I've always loved Pilsen, so when I heard a new coffee shop was opening in the neighborhood that doubled as an art gallery, I was immediately intrigued. I had already come across a handful of photos and videos of Café Jon from other Chicago creators, and honestly with every post, I grew more excited to visit. Very quickly after, it made its way to the top of my constantly-growing "Chicago Places to Try" note on my phone. It truly is that whenever I check a place off, another place gets added.
Café Jon brings together two things that fit naturally into Pilsen's creative landscape: coffee and art. It seems to be more than just a place to grab your morning latte. It's a café and gallery where visitors can slow down, spend time with their friends, get some work done, or enjoy the art. The concept feels especially fitting for a neighborhood with such a strong artistic identity, and it's honestly refreshing to see a coffee shop that offers something beyond the normal café experience. Before becoming the coffee shop and gallery it is today, the space was home to Ruben's Auto Service, an auto repair shop operated by longtime Pilsen resident Ruben Mandujano for 30 years. Rather than selling the property to developers that wanted to purchase it, Mandujano partnered with the founders of Chicago-based Jon Basíl Tequila to give the space a new life. Together, they turned it into the 6,000-square-foot coffee shop, art gallery, and event space that is Café Jon.
We stopped by early on a Saturday morning. The space itself is large and open, with high ceilings and a mix of darker, moodier corners and sunlit seating areas. It was pretty quiet when we arrived, which made it easy to take our time and enjoy the space. There's also a room tucked away from the main café that feels a little more secluded, with window-side seating that would be perfect for settling in with a laptop and getting some work done.
The baristas were incredibly friendly and took the time to explain how they make their syrups in-house, which I always appreciate. One in particular caught my attention: honey-rosemary. I ordered an iced latte with it, while Conor went with one of their specialty drinks, the Nina, a brown sugar latte with chai.
Both were excellent, but the honey-rosemary latte was the clear winner for us. And that doesn't happen often, considering Conor somehow always orders the better drink or dish. Not this time! The rosemary added a subtle herbal note that balanced the sweetness of the honey without overpowering the espresso. It was one of those flavor combinations that sounds interesting on paper but tastes even better in person. It reminded me a lot of a coffee I ordered in Maui that I absolutely loved.
If you're already in Pilsen, I highly recommend stopping by. And if you're not, I'd argue it's worth making the trip. It's located just off Damen Avenue and 18th Street, it's an easy addition to an afternoon exploring one of my favorite Chicago neighborhoods.
Have you been to Café Jon yet? Let me know in the comments if it's on your list!
