Caffè RōM

I really tried hard to like this place and giving it two chances to make my coffee in the mornings. I wanted to give a local business a try over the usual Starbucks. Though I appreciate it having almond milk, the coffee itself wasn’t great.
My order of large almond milk cappuccino was not up to my expectations. The cup was half foam and the coffee flavour seemed quite light. I do like a bolder flavour but it almost seemed watered down.
I eventually gave up on the 2^nd day and went to Starbucks instead. Eventually I discovered Caffe Umbria on the north side and that is seriously amazing coffee!

They make THE BEST almond milk latte I’ve ever had. The price is a bit high, but it’s worth it. This is not coffee you’ll throw out before it’s done. You will savor every last drop. Delish!

My review is based on bad service; and lest you assume that bad service should be expected at all fast food places (ant that’s what ROM is – fast food) let me first say that I am almost always impressed by the GREAT service at places like Chik-​fil-​A (a faith based restaurant); Jersey Mike’s; Noodles & Company; and Potbelly. Now, arriving at this ROM it appeared disorganized, chaotic. I approached the counter and was asked if i could be helped. I asked if they serve half sandwiches; they said yes they had a soup and sandwich combo. «Oh,» I said, «What’s the soup?» Their reply was that they were out of soup. «Could I still get a half sandwich?.» The answer was no, from the apparent manager no less. So I ordered a slice of quiche. The quiche was served half hot /​half cold. I brought the slice back to the counter and the manager took the slice back and apologized. When he brought out the quiche again – same condition; hot on one edge; warm in the middle; cold on the opposite edge. I had gone to ROM to meet a friend and was running out of time. I ate the quiche (the hot and warm parts) and recalled that years ago, my trips to other Café ROM locations were similar – not that the food was so poor, but that the service was consistently indifferent. Come on, corporate, take care of your staff, will you? Others have figured this out.

Caffe Rom has been a staple of mine since 2011. My obsession was validated by my long running Mayoral status in the days of Foursquare. Located in the Hyatt, the concept is very Italian. I’ve actually had my Italian friends confirm that the Nocciola are actually akin to the original recipe. But besides the seating, décor, and look, all resonant of Italian espresso bars, the spot is a standard afternoon retreat for professionals around the area.
As for my recommended drinks — the iced mocha is good, especially if one appreciates bold cocoa and espresso. These days, I tend to get a large iced mocha with a side small bundt cake. Either way, I’m satiated around the afternoon when I need an espresso infusion.
Once the summer kicks in, I’ll probably be swinging by to grab gelato (they have a great selection).
Caffe Rom is going to continue being my spot. Come to think of it, I might still be the mayor!

This is a good spot for coffee connoisseurs who are looking for a cut above the Starbucks and ABPs of that dot the Loop. Definitely lots of suits and corporate card users visiting the spot.
Customer service is good, the lines move pretty quickly, and prices aren’t extravagant for high quality stuff.
The mocha latte is very, very good. Deeply chocolatey and when you’re done there’s a bunch of melted chocolate goodness on the bottom.
Not as big a fan of the white chocolate latte — it was very sweet, so if you’re not one to put much sugar in your coffee drinks, beware!
Will be coming back!

A room temperature sandwich that had been sitting out unrefrigerated: $ 10, there are ample options around and when potbelly is so close and you have chipotle across the street, who needs this pretentious nonsense– the sandwich wasn’t even good. Disappointing, won’t be back.

I love this place. I usually get a cappuccino or a latte when I go, and they’re always delicious. They’re very smooth, and many times I forego sugar. I haven’t tried anything but coffee from their menus, but one days I’ll have to try one of their sandwiches or the gelato. My only complaint is that the music can be a little loud. Other than that, I would definitely recommend this place as somewhere to get away from work for a little while.

Tip: Get here early if you can. At around 7 in the morning, there’s no one in line which is a magical moment. Any time after, it seems to always be crazy busy.
I’m trying to cut down on caffeine so the days that I do drink coffee, it’ll actually perks me up. It’s almost 9 hours after I had my cappuccino from ROM and I still feel like I could run around outside. Usain Bolt ain’t got nothing on Lily F. after some espresso and steamed milk! Rawr! Oh yeah, the drink was the perfect temperature and extremely smooth, if that makes any sense. Seriously, I think I can feel colors and see sounds right now.

I just spent $ 10 for a large latte and a small yogurt parfait. Not exactly a good bang for your buck but I am enjoying it. Cool modern atmosphere with lovely classical music playing now. Given the nice atmosphere, the prices seem more justifiable if you stay to enjoy (rather than do takeout). I also like their quiche and their drip coffee (which is strong). The scones always look good but i find them exceptionally dry.

Extra smooth espresso drinks, great ambiance, free wifi and a clean bathroom (single stall), really what more can you ask for? There’s a handful of prepared pastries/​cakes/​muffins — the carrot muffin was a little dry but was a nice serving size to pair with a medium drink.

I’ve been a loyal Caffe RoM customer for several years and up until about 6 months ago, would have given the business a 5-​star review. Unfortunately, things have changed.
The decline began slowly enough when Bizarri blend disappeared from the menu. As it was, this higher-​priced variety was only offered every other week until around 10:00 am. A series of new coffees have been introduced each seemingly worse than the last. I can only surmise that the new blends are less expensive. At the same time, the cost of a large coffee has risen nearly $ 0.50 to $ 2.98. The cool lid that prevented spills was recently replaced by one that seemingly promotes them.
The store manager left in the late spring. I’m not sure who replaced him, but whoever she is clearly doesn’t have a handle on staffing. Wait times are through the roof. With 20 people lined up in the morning, frequently only one person is working a cash register sending orders to a single barista. Don’t get me wrong — — the workers are all cool and personable. They just need someone in charge. On many days, a food or milk delivery will occur during the morning rush taking employees off the line. The milk/​cream dispensers need to remarked so you can actually tell which each contains.
The sandwiches are tasty, although the pastries are nothing to write home about. Gelato seems to be a favorite with many afternoon customers although I can’t attest to the quality. All are pretty expensive (a $ 5.00 cup of yogurt and fruit ?). What I can state, however, is that unless things turn around, I’ll be forced to start looking long and hard at the — God forbid — Starbucks down the block.

Pretty cute place with decent seating, modern décor and a very clean and functional bathroom. It’s pricy (it’s near the Sears/​Willis Tower), and when I went they didn’t have the mango drink that I wanted (sad face). But it was in a good location and had plenty of options.

Great lattes and they actually have whole milk. Service is decently fast for quality lattes. Everyone has been very friendly; they remember my name.
I’ve not ordered food here, but it seems pretty expensive.
I’d stick with the coffee and maybe the pastries.

Medium cup, ice, coffee, with a splash of hazelnut flavor = $ 5.86! For what? You would think this amount of money would equipt the staff with listening skills, as in ‘room for cream, please’, or perhaps a SMILE. Never again, Caffe RoM.

Great ice creams but too loud!

Starbucks runs the Financial District like a drug cartel, and Caffe Rom is the new kid in town that is quickly advancing in the ranks and confusing the hell out of the incumbents by being slightly smarter and more creative than they are.
I consider this the only good place to get a cup of coffee in the financial district. Their Chai Tea Latte is out of this world.
They do catering too!

Wow, how have I never spotted this place? Popped in here before an interview for some good luck and a raspberry Frullati. Delicious smoothie. Fantastic décor, sleek, Italian and modern. I hope to come back every morning.

Have had some good lunch meals here. Last time very disappointed as my iced coffee drink (portofino) was not filled to top. It was the past two times. Not sure if I will go back. See pic posted.

It’s in my building so I decided to give it a go instead of trudging out into the cold down the street to the starbucks and I was immediately rewarded. Prior to writing this review I would say I’ve now gone on average twice a day during the week as I work there, but i pretty much order the same things so this is sort of limited. First the customer service. Outstanding. I think I’d been there three times before they started calling me by my name without me even saying a word (cue the the Cheers theme song). I usually order the latte. It’s always very well prepared, not overly foamy and even with the skim milk always manages to taste very full and rich.
Then I made a mistake (at least for my waist) and tried their ever so delicious and decadent brownies. Seriously, it’s amazing. You may want to avoid if you are easily addicted to moist chocolate treats. Sooo Good. I love when I find a place that allows me to avoid Starbucks. Caffee Rom is it for me.

Now I understand why my friends prefer this place over a much closer Starbucks. They put strong espresso in your latte. And Lattes are cheaper.
i followed my friends’ suggestion to stop by after lunch to get my dessert and latte. Wow, such a modern and bright place. The staff were very helpful and I was impressed that anyone of them was not making coffee came over to help the next customer in line to save up the time.
The latte was stronger than what I usually have. I was kind of hyper for the whole afternoon. The taste was smooth and silky. I was in love with Pistachio Gelato, creamy with just right texture.
Yep, it is definitely worth the extra steps to here.