Overflow Coffee

"One of the first Black- and women-owned record labels in America, Vee-Jay Records holds a historical niche in Chicago’s South Loop. Taking over Vee-Jay’s former headquarters is Overflow Coffee and the space is decorated with memorabilia from the space’s past. This gives the shop an incredible feel, and the drinks are always solid with syrups made by staff. The shop’s older sibling is the Common Cup in Rogers Park." - Ashok Selvam

"Overflow in the South Loop is a nice change of pace from the sea of coffee chains in the area. They have great coffee, and an inviting space with album art decorating the walls—a nod to being located in the original home of one of the earliest Black-owned record companies, Vee-Jay Records. There are plenty of tables, so even though it’s usually busy with the work-from-home crowd, it’s never cramped. Overflow also has food in case you want to eat quiche while avoiding emails from your boss." - adrian kane, john ringor, veda kilaru

"Overflow in the South Loop is a nice change of pace from the sea of coffee chains in the area. They have great coffee, and an inviting space with album art on the walls—a nod to being located in the original home of one of the earliest Black-owned record companies, Vee-Jay Records. There are plenty of tables, so even though it’s usually busy with the work-from-home crowd, it’s never cramped. Overflow also has food from Justice of the Pies and Tilly’s." - john ringor

"In a neighborhood with a lot of coffee chains, Overflow in the South Loop stands out as a beacon of hope. This is thanks to having excellent coffee, and an inviting atmosphere that doesn't include a soundtrack of orders and names being shouted across the room. Overflow is one of the few Black-owned and operated coffee shops in the city, and has album art on the wall as a nod to being located in the original home of Vee-Jay Records, one of the earliest Black-owned record labels. The large space has plenty of tables so this spot never feels cramped, even though it’s popular with the work-from-home crowd. Overflow also has food in case you want to eat quiche while avoiding emails from your boss." - Veda Kilaru

"Independent shop Overflow Coffee Bar’s owners announced on Facebook they have secured a new location at 1449 S. Michigan Avenue." - Naomi Waxman