good ambler
216 N Peoria, chicago, il 60607
My first trip to Good Ambler over four months ago was a bit of a metaphorical slap in the face. The space is absolutely beautiful and well planned in the first floor of a Fulton Market building that is Mondelez’ headquarters here in Chicago. Street side it has the hip urban vibe you expect in this neighborhood and a stunning mural as you enter. The first time I visited, the coffee was quite lucious but the experience was less than stellar. Alas, as Gregory Alan Isakov sings, “if it weren’t for second chances we’d all be alone”. Thus, I recently went back and unfortunately cemented my feeling that it is a coffee shop that serves beyond good coffee with a great vibe, but drops of goodness are not being served.
Coffee:
Their roaster of choice is Four Letter Word Coffee (4lwcoffee.com). The drip I had along with the espresso was simply one of the best coffees I have had in a while. The counter person and barista did not know the origin of the coffee, but it was silky with a nougat aftertaste. It was glorious. The person I met took one sip of their cappuccino and smiled. I love that reaction.
Barista:
My two experiences/interactions with the baristas were troubling. The first time I went, my companion ordered a cortado which they put in a “to go” cup when they have really nice Gibraltar glasses readily available. He requested it in a glass and the barista angrily poured the to go cup into the Gibraltar. My coffee was half filled and I requested a fill and was treated fairly rudely. My most recent visit unfortunately cemented this first impression as when I walked in, the person I was meeting was next to the register. There were not any other people waiting but when we talked just a little too long, the person at the register not so kindly asked us to move aside until we were ready to order. The service staff did not smile nor seem engaged to any questions surrounding the coffee or options for food. I am unsure if the fact that Mondelez being in the building creates demands on the coffee shop that are above and beyond a retail establishment, but it’s not a good look to be treated with a little bit of disdain. One of the employees of Mondelez who was waiting for their coffee even remarked that “I know it’s coming, but I am never ready for it”.
Vibe:
An extremely intentional seating array with a banquet, bar seating and lounge seating with an ample supply of each. The music is tastefully done as a non inhibiter to studying or conversation. It mixes well with the vibe. The noise could be a factor given the architectural loft feel, but I think it would only be distracting if the Ambler was full. Not tons of outlets but certainly enough to plop down and work for awhile. A word of caution that it is carryout only from 11:00-1:00 as I think this is due to Mondelez’ need for lunch or meeting space.
Make You Better
One of my favorite coffee shop owners proclaimed once to me, “Our baristas have the opportunity to change the arc of somebody’s day and it should be a positive arc.” Unfortunately, I have left the Good Ambler twice now with a negative feeling even though the coffee is absolutely worth the experience. Maybe better training on the customer experience from management? The baked goods proclaim sweet and savory items, but upon asking about the savory options at 7:30 we were told the savory option is not available until 8:00. The items we shared (coffee cake and blueberry muffin) were dry and cold, with no option to heat them up. It was almost as if they were using yesterday’s bakery. Maybe the selections become better as the savory options are set out, but we were unimpressed.
Ever seeking the coffee trifecta of great coffee, good vibes and a welcoming barista…..Matt