Café Descartes

I had an extremely upsetting experience at this location on December 26 around 9:40 a.m. I work at O’Hare and was wearing my work uniform, which includes layered clothing since I work outside. When purchasing coffee, I mentioned that I work at O’Hare and asked whether an employee discount applied. The employee, Sylvia, responded dismissively that I did not show an ID. I said that was fine and paid without issue. After receiving my change, I placed it in the tip jar and walked a short distance away to get napkins and sugar. At that point, Sylvia removed the money from the tip jar, called after me, and told me to take it back. When I asked why she did that, I showed my work ID to clarify that I do in fact work at O’Hare. Instead of apologizing or explaining, she took the money from the tip jar and threw it at me. This interaction felt humiliating and disrespectful, and it appeared I was being judged based on my appearance. No customer should ever be treated this way, especially in a professional airport setting. I hope management takes this behavior seriously.

As a Latina, I expected a more respectful experience. Unfortunately, the employee who assisted me was extremely rude without cause. When I arrived, she was chatting with another employee. I politely asked if I could place my order and requested to do so in Spanish. She responded with a poor attitude and told me to hurry because her shift was almost over. What was most disappointing was seeing her immediately become very friendly and attentive to a non-Latino customer who came in after me. This experience felt dismissive and unprofessional.

This is a little coffee shop located in the Terminal 3 baggage claim area at ORD. They sell coffee/tea drinks and light fare like baked goods and sandwiches. I didn't really get look at the food anywhere else in ORD but I suspect that the sandwiches are the same ones that you can get from other newsstands in the airport. FYI, vegetarian options are limited to the baked goods or a yogurt parfait or fruit cup - no sandwiches or salads. Non-dairy milks are available as is decaf espresso. There's no seating. There's chairs around the terminal if you want to sit down, but if you're looking for a table you'll be out of luck. I had a spinach & feta croissant and a "penguin" drink (a mixed dark and white mocha frappe). The croissant was actually really good! They have an actual oven to heat food up in, so I got it heated up. It was nice and flaky, with a good amount of spinach feta filling inside. The penguin was very sweet but had a nice flavour, and underneath the mocha flavour the coffee seemed legit. It's not like Starbucks where they have a special mix for the frozen drinks - it's made with a shot of actual prepared espresso, so I was able to get the frappe made decaf. I thought the price was pretty reasonable. The wait time was way longer than I expected. I got in what looked like a pretty small line and waited more than 15 minutes. There just one barista working, who was great - friendly and seemed to be doing her best, but with just one person having to take everyone's orders and making drinks, things were not moving quickly.

Matcha Crime Scene! Yo… whatever that was, it wasn’t Matcha. It was like someone melted a lemon-lime marker, added cough syrup, dumped in ten packs of sugar, then whispered “tea” over it. Overly sweet, bitter as betrayal, and the color of radioactive regret. I took one sip and questioned every life decision that led me there. This wasn’t a drink — it was a warning from the universe. If taste buds had trauma, mine are in therapy now. Avoid this cup like it owes you money.

SUPER FRIENDLY STAFF! Love to experience kindness and see smiles. :) Espresso machine was down, as well as the TV menus. I ordered a hot coffee, because I’m assuming that was all they were offering other than tea- it was really bad. I am easily pleased with a hot coffee, but wow. Also no tables (understandable because it’s at the exit of the airport, but they could add some for more of a cafe feel rather than a “stand”)

Charged me for a drink that was more expensive than the one I ordered and it tastes really bad. How do I have mint flavour in a caramel macchiato which says latte on the bill. Cashier is in a bad mood in the morning.

Not a lot of restaurants after you get in from your flight so this spot is a life saver. The lady was sweet and the lemon cake helped lift my mood

Shakira was such a delight!!! GREAT ENERGY AND OUTSTANDING CUSTOMER SERVICE!!!