Zac's Coffee Quest

The Coffee Studio

By Zac Schon

On March 11, 2011

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North of the main Clark strip of Andersonville sits one of its best gems, The Coffee Studio, located on 5628 N. Clark. The Coffee Studio labels itself as "a modern, independent espresso bar focused on expertly crafting delicious drinks and snacks from fresh locally-roasted coffees and simple, flavorful ingredients," and I would be hard pressed to find a better way to describe the place.

As I walked into the packed storefront, the issue of seating became clear as there was none and I had to make circles around the chairs while squawking in a vulture like fashion, only to wait for the opportune moment to find a group vacating their corner seat. In my three stops at the Coffee Studio, I have had this experience two previous times. However, this is only a minor hindrance, like a security check at the airport, as something far greater waits on the other side.

To quote my company at the time, "this is the best damn cappuccino I've had in months." When I dove into my skim latte, the rich flavor of properly roasted beans met with a perfect contrast of the steamed milk, to make a memorable cup of coffee that I can still savor days after my visit. Along with the ability to make a great cup of coffee, The Coffee Studio offers a variety of teas, beans, and home brewing apparatuses to bring "proper" coffee tastes to the home.

While coffee tastes are the most important aspect of a coffee shop, the reason to come back lies within the environment of the shop. Another friend of mine once described walking into The Coffee Studio as to walking into a Mac commercial; months after that comment it became increasingly clear that my friend might have had a point, as I saw individuals sat with their Mac books open, eyes transfixed on whatever may be on the screen, sitting at stainless steel tables and sipping their coffees without ever looking at the cups.

The participants of this experience may or may not have noticed the exposed brick and what may be finished oak accents on the wall, alongside the local artists' work on the walls of various sorts while their eyes were glued to their Facebook pages. Alongside a relatively suitable décor, the seats were actually comfortable (as opposed to a previously reviewed spot). Finally, the music was set at not only an appropriate level for a place that has half of its customers working on homework, but was also outside of the hip realms of other shops and manufactured musical tastes of the nation's largest coffee chain.

While I have not been to this location in the evening, based upon my three afternoon experiences I would give the Coffee Studio a 4.5 rating. Not only is the coffee great, but there are chances of finding parking close by, the environment is suitable to work and socialize in, and when you are done, one door directly south lies another far north gem, Piatta Pronto.