Openings: Jackalope Coffee & Tea House

By Chuck Sudo in Food on Sep 20, 2012 8:40PM

Photo credit: Chicagoist/Chuck Sudo

What’s better than one coffee house in Bridgeport? Two coffee houses in Bridgeport. (And neither of them are a Starbucks.)

Opening tomorrow is Jackalope Coffee and Tea House. Owners January Overton and John Almonte were looking to open a business in the neighborhood that helped to foster the sense of community Overton felt growing up in Bridgeport. Named after the mythical creature of North American folklore, Overton and Almonte have two rooms for seating to accommodate quieter meetups like study groups as well as livelier conversations from the neighbors. Jackalope is also zoned for music which dovetails nicely for both Overton and Almonte, who are musicians.

As for the coffee, Jackalope is starting off simple, with drip coffee from Metropolis, Rishi teas and bacon buns and other pastries from Bridgeport Bakery. “We’re not trying to imitate [nearby Bridgeport Coffee Company],” Overton said. “They’ve proven to be successful by focusing on the craft of coffee. We just want to be a good place to drink coffee.”

Overton told Time Out Chicago pour-over options will be added later, as will an expanded menu of sandwiches, soups and salads. She told Chicagoist she eventually would like to experiment with kegged coffee.

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