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Dollop Coffee
Master Critic Review
Dollop Coffee
7.8
This Streeterville outpost of the Chicago-born Dollop Coffee group functions as a bright, laptop-friendly cafe with vegan-friendly bagels and a build-your-own bagel option alongside pastries and espresso drinks. It’s less a full breakfast destination than a reliable grab-a-bagel-and-work stop, especially for nearby residents and hospital staff.
Must-Try Dishes:
Build Your Own Bagel, Bagel sandwiches with egg and cheese, Toasted everything bagel with chive cream cheese
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 6.5
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: Local coffee roaster’s Streeterville cafe with vegan-friendly bagels and a customizable bagel program in a workspace-friendly room.
Who should go: Remote workers and students wanting coffee and a solid bagel.
When to visit: Mid-morning or midafternoon when the line and laptop crowd thin out.
What to order: Build Your Own Bagel, egg-and-cheese bagel sandwich, everything bagel with chive cream cheese.
Insider tip: If you’re particular about doneness, ask for your bagel toasted darker than usual—the default toast is on the light side.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet; limited metered street parking in Streeterville and enforcement is active — most guests rely on nearby paid garages or rideshare, especially on weekdays.
Dress code: Casual — coffee shop attire is the norm; jeans, athleisure, and workwear are all fine.
Noise level: Quiet to moderate — laptop crowd during peak study/work hours, but you can still hold a normal conversation.
Weekend wait: Typically no wait — this is a daytime-focused cafe and doesn’t experience a dinner rush.
Weekday lunch: Short line during coffee and lunch peaks (5–10 minutes) but seating can fill briefly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetarian-friendly bagel builds, spreads, and pastries.
Vegan options: Yes — vegan-friendly bagels and build-your-own combinations, plus rotating plant-based options (selection varies).
Gluten-free options: Limited — some gluten-light options on the drink/pastry side, but no dedicated gluten-free bagels or separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual coffee meetup than a true first-date setting — the vibe is functional and laptop-friendly rather than atmospheric.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s walk-in only. Arrive mid-morning or mid-afternoon for the best chance at open tables when the laptop crowd thins.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally fine for quick visits with kids, but seating is limited and there aren’t kid-specific amenities; best for short snack or drink stops rather than long stays.
Best For
Better for: Reliable grab-and-go or work-friendly bagel and coffee stop with vegan-friendly customization and a calmer vibe than heavier breakfast spots.
Skip if: You want a full hot breakfast kitchen, table service, or a leisurely brunch environment — a larger breakfast restaurant will be a better fit.