The Mug Coffee

The neon sign in the window that can be seen from Golf Road still says «Coffee Planet.» Although this business has been here about six months, they haven’t changed that sign yet. (Nor did the old owners take it – I would totally have hung it in my basement!) They have a drive-​thru. The parking lot is a one way lot, so be careful turning in. I’m sure this is to accommodate the drive thru. The interior is a wide rectangular space, with windows on two sides since it is a corner unit. They had the fireplace going during our wintertime visit. There were many folks here working, and a cozy atmosphere prevailed. The server who helped us took a decent time to make our drinks. She may have dealt with the drive thru in the meantime – I didn’t really pay attention. We tried two of the gluten-​free snacks, which come from a bakery owned by the wife of one of the coffee shop owners. Although these were tasty, they were also not priced on the packaging, and I was a bit surprised when our total was rung up (I eat these kind of things all over the country, and still had a bit of sticker shock). Our drinks were the honey lavender latte and a toasted marshmallow latte. The barista very nicely gave us a sample of the lavender syrup to smell. I’ve had this before, but nowhere around here, and it was a nice gesture. The marshmallow one was scary sweet. We hung out for a while and enjoyed our beverages and snacks. If you are looking for a non-​chain coffee experience and are in the greater Woodfield area, here is your place.

A damn fine Vanilla Macadamia Iced Coffee, only complaint is that I wish the large was bigger than the other store’s small. Otherwise delicious cup of Ice Joe, well balanced, flavorful and quite satisfying.

Nice and clean place to work and study with free wifi. It has lots of variety of seating– regular table, high chair, and sofa.
Coffee is from Metropolis. I liked it, but a little bit too acidity in it. Cranberry scone was always delicious :)
I was expecting more for a latte like one from Metropolis, but it wasn’t. It was one of any kinds. I also over expected for toasted marshmallow latte. It was just like caramel latte. I wish I could see a toasted marshmallow on it and enjoy steering it. It needs more outstanding presentation to get an attention from people.
I like there are always available seats, but I guess it means nothing really special here. This place is for me is an alternative to Starbucks.

It’s good place to study, also the people are very nice. I prefer to have latte with the muffin.

had the white lavender chocolate mocha and toasted marshmallow latte. both drinks were pretty good. love the choice of music and atmosphere here. it was nice to study here. free wiifi, bonus. the staff were also very friendly.

I used to come to this place when it was called coffee planet and was surprised when I saw it renamed as the mug coffee. However, the cashier was very friendly and explained everything. The service is still great and blueberry tea is my favorite. Although I really liked the last owner, I have no complaints for the new team and I’m just glad this place is back in business. Wish you all the success!

I was really hoping to hit up The Mug and enjoy it as much as I did when it was Coffee Planet. But not so much. It’s not that The Mug was bad, it was just ok, especially in comparison with Coffee Planet. I will say, though, that even without the comparison, I would still give 3 stars to The Mug. Allow me to break it down…
The interior:
–Everything is still set up a la Coffee Planet. A nice variety of seating options (chairs, table, high boys)
–Coffee bar in the back of the building which allows a bit more quiet near the front and tables
–Two clean restrooms for patrons
–The playlist was perfect for some quiet work time
–Solid and free Wi-​Fi
The staff:
–The man behind the counter wasn’t the most friendly or speedy. Granted, there was only one guy managing counter and drive thru orders, so I’m thinking he could have used a hand.
Offerings:
–This is where I really see the most room for improvement. While they have some cool local (gluten free) food stuffs, the face that they only have 2 – 3 options for breakfast with zero customization is a let down. My breakfast sandwich (croissant, egg patty, turkey sausage, and swiss cheese) was a let down. The egg was reminiscent of a dry sponge while the rest of the components were fine but unremarkable. How about some different cheese options? Or protein? Or breads?
–My green tea latte was solid, though, so ups for a well-​made latte. I will note, however, that a latte (in a large mug) is $ 5.25. That seems pretty high, IMO.
I’m not running back to The Mug any time soon but I would like to return to give it another go!!!

Avoid this place at all cost. My gf and I ordered 2 frappes 1 reeses 1 nutella. Worst frappé weve ever had, ever… could not taste any coffee or reeses or nutella flavor. It wasnt even a frappé tasted like a melted watered down shake right after being made. About half way through maybe less all that was left was flavorless shaved ice… ridiculous. $ 5.25 each for this sh*t…never again. Pictures below.

The coffee tasted great and the one man server did his best given the conditions of not having anyone working with him. the place was clean with a few nice couches and overall this is a good coffee experience independent from the domination of a Starbucks. The menu and coffee choices seem adequate and is good to see variety in some of these strip malls around chicagoland. No matter what the name of this place I am just glad it is not starting with an S and ending with one.

The Mug Coffee is Coffee Planet. I was completely puzzled when I looked up Coffee Planet and saw it labeled «CLOSED,» yet my friends went there only a day earlier. It’s not closed, they just haven’t changed the logo yet.
Coffee is as good as before. My cappuccino was very yummy, and I like the ambiance inside. Pastries are good, too. It does look like management changed, and they’re all very nice.
Zero complaints. Will be back, as usual.

Love love love their green tea lattes (much better than the previous owner/​café). Love the Italian sodas, which are rarely available in the ‘burbs (except perhaps River Forest or Elmwood Park). The pastries could be better. The previous owner/​café had really great scones and almond croissant which would be a nice addition here. This café is really clean and the staff is very, very nice. Recommend supporting this local, independent café.

Aww. What in the world happened?
I decided to come here because I hadn’t been to Coffee Planet in a while, and I remember their fun, extensive menu. So I drive there, and see the big signs that say «Coffee Planet» on the building and on the marquee. «This is going to be so great,» I thought. Then I walk inside, and notice the very limited menu: just a few flavors for frappes, a couple of espresso beverages, and 2 seasonal drinks. And there were far fewer pastries than I remember. «Hmm. Alright,» I think to myself. The barista was very friendly with me, and took my order of a Nutella frappé. As he is making my drink, I notice a flier for an open mic night at a place called «The Mug.» «The Mug?» I think, «Why would Coffee Planet advertise for a competitor?» Then I take a closer look around, including the bulletin board, which happens to say «The Mug.» And my heart sinks a little, because I was really looking forward to Coffee Planet. Oh, well, I’m sure this drink will be just as good.
Well…not exactly. It wasn’t disgusting, by any means. But the coffee was extremely bitter, even with the sweet Nutella flavoring. It gave me an awful headache.
The Mug isn’t terrible, and I would give them another chance in the future, now that I know what to expect. But I’m also bummed, because I miss Coffee Planet.

In terms of quality coffee this place has not changed. Basically the new owner just took it over and changes nothing other than the menu, the coffee itself is still exactly the same and he will not succeed with that if he does not change some things.
Let’s first start with a fundamental problem. His beans. I told the last owner to get rid of Metropolis. He did not listen and told me he was under contract for a year with Metropolis. First bad move, lock yourself into a brand you think is good but really isn’t. I know good coffee shops who do not roast their own beans and try different brands throughout the year.
Zoom forward to now. New owner, same espresso machine. Same beans. I told the current dude not to continue using beans from metropolis roasters. He is not also listening. LISTEN TO YOUR CUSTOMERS. especially hard core coffee drinkers like me who come into your store to give you invaluable feedback because chances are if you listen and change you avg drinkers will also start to notice a diff and realize that there can be better coffee brewed once they start to also taste good beans… because Those beans from Metropolis are horrible contrary to what people think… and shows your lack for researching or being aware of anything outside of the typical brands. I told him if you think those beans are good try Dark Matter or I Have a Bean because I said those are not good beans you have now and you don’t even realize it which shows his lack of coffee experience. My wife even told me herself and colleagues at Komatsu all think the coffee there is not that good… the previous owner and the new so LISTEN UP. I am trying to help you succeed!!! I want you to succeed because I want Starbucks to have competition. The fact that there is a Starbucks in the same parking lot as you should make you want to listen up even.
Sorry to tell you Benjamin (another reviewer), Metropolis is far from «premium coffee». You must only know of metropolis like the owner.
I guess he is not going to listen to true coffee drinkers so I doubt he will have any more success than the previous owner. Cut your contract with metropolis short and get rid of metropolis beans and then watch your business soar with beans from good roasters (and no I don’t mean intelligentsia, there are far better roasters now in Chicago than the default assumption that intelligentsia is the best which they are not).
Both owners did not know how to calibrate their espresso machines either. The shots come out way too light and not very rich with flavor. The reason for this is lack of understanding and experience pulling espresso shots and working with and calibrating the machine to the beans, and also again bean quality. Both things are lacking so the drinks are not great.
Maybe you will read this and listen to my advice? I own a Rancilio Silvia and it makes 10x better coffee at home and that is because I use good beans and know how to setup my espresso machine and pull properly.
Oh and no nutmeg for me to shake on top of mocha at the condiments table. Another shops both owners have no idea about coffee. Good sips know that having nutmeg is a staple for some hard core coffee drinkers and to have that along with the cinnamon and chocolate powder.
Next time if I come in (you know who I am because I suggested Dark Matter to you) and you want some advice on how to improve I will even help you calibrate your machine properly. If you know me to help you and change those cranky beans, I guarantee you, you will stay in business. It’s the taste of the coffee that will keep you in business. Looks at Fiore Coffee in Arlington Heights. His shop is nothing spectacular in terms of atmosphere but he makes damn good mochas and that is why he has been in business so long regardless of the fact that there are 2 big coffee chains right across the street from Fiore!
If you think you will succeed the way you are going and that avg coffee drinkers won’t notice the diff if you switch beans think again. They will. Look at the reviews on Fiore. People notice if you can pull great coffee or not! Don’t be naïve and think you are perfect and do no wrong. You have a lot of room for improvement… critical for you to stay in business.
I was once going to open a coffee shop but my wife wasn’t willing to takes risks. while I am a risk taker. So current owner if you do not know coffee you definitely shouldn’t be trying to make a living in running a coffee shop!
Heed my advice pal. Humble yourself and contact me. I just private messaged you with my contact info. I am willing to come help you improve free of charge. I might even sound cocky in this review but it’s because I know what I am doing and want to help you succeed!
It’s your beans AND lack of knowledge in how to pull shots as well as calibrate and maintain and tweak your Machine. I will even teach you how to do Latte art if you want! Wow your customers even mor

I have been here twice now, love the hot chocolate they make and also their coffee is great! Great ambiance to the place… Fireplace adds a lot

This was my 1^st time in for a cup of coffee. The place is very well decorated with plenty of seating to work or just chill and hang out. The menu of flavored coffee is huge and many cool/​unique combos like a Reese’s Latte. That what I had and it was awesome! The baristas were very cool and we talked about cars for a bit, that normally doesn’t happen in coffee shops LOL. This place is not on my way to work or home but I’ll travel out of my way to visit next time. Thanks to the staff for being cool and the coffee for being awesome!

This place is the most confusing place I’ve been! The coffee is inconsistent, as they serve Metropolis which is a premium coffee, however they must not know how to work their machine because it tastes burnt and not right (latte that is). I visit a place in Palatine which serves Metropolis coffee so I know what it’s supposed to taste like.
The drip coffee is never hot, it’s luke warm at best.
They have some baked goods which are never fresh so I don’t know why I ever bothered.
I’ve now gone 3 times since the 4^th change or however many times it’s been, and I will not return. The baristas are not friendly, well one was but I haven’t seen her the last couple times.
It still says Coffee Planet, yet as the mug on the wall which doesn’t even look right.
Well, as much as I love small businesses, I just can’t support one who serves their customers crap. If I wanted crap I’d go down the street to starbucks which I hate.

Coffee Planet’s art mural on the side wall outside has been replaced with a giant logo of The Mug. I’m glad the art mural is gone because I didn’t think it looked classy. But the logo of The Mug that is now on the side wall is not exactly a great look. It looks kind of awkward because the unenclosed circle that comprises the logo is poorly drawn on the side wall and looks crooked. Also, for some reason the «Coffee Planet» sign is still displayed in front of the shop. Thus, the Mug logo is displayed on the side wall while the «Coffee Planet» sign is displayed in front, which may confuse customers.
I ordered tea. The barista gave me a tea packet (by the brand Rishi) and a mug of hot water. The mug must not have been double-​wall insulated because it was so hot to the touch I was concerned that I would not be able to hold onto the mug long enough to bring it to the table and I would drop it. Fortunately, I managed to bring the mug to the table without blistering my fingers and hand.

Glad it reopened.
Decent Chai Tea Latte, not that cozy antmore, though, the ambience is about the same.
Their open mic poetry night is phenomenal.

I mourned the loss of the former business, Coffee Planet, but was glad that a local business took over the space. I like to support local coffeehouses as much as possible, so I figured I’d give this place a shot.
I hate to admit it, but it was *so hard* not to compare The Mug Coffee to Coffee Planet. In fact, the signs outside (save for the big mural painted on the now defunct drive-​thru) and on the big sign by the street advertising the businesses in the shopping complex *still* say Coffee Planet on them. I think management really needs to replace that since people may get confused and still think it is Coffee Planet.
The drive thru now has a small set-​up of outdoor tables and chairs. There was a sign up saying that outdoor seating is to come, so I’m assuming that they are planning to renovate that area to include an outdoor seating area. The sign didn’t say when the work would be completed, but with winter coming (boo!) I don’t know how much longer they will have outdoor seating available. The mural now features a simple and toned down design.
The menu has been trimmed down considerably, and I was bummed out not to see the white lavender mocha on the menu. They do brew Metropolis Coffee and they serve Rishi tea, which is a plus. Coffee Planet used to have several specialty coffee drinks on their menu in addition to the white lavender mocha. The only specialty drink featured at The Mug Coffee is the pumpkin spice latte.
After debating between the chai tea latte and the pumpkin spice, I decided to order the pumpkin spice latte. I asked for a small with soy milk. The barista told me that he could only make it in a medium. Why?! I’m still sore about that, but whatever. I didn’t want to drink that much caffeine so I ordered a chai tea latte instead.
It was pretty good, and I’d recommend getting it if you like your chai spicy. I found it spicier than chai tea lattes that I’ve had elsewhere (the big chain and Argo Tea). I also give kudos to the barista for asking if I wanted it with soy milk. My fiancé ordered a double espresso, which he enjoyed. They pull their shots in twos so you cannot order a triple. Two or four only!
I took a look at their pastry case and noticed that most of their options were gluten free and made by HappyAllyson Bakery. They carried the standard selection — muffins, coffeecakes, cookies, rice krispy treats. I found it interesting that they only had gluten free treats. That’s nice that they cater to people with sensitivity to gluten, but it’d be nice to see non-​gluten products in the cases. They also have salads in mason jars in case you want something healthier to go along with your beverage. Lastly, they serve Italian sodas, which is different.
Total for our order was $ 7.77, which is comparable to what we’d spend at Starbucks, though my fiancé gets a triple espresso there, but no big deal.
In terms of their beverage game, I think they can up it by offering pour overs. I didn’t see that on the menu. Also, they can up their tea game and brew actual tea instead of serving it to customers in bags. Price wise, it seemed fair and comparable to the big chain down the street. No complaints on price.
It was very quiet when we came in around 12:30. There were two women studying. To me, the ambiance left a lot to be desired. The former location had a warm and homey feel to it with art from local artists on the walls. I didn’t notice anything on the walls save for a chalkboard toward the area where you order where customers had written things. I did like the little images of Metropolis Coffee.
Another small chalkboard by the sugar & cream station had the information about their free Wi-​Fi. I was able to connect right away and it worked well. They also have an area where you can dump out your drink separately from putting it with the rest of the trash. That feature was really cool.
I appreciate a local business trying to compete with the big dog, but I think The Mug Coffee needs to establish a stronger identity that will separate it from the competitor. Granted, they are a newer business, so hopefully they can stick around for a while. To me, the ‘burbs severely lack good quality local coffee places. I personally just didn’t see anything that made it stand out.
Also, they open a lot later than the big chain — 8:30 on the weekdays and 10:00 am on weekends. Open earlier? People like to drink coffee in the morning and I feel like they could get some good business in during those hours. Also, maybe nix the patio seating and keep the drive thru? Put the patio seating in the front of the shop instead?
Overall, the beverages were solid, but the experience fell flat. I’d gladly give it another try if I was in the area, but right now, I wouldn’t make a special trip for it.

White lavender mocha ($ 4.45 small 12oz) — pass. I like supporting local businesses, but service was whatever here and prices were more expensive than Starbucks.