Tis the season for flavorful brews

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For almost a decade now I have held true to my denouncement of Starbucks horrid PSL. It used to be a seasonal tradition. The red cups came out and the wind got chilly and off I’d go for my sugary spiced treat. But either my tastebuds matured or Starbucks went downhill because for five years straight, I’d go for my once a year splurge and end up tossing it post two sips in the trash. They became over sweetened, lacking of any spice, and honestly was there any coffee. I’d swear I’d gotten a new barista. Maybe I’d gone on a too busy day and my order became a misfire. After five times it was clear these weren’t mistakes. I was just making excuses for grossness. I made my own at home versions for years and then decided to embark back onto my search for the best spice forward coffees. I found them for you. Just in time to give yourself a little treat before embarking on what will notably be the worst time in America to sit down with your extended family. Close your eyes, your ears, and take a sip of serenity via cinnamon, cream and caffeine. 

Smack Dab

In Rogers Park there is one place that every RP local will tell you is the best for breakfast sandwiches and good vibes. That place is Smack Dab. With rotating flavors of donuts, a huge focus on local and a deep interest in supporting and giving back to their community, Smack Dab is one of those special businesses that makes you feel good in many ways while spending money. The coffee gets the same attention to detail as the baked items and is filled with goodness that is locally sourced and created. My favorite flavor of the season is the Native Maple Latte that will make you thankful for trees and their magic nectar more than you ever thought possible.

Fat Miilk's Egg Coffee. Photo courtesy of Fat Miilk.

Fat Miilk

You will instantly feel very cool for knowing about Fat Miilk and even cooler when you walk inside. Dark and minimalist, only in the decor, Fat Miilk serves Vietnamese Coffee in the heart of Uptown on Argyle. Smooth and strong, this will become your new go-to when it comes to the perfect pour post night out. After enduring many bottles of wine and many horrific comments from your in-laws, Fat Miilk’s Egg Coffee will put you back in your warm and cozy place. With notes of biscoff cookies, you can get the egg coffee or top a chai with the egg foam and instantly your cortisol levels will thank you. 

Bad Coffee's Pumpkin Foam Cold Brew. Photo courtesy of Bad Coffee's Instagram.

Bad Coffee

Everyone loves an alley find and Bad Coffee tops the list even with a vintage chair free of bed bugs and doughnut shops fighting for rankings. Hidden in an alley in Ravenswood amongst breweries and artist lofts, Bad Coffee offers way better coffee than they advertise. Walk up to the piano bar and order the Pumpkin Foam Cold Brew. A pungent cold brew is topped with the creamiest foam you will ever encounter and doused with cinnamon. Every sip bathes your senses in the season and you leave happy that you bypassed a Starbies for a much better brew. 

Caroline Huftalen

Caroline L. Huftalen is the food editor at Third Coast Review and columnist behind Dear Cinnamon. Her reviews and interviews can also be seen on BuskingAtTheSeams.com. Huftalen is the founder of Survivors Project, Inc. which raises awareness for domestic violence by sharing stories of survival. A graduate of the University at Buffalo and the Savannah College of Art of Design. Huftalen lives in Chicago with her family and is currently writing a novel.