particular tree in the park, a bar, a significant other's...whatever is within pedaling reach. Or stumbling distance. Â I think that there were a good 3+ years in which the Naked Lounge probably qualified as another location on that list. In fact, there were probably points in a given semester that I spent more time there than at my own pad. Anyway, nostalgia aside--
Just a great, one-of-a-kind (though perhaps not given its supposed Sacramento kin) tea and coffee lounge. Â A great place to sit outside writing in a journal on a sunny day, bringing a friend to sink into couches and chat with, or--in what was most often the case for me--enjoying the productive semi-solitude that can only seems to occur amongst strangers. Â Unlike some other coffee joints, the baristas are absolutely friendly and kind. Â In addition, the music is bomb 99% of the time. Â Nothing makes me happier than sitting with my bare feet on a cushioned seat with a cooling pot of Blue Lady tea...except for when Boards of Canada come on over the speakers. Excellent.
They also carry perhaps my fave chai ever, Chico Chai, and offer an unsweetened iced herbal tea that is the perfect refreshment on a hot day.
I have yet to find any adequate replacement in the western half of San Francisco, so please, drop me a note if you have the cure for my longing.
It seems kind of unfair to get settled into a place and immediately issue five stars. So, let me 'splain:
Upon walking in to the dark, minimalist atmosphere - deco of dark red, a few scattered lamps, worn wood floor, a few lights swaying on the ceiling from the breeze of the one ceiling fan, some cool jazz in the background, and only a little light coming in from the outside at noon... looked to be the perfect spot to read a book, have a deep or intimate conversation, or simply squat with your computer to catch up on some work....
I ordered a macchiato. Barista looked at me, square in the eyes, to obviously ensure that I was not asking for the mutated Starbuck's version of a macchiato. Had a good laugh about our shared disdain - while he pressed a double from their glorious espresso machine.
My laptop bag was obvious - so he also gave me a free receipt with code to tap into the wireless. Yes, I could use that community wifi, but apparently that gets bogged down - so it was good to have this. Great service all around.
Highly recommended cafe. Yes, lounge. Which, loosely defined, doesn't need to include alcohol. There are no naked people here, and no alcohol. Not today anyways.
I love this place...
From teas to Mexican Chocolate.
Everything is soo Yummy!
I live on how they personalize each and every drink.
I personally like sitting inside however I know a lots of people just take it to go.
it is a weird customer mix but the drinks are awesome.
If you are in Chico and like coffee, you should try it.
Two things to know before visiting: Â
1) Â You must get naked before ordering. Â
2) Â Your waiters and baristas will be almost naked when serving you. Â
I kid you. Â Although once you sprawl on the comfy sofas and overstuffed chairs, you might feel like getting naked and cozying up to an incredibly tasty coffee or snack. Â Or maybe just relaxing and enjoying the best coffee in Chico, and saving the naked stuff until you get back to your car. Â Or dorm. Â
I love Chico because of places like the Naked Lounge. Â
And as much as I adore Peet's coffee, I feel like we must be vigilant so that Chico retains its unique character and charm, with all of its locally-grown cafes, bars and shops. Â
[Now, my rant of the day: Â Chico does not need any more Cold Stones, Starbucks or Pottery Barns. Â If these national chains do insist on setting up shop, at least keep it on the periphery, out near the mall, and not in the center of town.]
I love love love the Nekky Lounge! I like to pretend and tell people that everyone is actually naked there, and somehow they are always disappointed to realize it's just another coffee shop. But it's not! It's fabulous! It's dark, cozy and so artsy. Not to mention the best coffee in Chico!
I always make sure to pick up a smooth Naked Mochaccino, the whipped cream and chocolate shavings (always ask for EXTRA! PLEASE!) are the best part... it's what separates these fine "frapped" drinks from the other coffee shoppoccinos.
I also appreciate how they always have a gallery showing in the back room with local artists.
My favorite chair is the big red sofa with the curvy back. It's almost like being in therapy but better because I don't have to talk to anyone and I get yummy yummy coffee until midnight!
It's all about the Mexican Hot Chocolate. With whip. Its caffeinated cousin the Naked Mocha is almost as tasty, but lattes are the way to go.
Atmosphere is quintessential bohemian coffee shop--dim lighting, red velvet couches, local art, and close-quarters seating. You'll smell like a coffee bean when you leave, so it's a good thing you kinda won't want to.
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