Cafe Descartes - Chicago, Illinois

Cafe Descartes: A Detailed Overview

For individuals seeking a comfortable and inviting space to enjoy a quality coffee or tea, Cafe Descartes presents a noteworthy option in Chicago. Located within Midway International Airport Terminal, specifically at S Cicero Ave, Chicago, IL 60629, United States, this establishment offers a unique and relatively understated experience. It’s important to note that while the location might seem unconventional, it contributes to the cafe’s distinct character and provides a convenient stop for travelers and locals alike. The cafe specializes in providing a simple, yet satisfying, coffee shop experience. It’s a place designed for quiet contemplation, informal meetings, or simply a moment of respite amidst the bustle of the airport or city.

Location and Accessibility

The address of Cafe Descartes is Midway International Airport Terminal, S Cicero Ave, Chicago, IL 60629. This strategic placement offers accessibility to a diverse clientele, including airport passengers, commuters, and residents of the surrounding area. The cafe’s proximity to the airport makes it a popular choice for those needing a caffeine fix or a light snack before or after their flights. While the location within the terminal can be busy at times, the space itself is designed to offer a sense of calm and focus.

Specialties and Menu Offerings

Cafe Descartes primarily operates as a coffee shop, focusing on delivering a consistently good cup of coffee. They boast a strong selection of teas as well, catering to a broader range of preferences. The menu is intentionally concise, emphasizing quality over quantity. Here’s a breakdown of their offerings:

• Coffee: A core component of their business, featuring various brewing methods and roast profiles.
• Tea: A curated selection of black, green, herbal, and specialty teas.
• Breakfast: Offering a limited but carefully chosen selection of breakfast pastries and light bites.
• Quick Bite: Sandwiches and other simple snacks suitable for a quick meal.
• Dessert: A small range of desserts to complement the coffee and tea experience.

The emphasis is on fresh ingredients and expertly prepared beverages. The ambiance encourages a relaxed pace, allowing patrons to savour their drinks and snacks.

Other Points of Interest & Amenities

Cafe Descartes provides several amenities designed to enhance the customer experience. These include:

• Takeaway: Convenient for those on the go.
• Dine-in: Offering seating for customers who wish to enjoy their drinks and food within the cafe.
• Great Coffee: A consistently high-quality coffee offering is a central feature.
• Great Tea Selection: A diverse range of teas provides an alternative for tea drinkers.
• Solo Dining: The layout allows for comfortable solo customers.
• Wheelchair-Accessible Entrance: Ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for all patrons.
• Credit Cards: Accepting a variety of credit card payments for ease of transaction.

The atmosphere is generally described as cosy and trendy, appealing to a wide demographic. It’s a space that fosters a sense of community and relaxation.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

Cafe Descartes currently has 27 reviews on Google My Business, resulting in an average opinion of 2.9/5. While the average score isn’t exceptionally high, it’s crucial to consider the context of the reviews. Many reviewers mention the quality of the coffee and the quiet atmosphere, which are significant positives. However, some feedback highlights inconsistencies in service and occasional cleanliness issues. It's clear that the cafe is striving to improve based on customer feedback.

Here's a summary of common feedback observed in the reviews:

• Positive Comments: Highlighting the quality of the coffee, the peaceful environment, and the convenience of the location.
• Negative Comments: Mentioning slow service, occasional cleanliness concerns, and inconsistencies in product quality.

Despite the mixed reviews, the cafe retains a dedicated following due to its unique atmosphere and commitment to providing a decent cup of coffee. Ongoing efforts to address customer concerns appear to be underway.

In conclusion, Cafe Descartes offers a unique coffee shop experience within Midway International Airport. Its convenient location, focus on quality coffee and tea, and cozy atmosphere make it a worthwhile stop for travelers and locals alike. While there’s room for improvement based on customer feedback, the cafe’s strengths – particularly its coffee and ambiance – continue to attract a loyal clientele. For those seeking a quiet place to relax or refuel, Cafe Descartes is a solid option. The accessibility features further enhance its appeal to a broad range of visitors.

👍 Reviews of Cafe Descartes

Jacquelyn D.

4/5

Ordered the bagel & cream cheese with tomato’s, onions, and cucumber. There were huge slices of tomato and cucumber on the bagel. How do you even eat that? You’re supposed to dice the cucumbers and tomato’s before putting on the sandwich. Really wanted to like the place more because the branding is so cute.

Update: I told the staff about the awful bagel. They explained it that’s how it’s prepared, but helped me out and gave me something else. The Croissant with ham, egg annd cheese on sourdough (instead of croissant) is soooo much better. Totally night and day! Bumping my review from 2 star to 4 stars because of this breakfast sandwich. Appreciate the staff’s effort to make it right. Hope management can improve the bagel for the future.

Ahmed O.

1/5

*URGENT WARNING* They serve spoiled pastry.
Apple danish had MOLD. Which means they do not refresh pastries at all if ever. Maybe when inventory out. Disgusting 🤢🤢🤮

Rebecca R.

5/5

Nice little spot to get a coffee before exiting the airport. Employees are nice, the coffee is easy to drink, and the pastries are delicious. Definitely recommend.

Dhanu S.

1/5

I have ordered mocha smoothie, trust me it’s just ice crushed in a cup. Not recommended

Ronald S.

5/5

Great espresso based drink (small Americano) not easy to do well.
Great sandwich (the Turkey Club you can just grab from the chiller).

Usually, airport food kiosks give customers very low quality for a very high price. THIS PLACE gave me food that was very VERY good
quality for a very high price.

For my experience: Great service. Great food.

No seating at the kiosk, but nearby seating was not a problem.

Feltersnatch G. &. H. L. F.

1/5

The highest prices at Midway for coffee , too much ice in drinks, must be like $7 for a lg ice coffee... just go to dunkin' for $4. They keep raising prices and lowering quality...

Dannyel K.

1/5

The tea was so hot that when someone pumped me it burnt my hand, when I walked back up to the counter and ask for ice, another patron was there complaining about the same thing… when I said I burnt my hand the kid behind the counter said you’re hand is fine. Great place

Lord C.

1/5

$6 for a medium ice coffee is crazy...employees have good service. Price is bs.