A cup of comfort
Neighborhood coffeehouses offer a shot of warmth in a cold world
By Judy Hevrdejs, Tribune staff reporter
Published January 16, 2004

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Julius Meinl,
3601 N. Southport Ave.
773-868-1857

A bit of Europe is transported to the corner of Addison and Southport every time bags of roasted-in-Vienna coffee arrive and each time coffee is delivered to one of the tables on a silver tray, a small spoon balanced atop a glass of water. Meinl, the only such coffeehouse in America, has a healthy pedigree: Julius Meinl began roasting coffee in Vienna in 1862.

"We do say Julius Meinl is probably the best coffee in the world," said Natalie Berg, a manager.

These days, the aroma of that coffee fills a room that echoes Vienna in its decor.

Settle in and order the topfenstrudel (an ethereal cheese strudel we adore at $4.50 a slice) or the apfelstrudel ($4.50) or dobos torte ($4), breaking through its caramel shell for the chocolate butter cream treasure.
Salads, sandwiches and teas fill out the menu, with an Austrian breakfast (soft poached egg, ham cheese and toast) also available.

House music: Classical music; a classical duo or jazz group is often scheduled Thursdays and Saturday nights.

Small coffee: $1.50 Small cappuccino: $2.50

Copyright © 2004, Chicago Tribune