2008 Woodie Awards
Cafe-nated
1345 W. Taylor
TraDonna Brown
Issue date: 4/2/02 Section: Bar and Restaurant Guide
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There will be no more wobbly tables or horrible lighting in the new coffeehouse on Taylor Street.
"I did not feel the lighting in here (before) was good for students to study," former University of Illinois at Chicago student Brian Koh said of his new coffee shop, Café-nated In Little Italy.
For three years, Koh, 25, worked at local coffee shop La Tazabella, known for its poor lighting and unstable furniture.
When he got word it would be closing, he pitched his idea for another coffeehouse to investors. This place would feature better lighting and appeal to students. Three months after La Tazabella's doors closed, Café-nated was open for business in its place.
"This is better than we could have ever expected," Koh said of his new coffeehouse, at 1345 W. Taylor St. Although Café-nated has only been open several months, its couches and tables have been full of students.
UIC seniors Marie Goulet, 25, and Rachel Frizzi, 22, said they are at Café-nated four or five nights a week.
"The setting is so conducive to studying," Goulet said. "It is hard to find a place where you can be comfortable while studying."
"We can make music requests all the time," Frizzi said as soft music played in the background. "We keep the music very mellow."
Some students enjoy the quiet study atmosphere while enjoying a bottomless cup of coffee for $3.50. Also offered are lattes, espressos, cappuccinos and a variety of sweets and muffins. All selections are priced at less than $5.
Various board games stacked on a shelf are available to help students relax when they need a break from their studies. A couple of couches on each end of the shop encourage soft conversation.
"Everyone here is so friendly," Frizzi said. "It does get a little crowded some nights, but I'll just wait a while and come back."
"The lighting here is really nice too," Goulet said. Customers can control the level of brightness at each table.
But the pleasant atmosphere is welcomed not just by the customers.
- Page 1 of 2 next >
"I did not feel the lighting in here (before) was good for students to study," former University of Illinois at Chicago student Brian Koh said of his new coffee shop, Café-nated In Little Italy.
For three years, Koh, 25, worked at local coffee shop La Tazabella, known for its poor lighting and unstable furniture.
When he got word it would be closing, he pitched his idea for another coffeehouse to investors. This place would feature better lighting and appeal to students. Three months after La Tazabella's doors closed, Café-nated was open for business in its place.
"This is better than we could have ever expected," Koh said of his new coffeehouse, at 1345 W. Taylor St. Although Café-nated has only been open several months, its couches and tables have been full of students.
UIC seniors Marie Goulet, 25, and Rachel Frizzi, 22, said they are at Café-nated four or five nights a week.
"The setting is so conducive to studying," Goulet said. "It is hard to find a place where you can be comfortable while studying."
"We can make music requests all the time," Frizzi said as soft music played in the background. "We keep the music very mellow."
Some students enjoy the quiet study atmosphere while enjoying a bottomless cup of coffee for $3.50. Also offered are lattes, espressos, cappuccinos and a variety of sweets and muffins. All selections are priced at less than $5.
Various board games stacked on a shelf are available to help students relax when they need a break from their studies. A couple of couches on each end of the shop encourage soft conversation.
"Everyone here is so friendly," Frizzi said. "It does get a little crowded some nights, but I'll just wait a while and come back."
"The lighting here is really nice too," Goulet said. Customers can control the level of brightness at each table.
But the pleasant atmosphere is welcomed not just by the customers.