Conscious Cup Coffee Roasters

This is not a coffee blog, but this is a post about coffee. Every now and then we need to blow off some steam and recharge. Here and there are some choice destinations to keep us on track. All serve fresh-roasted coffee and panini.

Our next stop is Cary, one of several locations of Conscious Cup Coffee Roasters.

Or should I announce it like a real conductor:

“><TH- N-X- GAH ZZZ…CRHGHY!!!><”

Scroll down to see more photos and read more about Conscious Cup Coffee Roasters.

“Tastes like springtime in a cup—fresh, fragrant, and bright!”

Spring hadn’t sprung, but the memory foam of our minds was bouncing back with the anticipation of springtime. We wanted to see green—not dumped in the river, but plated as a feast for the senses. We embarked to take the chill off the morning, and even get a little nutty.

Lisa and I wanted a slow morning with a hot cuppa in a one-off, mom-and-pop. If you’re picking up what I’m putting down, then you know we weren’t in the mood for more timeworn gentrification from Seattle. We thought we found the one…until we found another. Then it was a matter of which. Ultimately it came down to the cool, and the first: an historic building, and the main roastery. We left the house for the cool wedge-shaped building in downtown Cary near the Metra line.

We found ourselves a nice high table right by the window through which we could see the train station, just steps ahead of the big blue letters that spelled CARY. Lisa ordered a Salted Caramel Latte and a Classic Bacon Panini. “Velvety smooth with a mellow coffee richness!” and “Thick-cut bacon takes the chill off the morning!” I wanted the Nitro Cold Brew and Salmon King Panini. “Robust and bold like a Guinness!” and “Nice portion of fresh smoked salmon—perfect for the busy commuter traveling downtown!” Everything was served fast and fresh, dine-in mug or glass, or on white ware. We savored the morning n-i-c-e…and…s-l-o-w since we were in no h/u/r/r/y to catch the express on a Sunday.

“Smooth with a nice touch of honey!”

The commuter vibe definitely resonated at the Cary location. After taking home some swag and bagged beans, we wanted to try the main location in Crystal Lake. This was the home of their bright red Primo machine, the epicenter of their roastery.

Lisa, my mom, and I rolled in through the door on a wave of morning travelers, this time just steps from bustling Northwest Highway. Everyone was in a hurry to be some place; but, for us, this was the place. After some initial excitement and confusion, we broke away from the hubbub and found a quiet table next to Il Primo. Saturday must have been the roaster’s day off.

My mom chose the Sweet Honey Bee Latte and Amarillo Chipotle Panini. “Smooth with a nice touch of honey!” and “Two eggs with thick bacon, and just the right amount of smoke!” Lisa decided on the Vanilla Rose Matcha Latte, the Classic Ham Panini, and we shared the Savory Scone. “Tastes like springtime in a cup—fresh, fragrant, and bright!” and “Every bite is enjoyable and satisfying!” and “Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside with fresh greens and tender ham!” I was set on the Nutty Irishman Latte and the Vegi’cado Panini. “This fresh take on Irish coffee feels like St. Patrick’s Day!” and “A garden medley of flavors and textures for all the senses!” I wanted green, even if it wasn’t yet St. Patrick’s Day. The seasonal drinks were not to be missed, and the panini the second time around were smash hits with everyone.

“A garden medley of flavors and textures for all the senses!”

Lisa and I have frequented one of their other locations in Libertyville on Milwaukee Avenue several times. There they serve piping hot Breakfast Tacos. It might be time to pull the string and make an unscheduled stop on Restaurant Row. I can almost smell the tomatillo.

Why would you peel out of a beaten drive-thru lane to take the time to slow down and stop at Conscious Cup? Because you can stop and smell the tulips. Rediscover slow mornings. Feel the weekend vibe even if it isn’t. Admire the latte art in your mug. Lose yourself watching the nitro bubbles twirl in your glass. Go from unconscious to conscious. Wake up and taste the notes. It isn’t spring outside, but it’s springtime inside. Bounce back at the Cup.

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To learn more and plan your visit to Conscious Cup Coffee Roasters, click Conscious Cup Coffee Roasters

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