necessary & sufficient coffee

Today, I stopped at Necessary and Sufficient Coffee, a grab and go coffee shop and eatery. There's no seating inside the small venue or outside, but if you're in the neighborhood, you should definitely stop by. I got there around 10:30AM, and the line was 8 people deep. But I was out with my meal in under 10 minutes. I asked for the most popular, sweet, and creamy Iced Coffee and got a Canela coffee with hints of honey and vanilla. I appreciated the dusting of cinnamon they sprinkled on top. I love cinnamon in my coffee. I also ordered a Ham and Cheese Morning Bun and was shocked when I opened the container and found a Ham and Cheese Pinwheel style sandwich. I've never seen a savory sandwich made in cinnamon roll style before. I'm a huge fan of toasted cheese, and this sandwich had plenty of that. But the real surprise was inside. Juicy, delicious ham, and stone ground mustard. Mmm, mmm, good! I wish there had been more mustard or at least a side of it because I love mustard, and the sandwich could have used the extra moisture. But as far as grab and go sandwiches, this one is unique and very good. I wanted a chocolate chip cookie, but they didn't have any, or anything else chocolate. Their menu rotates, which can be both a blessing or a curse. But they did have Donuts, which I believe are only served on the weekends. They had blueberry, old-fashioned, and Red Velvet. I'm a sucker for old-fashioned donuts. The donut alone was worth the trip - light, moist, sweet, and rich. It perfectly rounded out breakfast with the last sips of my coffee. The staff was extremely friendly and accommodating. They use biodegradable utensils, which is definitely a plus. Please note that they don't accept cash. There is another location in Printer's Row at 728 S Dearborn St. It's bigger and offers dine-in and take out options. I'll try to go there within the next few weeks and tell you about it, but if you're in the neighborhood, check it out.

Hands down the best coffee shop in Chicago! If you're even thinking about it . . . just go, and thank me later. Everything is good at necessary & sufficient, from the super fresh healthy food choices to the indulgent pastries. I love hanging here on my own and meeting my friends for a nosh and a chat. Plus, I feel good about what I'm buying because it's sustainable, and the employees are fairly compensated for their great work.

such a cute spot! window service only, pastries and breakfast options plus inventive, fun lattes and drinks! matcha is hit or miss in this city, but it’s a hit here: smooth and grassy, great plain or in a signature drink with added syrups, and most importantly, sweetener is optional and not included in the powder mix.

Everything about this place is great except for the prices. Staff are lovely, coffee is good, snacks are good. But these prices are crazy. These are LA/NYC prices for a walk up coffee shop. An Americano being $6.50 is wild. I really hope staff is getting paid well w/ insurance, etc at the very least.

I had an AMAZING pour over and ham-&-cheese croissant here. The space was welcoming and beautiful. And I had the chance to meet the owner, who was both professional and incredibly lovely (& coffee knowledgeable). I know coffee and this is my go-to coffee shop for every Chicago visit.

Walked here from my bnb to grab a cup of coffee for the day. Lovely building, no line, and quick service. Grabbed an ice coffee to go and it was great!

Stopped by for a coffee - got a simple vanilla latte and tried their feta bun; absolutely delicious. They heated or toasted? the bun for me and it was incredible. The coffee was perfect- not too sweet. First time trying, I’ll be coming back soon!

I am at Necessary And Sufficient Coffee and I can confirm it is both necessary and sufficient. I would recommend the crabapple syrup and caution future patrons that the seating is outside only so if you plan to lounge at the cafe check the forecast.

I discovered this charming coffee spot after a refreshing run on the 606 trail, and it was an absolute delight. From the moment I walked in, the customer service stood out--friendly, attentive, and genuinely welcoming . I decided to try a vanilla latte, and it exceeded my expectations. The balance of flavors was perfect, making it both delicious and invigorating . The highlight of my visit, however, was the Asiago bagel . Made by a local bagel shop, it was incredibly flavorful and satisfying. The combination of the rich, cheesy topping and the fresh, chewy texture made it one of the best bagels I've had in a long time. This coffee spot has quickly become a favorite, and I look forward to returning to explore more of their drink offerings. Whether you're a coffee aficionado or just looking for a cozy place to unwind, I highly recommend giving this place a try .

The walk up coffee takeaway window idea works great in good weather. Being patio season, I decided to make the trek to Logan Sq. The seasonal ube iced latte was creamy, earthy and just sweet enough (I asked for 1/2 the pump of ube syrup). There is a cute wooden patio in between the coffee joint and Sugar Moon bakery. I can't see myself coming here in cold weather but it was a nice treat on a balmy Chicago morning and my creamy iced latte hit the spot!

Basic looking yet also convenient window service coffee. It's one of the many places to get coffee around Logan Square. Necessary & Sufficient is only to go though. Even though it's a tiny place it has big taste and is friendly. There's more than just coffee, as there's muffins and pastries. Coffee is the main thing of course. It's about $5 for a latte. They have only one choice of non dairy milk, which is oat. Has more than coffee. There's also a few vegan seasonal muffins. It's $5 each. There's usually only one flavor they have at a time. Because it has limited space it's expected there's a limited menu. There's also pretty limited seating. On the side is a couple benches. There's also a few rocks. It seems the rocks are more comfortable. This makes it more of a place to get something and go than stick around it seems. Good stuff as far as coffee. It also has pretty good muffins. The prices are pretty high for some of the fancier stuff but it's to be expected for this kind of small place though.

Their iced cardamom chai actually tastes like INDIAN CHAI! I really felt like I was drinking an iced version of my mom's chai. Super excited to try their other menu items! The walk-up is also so cute! Also down the street is a cute bakery and a boutique plant store!

Your cute and friendly neighborhood coffee service window. located at a quiet corner. We definitely could feel and like the lovely vibes although we are not from the area. The latte was smooth and served warm and fast. The coffee tonic was based on rose tonic which is pretty unique. The espresso taste got diluted by the strong rose flavor so could be a hit or miss for someone else. I like the rose taste so I enjoyed it.

Great place to grab some very delicious coffee to go. Stopped by after grabbing some baked goods at Sugar Moon and really loved their iced coffee.

It's a cute little coffee window on the northwest corner of Monticello and Wrightwood in Logan. I'm sure it's a great convenience if you live in the neighborhood; I don't, so I just stopped here whilst driving through. Their stuff is... expensive. $9 for a 16 ounce "chai-der"? Yikes. I went for the small one and the 11 ounce version still cost me almost six and half bucks. Unfortunately, to cap it all off, the drink wasn't good. I've had similar drinks that was a blend of chai and apple cider and liked them, but this was... I don't know how to explain it, exactly. A bit bitter? The shop doesn't seem to have an interior for customers--maybe I am wrong about that, but if customers can go inside it's very small. There's an order window and pickup window outside which is just easier anyway. Don't know if they take cash payment, since I used ApplePay. Unfortunately, given the cost and my overall experience, I probably won't return.

This is one of my favorite coffee shops in Logan Square. The shop is located on a relatively quiet residential street and is a short walk from the current Mayor of Chicago's house (you'll know which one by the police detail outside). They currently only offer walkup window access and a few seats outside in the summer time. I'm normally on the go a lot, so this works for me. They have a great seasonal coffee and non-coffee menu. The baked goods are also tasty as well. The staff at Necessary and Sufficient coffee have always been so kind and generous. Great coffee shop find if you are in the area.

Prices were a little high even for Chicago and iced latte was a little watery both times I got it, but I should've asked for more flavor the second time I got one. Service was really great and quick though! Employees were very nice each time and I love the little outdoor seating they have right there on the corner!

The coffee shop, Necessary and Sufficient has got to be one of the most disappointing coffee shops in Logan Square. It's no surprise considering the owner's attitude matches the negative vibe. The prices are ridiculous, especially for a simple breakfast sandwich that they can't even execute (see photo below). What makes it even worse is the owner's dismissive response to honest feedback on Google reviews. Getting a sarcastic and rude response over a failure of quality food and service on their end is not the move for a successful business owner. Then again, go read the 1 star reviews and see it for yourself. Fortunately, there is a better option nearby with Sugar Moon Bakery. Save your money and support a business that values their customers. It's time for Necessary and Sufficient to do better. P.S.- you should be wearing gloves when you are making food for customers.

I wish I had found this gem sooner! Such a wonderful little spot, with very friendly service and food that knocks me off my feet! This is certainly going to be my new go-to cafe!

Logan Square has become one of Chicago's "sweet spot" neighborhoods. Cafes like Necessary & Sufficient are why. This spot is a block away from where I live and I frequent it quite a bit since we went into pandemic mode. The coffee is consistently of high quality. That says two things: quality beans and the coffee machine isn't dirty. I give high marks for the service. Since I go so often and I order using the Joe app on my cellphone, those at the window know me by my middle name when I approach for pickup. It makes a world of difference when you frequent a business and the individuals working [there] remember your name. This cafe is not in what I would consider a high traffic area, but I'm glad they are within walking distance, nevertheless. As long as they're cranking out quality and continue to have top service, they will get my patronage.

Another superb coffee shop in Chicago! It took me at least 10 minutes to decide on what to order (that's just for drinks). I wish I could have tried everything but this was our last stop before the airport! The Iced Wallflower Oat Milk Latte - Orange flower & rose make this quietly floral drink sing. This was PHENOMENAL. Mushroom, Egg & Cheese Breakfast Sandwich. The brioche bun was so buttery and soft. I can never turn down mushrooms. You can't go in, just order at the window and grab when it's ready. Prices were reasonable. Service was excellent.

Adorable coffee shop walk up window. They offer a full coffee and drink menu along with takeaway food. I had a cold brew and quiche. The cold brew was great, very smooth and not too acidic. The quiche was delicious. A little on the small side but cheaper than most quiches so it aligns with the size. Will definitely be back!

Afternoon pick-me-up at. Order from their special menu at the window. A teensy bit out of the way-- but I guess I just ish they were at a window near me! Will definitely be back to try their other seasonal drinks! Pictured: Seasonal Con Panna (espresso with a yuzu lavender cream)

This is one of my favorite coffee shops in the area. I don't live super close so I make it a lunch time trip. One of my favorite parts of this place is that they don't just serve coffee - they sometimes have interesting soda combinations available or even iced teas. I will say it's not the cheapest place. $5 for an iced coffee is steep. So I don't come here on the regular. But it's a nice treat for when I'm out on a walk. Sometimes if I'm lucky they have some pastries, like their homemade pop-tarts, left by the time I arrive. It's a walk up window so no seating. You can pay with card or you can order ahead using the Joe coffee app (which is what I usually do).

A true neighborhood gem! Walk up to the window and expect a delicious sandwich, pastry or beverage! This is a women owned establishment and it's everything I love about Chicago hidden gems

Great little shop close to home. I watched as the location was transformed from unused storefront to a quaint coffee shop and on a very cold Halloween night, my family and I walked in and enjoyed some very warming hot chocolate. We were greeted by very friendly faces and some a generous amount of hot and cold drink options. Pastries are locally made from a shop in Pilsen from what I was told and they are pretty good. They are seasonal so do be afraid to ask about them when you see them on display. The only item for me would be more space, you guys need more space for all the customers you'll have.

Love their cortados and all the beverage varieties on their menu! The fact that they also sell Gurnee Donuts is a plus! Staff is lovely too.

Coffee menu looks enticing, specialty drinks galore, but just be sure to know you'll pay a pretty penny and for that cost you'll not be able to sit down and appreciate the concoction. This place is a walk-up window only!

Yum. Yum. Best gingerbread latte ever. Walk up window only so be prepared for Chicago weather. Order at left window and pick up right window. $2.75 extra for breve was the biggest price I ever heard.

The coffee here is great, but it's the most expensive cup of plain coffee I've had...$4.35 for 16oz. They're also "card only" due to the corona virus, but I think that's just so they can ask if you want to leave a tip. It's impossible to say no without feeling guilty if someone asks you to your face. Dunkin and Starbucks take cash, just saying. The barista who usually works there never remembers my order either..a 16 oz coffee with cream. I've been there at least a dozen times while he's been working so I feel like he could at least remember my simple order if I'm expected to tip on their overpriced coffee to go. Overall, this coffee shop is fine if you walk past it and are hankering for a cup. But I wouldn't make it a habit unless you want to take a second mortgage out on your house.

The drinks here are great. But the customer service is lacking. There have been a few times I've visited where the cashier is taking forever to move the line along, talking with friends and ignoring other customers to the point where they walk away bc it's taking too long - or the barista has argued with folks waiting for their orders when they obviously messed up the order. What is frustrating is that after slow service, they will ask if you want to tip - I think there is a ton of potential for improvement here. Just some basic customer service changes and this place will be top notch.

Super cute little coffee shop with window service and darn good coffee. Their banana bread wins a high score for the moistness factor. My ice coffee had a lovely flavor, perfect for a warm fall day. Due to COVID, as with most window pick ups, sanitary protocols are followed. Everyone is very serious and that translates a bit as "chilly" or tense but I believe it's just all about business. Don't expect a warm welcome, get your coffee and enjoy. Treats were not available my second stop. Apparently they are delivered later in the AM. I arrived at opening.

This place is great! Especially during Covid ! Their walk up window ensures you & the employees are all staying safe ! There is street parking available in the front of the store which was easy to find a spot . The online menu had more than the store menu, but the employee was more than happy to make what I requested . They are friendly and have great coffee and pastries , definitely recommend !

Covid-19 Review _____________________________________ Necessary & Sufficient is the best small cafe in our neighborhood. It's adorable (and I can't wait to visit when I can sit inside). It has a convenient walk-up window for takeaway if you're not in the mood to eat inside (or you know, for pandemics). We love the chai tea latte and the Cafe con Leche; both are delicious! I'd recommend the chai tea latte, iced. We tried to order teh breakfast empanada, a but they dind't have any; it turned out to be ok because they have the best breakfast sandwich The ham and cheese sandwich is delicious and worth the trip alone. The bread is a mixture of brioche and torta bread. It has the perfect ratio of cheese and ham all within a bite of the delicious truffle mayo (I think it's truffle, whatever it is, it's addicting). Pro tip: if you visit during the COVID closing, don't be a jerk. Stay 6 feet away from others. They have a small menu up against the window but if you go online to their website you can see the menu of available items you don't need to be in other's space. Also, look down, they have small markers on the pavement to make a line. Stand on one of them.

My experience with this company is through mail order. The owner cares about quality and design. I'm always pleased with the tea and coffee selections. And I love the gift ideas available on the website. I can't wait to visit in person the next time I visit Chicago!

Went for the first time today. Ordering through the Joe coffee app was really easy and our order was ready when we arrived. The iced lavender latte was fantastic. Ordered the large with an extra shot. Will be back

Literally did a double take to discover a coffee shop where the old Paul Davis pharmacy used to be. Coffee!!! For me? Yes please! Such a brilliant idea! This area of Logan has been lacking sufficient coffee access but not anymore! Winter will be more tolerable with this place around! & did I mention they have Quiche?! ;p

Worst latte I've ever had. OUTRAGEOUSLY OVERPRICED , slowest service && Pricing on menu does not match what they charge! They had a seasonal latte listed for 6.50 which included a cookie. I asked to just do the latte, smallest size, no special milk, and the total was $8.50. I asked "wait for one latte without the cookie?" And the cashier just said "uh yeah sorry." WHAT!? Shame on me for just not walking away but I was so confused I just paid and then was given the most watery, disgusting latte. Will never return.

Dan and Andy are the best, most friendly baristas. Stopped at this corner coffee shop after a flight from CA and hunger made me try a vegan basket. Picadillo! SO good! Please try one next time you are in the neighborhood

Delicious breakfast sandwiches and quiches . Really enjoyed the refreshers and coffee (strong!) we've tried too. Service is fast and friendly. So happy to have discovered this neighborhood gem and can't wait to explore more menu items

This was my first visit to this coffee shop. I ordered from the very nice young lady at the counter. After a few minutes of waiting I realized I had forgotten to ask for oat milk in my Latte. I asked if it was too late for the oat milk. the nice young lady said it was not too late but then the older woman who was taking her sweet time making my latte said no. About five minutes later the older woman who wouldn't put oat milk in my latte finally finished it and I watched her pour whole milk on top. It was not too late to have used the oat milk, she was just being difficult. I would have gladly paid the .75 cents extra, but I was promptly shut down. I am lactose intolerant and I don't like confrontation, hence this review.

This is by far one of the cutest local coffee shops I have come across. They have a walk-by window on the outside which I thought was cool. You can actually just order outside if you're on the go. The inside is pretty small (maybe about 2 seats) so just something to be aware of if you're looking for a coffee shop to get some work done at. I had the cortado which was really well-made and also a saffron & creamed spinach empanada with roasted tomato salsa. Huge fan of this place!

Awesome nitro cold brew and breakfast sandwich! Service was quick and friendly - will definitely be back!

Very cute storefront and inventive drinks. However, the prices are absurd. My oat milk vanilla latte was $7.16!!!

I am always looking for a cafe with a walk-up window as I hate tying my dog up outside, but love to take her with me for a latte and a stroll. N&S delivered on the experience along with a couple of tasty breakfast pastries: homemade pop tart, strawberry donut, and a ham and cheese morning bun. Ordering via the app is super easy and convenient!

This coffee is INSANE! I absolutely love the Canela. Wow! I love how they blend in just the perfect amount of favor without taking away from the taste of the coffee! Oh, and the homemade biscuits are just out of this world amazing! I only wish they would open earlier at like 630am because I'm late to work waiting for them to open! LOL!

I really love this coffee shop. The coffee is delicious (and so is the iced matcha!) and the baristas there are so kind. Everything is super prompt (especially if you order online ahead of time) and very reliable. Would highly recommend!

I really wanted to try this place. Menu looks great and I'm in full support of local business as a long time resident in the neighborhood. That's why it was so disappointing that the staff member was rude. Perhaps he was having a bad day. We all have them. I will be open to trying the coffee when I walk by and see he is not working. Cheers.

My wife and I live this local coffee spot! It is our go to coffee shop! If you are in Logan square make sure you pay this place a visit!

Cute spot to grab coffee! Drip was great. Would recommend as a commuter option or while walking around the neighborhood.

I am a vegan tea drinker. I love their matcha and chai! Wonderful addition to the neighborhood! The actual inside is very small (2-3 seats), so N&S is much better for a drink to go than a workspace or a coffee date.

Best coffee in Logan square. A teeny shop, great staff of baristas, and just all around a good time. Their coffee is interesting and delicious, and their pastries are to die for! Try the blueberry pop tart!

Great service and coffee! The window allows me to get coffee quickly and the inside is decorated in a fun way. I've been there 3 times so far and haven't had bad service.