In honor of January being National Tea Month, we are featuring coffee and tea shops that are perfect for a chilly winter day or night!  They make great study spots, date nights, or places for lounging around with friends.

Kafein $$

This trendy spot in the heart of Evanston on 1621 Chicago Avenue is near Northwestern University and popular among many students.  The couches, tables and booths remind me of hanging out at the Central Perk, like in the television show “Friends.”  Old-school “Trivia Crack” cards are on all of the tables, so there is always something to talk about while relaxing!  My mom first brought me and my sister here when we were looking for something to do in Evanston.  She and my dad enjoy coming here for date nights.

With a variety of coffee, tea and drinks, there is something here to please everyone.  The flavored lattes are not as sugar-laced as chain coffee houses and have a hearty flavor.  Traditional cappuccinos and flavored mochas are also available, as well as a variety of tea.  I personally like the Carmel Latte and also steamed milks, which are frothy foams infused with delicious syrup flavors.

Kafein has much more to offer aside from beverages.  Traditional soups and sandwiches are available like Minestrone and Grilled Cheese.  I ordered the Homemade Hummus plate, which was perfect when I went after school for a snack.  The plate is served with fresh warm pita bread, carrots, celery and cucumber.  The hummus is also fresh and contains a delectable blend of spices without being overdone.  It is immensely better than any store bought hummus.

Ice cream is another favorite.  Creative sundaes and shakes are concocted such as the Grasshyper with an espresso kick and Rock the Sham made with mint and Irish cream.

The laid back atmosphere is what entices me to Kafein.  The baristas are friendly and social, making me feel like I’m hanging out in my own living room.  Though it is a bit expensive, the experience and  food is worth it.  Whether stopping by after school or on a Saturday, this café won’t fail to disappoint!

TeaLula $

Located in uptown Park Ridge on 11 S. Fairview Avenue, TeaLula is NOT your grandma’s parlor!  This bright, cheerful spot is one of my favorite places among the many shops and restaurants in Park Ridge.  Right when I walk in I am greeted by one of the shop’s married owners, Sheila and Fred Duda, or another barista.  Even if I’m having a bad day, I immediately perk up after talking with them at the tea bar.  The real issue is deciding which tea to choose!

TeaLula makes all its own loose leaf teas.  TeaLula offers black, oolong, flavored, green and white tea to name a few.  The tea leaves come from around the globe and over 100 blends are made.  Any palate can be pleased by one of these unique infusions, even if you aren’t a tea drinker.  Ever since my sister gave it to me for Christmas, I’ve been drinking Candied Almond tea every morning.  It has a warming mixture of dried apples, cinnamon and almonds with a nutty, fruity flavor, perfect for wrapping up the holidays!  I like to end my days with tea, too.  Dessert teas like Crème Brule and Magilla Vanilla are the perfect replacement for cake or cookies (and healthier).

Regardless of the weather, I can find tea to match any mood.  The first tea I ever tried was Buscia’s Strawberry Garden, which I prefer iced.  The heartiness of the tea leaves is mellowed by an arrangement of sweet pieces of strawberry and other fruits.  If I’m looking to go classic, I’ll order the Arnold Palmer, a half-and-half tea and lemonade.

TeaLula is my go-to destination for great gifts or a treat for myself.  Plus, the health benefits associated with tea makes it guilt free, that is, unless I get a cookie or scone!  With a constantly changing and improving array of teas, TeaLula is prepared to please in any season.

Anagra Coffe and Tea $

Anagra is right across from the train tracks in Chicago’s Edison Park, nestled on the corner at 6701 N. Olmsted Street.   Though small, it is a loose environment much like Kafein.  It has stools that look out the window as well as tables to sit.  The quaint space is warm and homey.

Anagra offers the traditional espressos, coffee and teas, but what stands out are the signature drinks.  I tried the Raspberry Sweet Mocha.  Containing espresso, white chocolate, raspberry syrup and milk, I was worried it would be too strong for me.  Though sweet, I savored how the sweetness balanced the espresso.  In the end, it wasn’t overly sweet or robust.  Some cultural elements are infused with the Cafe Cubano, an espresso with raw sugar, cinnamon and steamed milk.  The hearty flavors were refreshing and jolting.  These drinks just may have me hooked on coffee for good!

Pastries and treats from the le Flour Bake Shop and Cake Studio, which also shares the location were too tempting to resist.  Aside from muffins and scones, the morning bars caught my eye.  These buttery bars were sweet and had the homemade flavor that only comes from grandma’s kitchen.  Lemon and cinnamon were available.  I’m a sucker for lemon bars and I found these fantastic.  The perfect way to finish off my piping hot beverage.

Reasonably priced with traditional favorites and new concoctions, Anagra is another great choice for coffee, tea or dessert.