One glance at the steamy plate-glass windows and the hulking, copper-domed special-edition Rancilio coffee machine signals that this Taylor Street hangout for the UIC community takes barista craft seriously. Instead of relying on the ubiquitous automatic-drip machines employed at Starbucks, the folks at Demitasse hand-pull espresso shots to fill their buzz-inducing cappuccinos and lattes.
Outfitted with red-painted exposed ductwork, salt and pepper Formica tables, an eclectic offering of paintings from local artists and gleaming chrome-color chairs, the space has a loft-meets-diner vibe.
In addition to classic java drinks, Demitasse serves up an eye-opening breakfast menu capped off by a citadel of brioche French toast stuffed with an indulgent sweet cream, strawberries, banana and silky raspberry sauce. Breakfast here is a quiet and equally tasty alternative to the seemingly endless lines at nearby Sweet Maple Cafe. Lunch options range from oozy grilled paninis to light salads that cost $4.95-$7.95.
