When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
El Artesanal
Why El Artesanal is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
El Artesanal offers a distinctive blend of coffee shop warmth and a vibrant marketplace for artisanal Mexican goods, making it an exceptional place to meet friends and enjoy local culture. Located in Chicago, this cozy venue is not just about coffee; it showcases beautiful traditional Mexican jewelry, artisanal clothing, dulces, and handmade shoes, creating a unique shopping and socializing experience. The welcoming atmosphere and attentive service encourage community connection and support for small businesses and local artisans. It also offers delicious empanadas and a variety of unique coffee flavors, blending culinary delights with cultural richness. The space includes accessibility features such as wheelchair access and accepts multiple payment options, including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments. Free street parking is available, though it can be limited on weekends, so public transportation is often recommended. Open Monday through Saturday, El Artesanal provides a perfect setting for leisurely visits or quick stop-ins, inviting customers to savor the flavor and artistry of Mexican heritage in the heart of Chicago.
Here's what people think of El Artesanal
As of recent, El Artesanal holds a 4.9-star rating based on 60 reviews.
Reviewers consistently praise El Artesanal for its warm, inviting ambiance that fosters a sense of community and cultural appreciation. Many customers highlight the uniqueness of the artisanal Mexican goods, including jewelry and clothing, which add an authentic and beautiful touch to their shopping experience. The coffee and empanadas receive high marks for quality and flavor, with patrons appreciating the delicate balance of traditional and innovative tastes. Positive reviews often comment on the attentive and friendly staff, who contribute to a memorable and pleasant visit. The venue's support of local artisans and small businesses is frequently noted as a major draw, enriching the cultural vibe and encouraging repeat visits. However, some negative feedback centers on the limited food and drink menu, with a few customers wishing for an expanded variety, such as more juice options to complement the existing offerings. Additionally, while free street parking is available, its scarcity during busy periods may inconvenience some visitors, prompting recommendations for public transport. Overall, the reviews reflect a highly positive customer experience with minor suggestions for enhancements, reinforcing El Artesanal's reputation as a cherished community hub and artisanal marketplace in Chicago.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Victoria
New favorite coffee spot. Perfect to come read a book, for a meeting, to journal or work. Great wifi. Great coffee and tea and food items. Great service! Come support your local, small coffee shop. They also have great items in the store, brought from Mexico so you know it’s authentic.
Kayla Andersen
I love this little spot. The shop up front has tons of gorgeous Mexican artesian items that are so fun to browse through. They have cute jewelry, traditional clothing, lots of pottery and baskets, and decor. I’ve bought many gifts here and it makes me proud to support a small business. The couple that owns the coffee shop is so nice and love to chat and tell the story. They are working hard to have high quality food and customer service and always want to have a personal touch too. I’m a writer so I love to work remotely from coffee shops, and this is the most regular spot I go to because it has everything I want in a coffee shop. There are accessible electric outlets, plenty of seating, the seats are comfortable, the ambiance is calm, the music in the background is always really nice but never too loud. They have a variety of drinks so if I’m not feeling coffee, I have other options. And their food has always been good too. I highly recommend trying this cute spot out! I’ve never had a bad experience and I’m always happy to support a local business rather than a chain. This is a local business worth supporting!
Bianca Roe
Hot girls don’t gatekeep so even though I love that it’s empty and quiet for my working lunch, I must share how wonderful this place is! From appearances it’s very unassuming outside. Inside it’s clean, peaceful, and welcoming! The menu boasts standard coffee drinks and flavors as well as more unique flavors relevant to the theme (eg rompope or mazapán). They have sandwiches to empanadas, comfortable seating, and even a larger table to bring friends or family for a cafe outing. Highly recommend!
Jemmy the Vlogzter
Outstanding cafe spot in Diversey Ave! I have been wanting to try out this place for weeks, so I finally got the chance to visit (mainly because of the frappuccinos and waffle)! I walked in and I was intrigued with the amazing cultural merchandise from clothes to artistic plates and cups! The gentleman attending me was calming and very nice! The caramel frapp tasted amazing as it had a bit strong of salty caramel. The waffles was perfectly balanced with the strawberries and bananas around it. However, it is a shame that this place was far away for me to travel from home, but I will visit again once in a while. If you plan to visit, please be aware of parking (especially on the weekends) because there is a possibility of waiting👀 Thank you artesanal por un buenisimo experiencing que yo nunca voy olvidar 😁
Mirsaha Estrada
Super clean, nice furniture, great study/work place, food is delicious dessert is exquisite. Clothes, candy, soap etc is at great prices and very authentic :) I'm coming here everyday now
How to reach El Artesanal
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Website: None
Why El Artesanal may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at El Artesanal with your friends?
Gathering your friends for a special outing is always more enjoyable when the setting offers a perfect combination of comfort, quality, and unique experiences. El Artesanal stands out as an exceptional choice for hosting a meetup with friends or family due to its warm, inviting atmosphere combined with diverse offerings that cater to various tastes. Rated an impressive 4.9 out of 5 from 60 reviews, this establishment clearly excels in customer satisfaction, promising a memorable outing. The venue blends the charm of a traditional Mexican artisan market with the cozy vibe of a coffee shop and the delight of a gourmet eatery. This multifaceted approach means that everyone in your group can find something to enjoy — from delicious empanadas and specialty coffees to handcrafted jewelry and artistic clothing. The setting is not only aesthetically pleasing but also socially conducive; the thoughtfully designed spaces encourage conversation and relaxation, making it ideal for reconnecting with loved ones. Whether it’s a casual coffee catch-up or a more festive get-together, El Artesanal offers an authentic and enriching backdrop that elevates any group gathering beyond the ordinary.
What activities can you enjoy at El Artesanal that make it perfect for groups?
El Artesanal is much more than a typical cafe or market — it offers a blend of activities and experiences ideally suited for groups who want to enjoy quality time together. First and foremost, the coffee shop at El Artesanal serves a wide variety of high-quality coffee beverages, from classic brews to unique, artisan-crafted flavors. This variety ensures that even the most discerning coffee lovers in your group will find something to savor. Alongside the drinks, freshly made empanadas, praised for their flaky pastry and delectable fillings such as cheese and corn, offer a satisfying snack that pairs perfectly with coffee. For friends who enjoy exploring cultural crafts, the market area displays beautiful traditional Mexican jewelry, artisanal clothing, and artistic merchandise — an excellent setting for browsing and gift shopping while socializing. This diverse offering of food, drink, and shopping ensures that no one feels left out; each member can engage in a favorite activity, making your meetup dynamic and inclusive. The relaxed, welcoming atmosphere also encourages leisurely conversations, meaning you can spend hours catching up without feeling rushed.
How does El Artesanal’s atmosphere enhance the group meetup experience?
The atmosphere at El Artesanal is a key reason why groups keep coming back. The space combines a neighborhood café vibe with an artisanal market feel, creating a unique environment where quality meets comfort. The patio and cozy indoor seating offer spaces that are intimate yet spacious enough to accommodate groups, fostering a sense of community and easy conversation. The design incorporates traditional Mexican artisanal aesthetics, which adds charm and character, making your meetup feel special and memorable. The staff are known for their friendly and efficient service, contributing to an experience that feels personalized without being intrusive. While the menu is concise, this focus allows the kitchen to perfect each offering, enhancing your enjoyment. Because many of the servers are local and the menu is primarily in Spanish, it adds an authentic touch to the visit, which can be a fun, immersive cultural experience for groups interested in heritage and authenticity. The modest prices also mean you can indulge without worrying about the budget, further enhancing its appeal for group events.
Why is El Artesanal’s menu ideal for group gatherings?
The menu at El Artesanal is thoughtfully curated to provide simple yet delicious options that appeal to a crowd. Their standout dishes include various steaks and empanadas, which have earned accolades for being tender, flavorful, and freshly prepared. The empanadas, in particular, are a crowd favorite and a must-try item, with flaky pastry and rich fillings that complement the superb coffee selections. Many guests also appreciate the quality of the meats, highlighting steaks such as the chorizo steak and even less common offerings reflective of regional influences, adding a bit of culinary adventure to the meal. The menu avoids unnecessary complexity, focusing instead on a few perfected dishes that encourage sharing and conversation around the table. Although the food selection is straightforward, the combination of quality ingredients and authentic preparation makes every bite memorable, which is important when you want a hassle-free, satisfying meal with friends. Complimentary simple salads accompany the main courses, balancing the hearty flavors. This balance between simplicity and quality means your group can enjoy a delicious meal that keeps everyone content while fostering an easy social vibe.
What amenities and practical details support group meetups at El Artesanal?
El Artesanal thoughtfully provides amenities that support a comfortable and convenient experience for groups. The venue is wheelchair-accessible, ensuring inclusivity for all friends and family members, which is important for comfortable gatherings. It accepts major payment methods such as credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, facilitating smooth transactions for groups who might be splitting the bill. Parking, while free of charge on the street, can be limited especially on weekends, so it is advised that groups plan accordingly by considering public transportation or arriving early to secure spots. The business hours, generally from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM Monday through Saturday, allow for both morning meetups over coffee and afternoon or early evening casual hangouts. Quick visits or longer leisurely stays are both feasible, depending on your group’s preferences. All these practical touches combined with the exceptional quality of food, drink, and shopping options create a seamless experience that lets you focus on enjoying your time with friends rather than worrying about logistics.
In summary, El Artesanal offers a unique and inviting space perfect for a group meetup with friends or family. Its blend of authentic Mexican artisan goods, a carefully curated menu of delicious food and coffee, an atmosphere full of charm, and supportive amenities makes it a standout choice. Whether you want to catch up over coffee, share a delicious meal, browse beautiful handicrafts, or do all of the above, El Artesanal’s warm and vibrant environment ensures your gathering feels special, relaxing, and memorable. The consistently high customer ratings endorse it as a reliable and beloved destination for quality social experiences.