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During the day, our No. 1 vice is coffee. After dark, we’d rather get our buzz from something a little more potent. And sometimes we like to mix it up with a martini at noon and a mocha at midnight. It’s the rare establishment that caters to our every need, but a handful of places seem to be catching on. These casual cafes provide just the right balance of beans and booze, sometimes even in the same glass.
Pure (pictured)
The vibe: Lined with TVs showcasing sports, this casual West Rogers Park cafe is a good bet if you’re looking to catch up with friends—but not if you’re cramming for a final exam.
The coffee: Illy espresso drinks, including the Pure Frenchman ($3), a vanilla-hazelnut latte topped with whipped cream and chocolate The booze: Limited selection of beer, wine and liquor, including some cocktails such as a pomegranate martini ($11), featuring Grey Goose vodka, Pama pomegranate liqueur, sour mix and cranberry juice
Best of both worlds: Peppermint O’Patty ($5.50), a refreshingly sweet blend of espresso, mint syrup, Baileys and Ghirardelli chocolate
Scarlet
The vibe: Recently reopened after a fire in February, this revamped Boystown lounge now provides a social spot complete with free Wi-Fi during the day before becoming a party destination in the evening.
The coffee: Unlimited Metropolis drip coffee for $2 until 8 p.m.; by request only after 8 p.m. Add flavored schnapps to your brew for $1.50 Monday-Friday.
The booze: Full bar serving cocktails such as the Maroon, aka “Trail Mix” ($11), a sweet, nutty blend of Frangelico, Grand Marnier and cranberry juice
Best of both worlds: The Au Laid ($9), made with tequila, iced coffee and butterscotch schnapps
Cafe Wha Who?
The vibe: This boho River North cafe-bar supports the local arts scene by hosting gallery openings, live music events and poetry readings. It’s also a comfy spot to
catch up on a good book.
The coffee: Espresso bar (drinks run $2-$3.75) stocked with coffee from local roaster Star Lounge Coffee Company, 2521 W. Chicago Ave.
The booze: Full selection of liquor, beer and wine (drinks run $6-$8); no specialty cocktail list, but Wha Who shares ownership with Red Kiva, so we doubt they’ll hold out on us for too long.
Best of both worlds: The Chiaroscuro ($9), a light-and-dark layering of Absolut Vanilia, espresso and Godiva white chocolate liqueur. You won’t find it on the menu, so be sure to ask for it by name.
Three Peas Art Lounge
The vibe: Tucked away on a quiet South Loop side street, this cozy cafe-bar-gallery feels like a home away from home, complete with plush armchairs, free WiFi and a flat-screen TV.
The coffee: Metropolis coffee and loose teas
The booze: Full bar available starting at noon. Order a beer and receive complimentary bar snacks.
Best of both worlds: The CB2 ($8), made with coffee, Bacardi and Baileys. It’s not on the menu, but regulars know to ask for it.
Little Branch Cafe
The vibe: This cafe is big with its South Loop neighbors. It got its start as a coffee shop then branched out into a popular brunch and lunch destination. Since getting its liquor license, it’s also earned a following for cocktails.
The coffee: Full-service espresso bar featuring Metropolis coffee and custom espresso drinks such as the chocolate-covered cherry mocha ($3.25).
The booze: Fully-stocked bar turning out drinks like the Rosebud ($8), citrusy blend of Absolut Citron, triple sec and fresh-squeezed grapefruit and lime juice. Look for fall drinks such as hot wine and spiked cider soon.
Best of both worlds: Little Branch hot buttered rum ($8), made with dark rum, maple syrup, steamed milk and nutmeg
Carly Fisher is a Metromix special contributor. metromix@tribune.com
