We love: Intelligentsia coffee

We love The carefully sourced and brewed coffee at Intelligentsia (53 W Jackson Blvd, 312-253-0594, and other locations)
The flaw Tough croissants, cold breakfast breads and other disappointing pastries
The defense Intelligentsia founder and CEO Doug Zell concedes that maintaining the pastries’ freshness is an issue. “It’s something we’re aware of. We’re working on it. We get it. We understand,” he says forlornly. “The challenge is to find great premade stuff. There are a few solutions that we’re working on.”
Potential for change High
Alternatively Julius Meinl (3601 N Southport Ave, 773-868-1857, and other locations) has good coffee—and incredible pastries. Too bad it’s miles from the Loop.

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