Jackalope Coffee And Tea Enters Terrible Twos With A Block Party

By Chuck Sudo in Food on Oct 7, 2014 9:50PM

Photo credit: Chuck Sudo/Chicagoist

In two short years Jackalope Coffee & Tea House has grown to become one of the most popular, and best, coffeehouses in Chicago, founded on a combination of rock ‘n roll DIY aesthetic and not taking themselves seriously except when it comes to what matters most: coffee and tea.

But even the nonchalant make changes now and then and as Jackalope enters their third year of existence they’re in the process of changing coffee vendors from Metropolis to Counter Culture. Jackalope co-owner January Overton said a variety of factors played into the decision. Ultimately, she feels Counter Culture is the vendor to help Jackalope grow even larger moving forward.

To celebrate, Overton and husband/co-owner John Almonte secured a street permit and are throwing a party from noon until 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11. Counter Culture reps will be on hand doing pour over demonstrations and offering samples of the beans that will be available at Jackalope in the next week or so. There will also be free food and apple cider, as this is autumn, as well as gift bags for customers with dogs from Barks ‘n Bites.

The Jackalope crew has set up some live music and performance throughout the day, as well. The Hamburglars will perform from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m., followed by The Space Age Lounge Combo from 3 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. Psychic Carla Starla will offer free psychic readings from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m., and the Fido to Go food truck will be on hand from 2:10 p.m. until 3:10 p.m. selling gourmet doggie treats. As if that weren’t enough, a mini-bazaar will be set up featuring art, craft, jewelry and record vendors hawking their wares.

Jackalope Coffee & Tea is located at 755 W. 32nd St.