Cafe Grumpy

Excellent coffee and clearly the Clover is something quite special. I had their winning cup and it was delicious. So good I didn't need to add in any milk!!

The only problem I have with the whole opperation is...why are they directly across from Naidre's? Couldn't they have gone like 1 block down or something? I love Naidre's and just don't like this whole coffee shop vs. coffee shop feel.

I went in there on Sunday and was immediately hooked on their espresso. But now for 2 mornings in a row they are closed with a sign hanging saying that they'll re-open soon. Must be a permit thing or something like that. I hope they open up again soon. Maybe they rushed too fast to open for the 7th Ave. street fair.

my wife and I went, we felt a bit bad since we go to Naidre's so often, but we had to check out the new place, you know, support the small guy and all that. Now, someone earlier said that Starbucks drinkers don't know coffee, this, for me at least, is true. But I tried. We both ordered a nice coffee, hers was (a shocking) $6.50 and mine was $2.50 or so. We did not see prices, just ordered based on their recommendation.

Long story short, she really liked hers, but felt it was not 6.50 good. I HATED mine. I tried it, black. hated it. Had a few more sips (also it was WAY too hot, took FOR EVER to get to the point I could drink --thought I once read something about the clover machines and adjusting the perfect temp, this was burn your labia off hot, anyway I digress). Once it FINALLY cooled more, I tried and tried to like it. Gave up, added sugar and skim milk, it was still terrible so I tossed it. My wife drank most of hers but eventually was not so moved by it.

Anyway, I'm obvuiously not a coffee snob and apparently don't have the refined palate for this place. BUT I think that a "real" coffee drinker would probably love it, so if that's you, check it out. I hope they do well, even if I don't go there, I like the IDEA of the place being there for everyone else's benefit.
Oh, and the staff was nice. Those machines are so painfully slow though. I'm sure that's because it's making the perfect cup, but man, they could not handle a rush.

I tried their decaf, and loved it! I am a coffee snob, but temporarily can't have caffeine, so I am suffering. Grumpy decaf was definitely the highlight of my day.

Good coffee but be prepared to wait as they drip each cup. Which is cool, but slow.

Does anyone else single-drip around here? Maybe South Side?