Best Coffee Shop Along Chicago's 606 Trail | Ipsento 606

Ipsento 606 sits at the perfect intersection of Chicago's bike superhighway Milwaukee Avenue and the 606 Trail, making it an ideal refueling stop for urban hikers and cyclists. Located at 1813 North Milwaukee Avenue in Chicago's Bucktown neighborhood, this spacious cafe from longtime Chicago roaster Ipsento would make an outstanding stop on a sunny morning during the warmer months.

Whether you're hiking through the city or just swinging through the neighborhood, Ipsento's location and capacity make it a natural pit stop along the nearly three-mile elevated trail.

Quick Facts

📍 Location: 1813 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

⏰ Hours: 7AM - 9PM Daily

💵 Price Range: $4-7 for coffee drinks

🚗 Parking: Street parking available

📱 Website: https://www.ipsento.com

☎️ Phone: Available on website

🌟 Best For: 606 Trail access, specialty lattes, spacious seating, morning coffee stops

First Impressions & Process

Ordering at Ipsento 606 is very simple. Nothing strays too far away from the standard coffee shop experience. Head all the way to the back where you'll find the menu on the wall behind the counter. Coffee. Espresso. Tea. They also have a menu next to the register with more details on what they offer.

I would recommend checking out their menu at ipsento.com before heading in to get a heads up on what they have. The menu has the staples listed, but there's definitely more detail available and lots of great options that you may never see if you don't check it out ahead.

Once you've ordered, you can find a seat or hang out towards the end of the bar by the taps. Lids and sleeves are right there, along with drink carriers if you're supplying a crowd. There are also creamers and things near the window seating where you order. Restrooms are down the hallway if you find yourself in need.

The space feels clean, clutter-free, and open. All-white espresso machines, white quartz countertops, and white walls create a bright, airy atmosphere. An original tin ceiling, a staple of old Chicago buildings, adds character. The front and side brick walls were opened up to install massive windows, flooding the space with natural light. Large glass garage doors cut into the thick brick wall open the cafe directly to Chicago's 606 trail.

The Coffee, Tea & Treats

Coffee. Espresso. Tea. They even have beer and wine along with some cocktails, transforming from coffee shop to cocktail bar in the evening hours.

I went with the Nutella Latte the first time I stopped by Ipsento. The mugs are huge here. Although it was almost too big to lift with one hand, I always appreciate getting a real mug or cup when you're staying here rather than getting it to go. The Nutella flavor was present without being overwhelmingly sweet, letting the espresso come through.

The second trip, I tried out the Peach Blossom Tea. This was a great switch up and one of the few times I have gotten tea at a cafe. It's loose leaf, brewed to order, and they give you a full cup along with the tea press it was brewed in. The presentation and care put into the tea service was impressive.

The signature Ipsento Latte, made with honey, cayenne, and a coconut milk base, is a customer favorite that hits every taste bud with sweet, slightly spicy, and creamy notes all at once.

They have pastries, cookies, and house-made mini donuts depending on the time of day. Items do start to sell out, so get there early if you want the best options to choose from.

Seating & Space

Ipsento has a steady flow of customers and a strong ratio of folks wanting to stay in while others are grabbing a beverage for the road. Because of this, it's busy but never feels too busy, and the seating is adequate.

There are around 10 tables that seat two comfortably, along with approximately ten stools between the coffee bar and along the window. Very comfortable seating if you're lucky enough to snag a spot while you are here. Each time I've been to Ipsento I was able to find a seat, but I imagine there are times on the weekends where this place really fills up, especially during peak morning hours.

The 1,800-square-foot space is twice as large as Ipsento's original Western Avenue location, designed specifically to handle high traffic from the 606 Trail. The spacious layout means there's room to breathe even when busy.

Atmosphere & The 606 Connection

When you're at Ipsento, you have this feeling of calmness. It might be the seating, the natural light flooding through those massive windows, or even the music. It may have also been the tea. Any moment you can drink tea and listen to some Pink Floyd, you know it's going to be a great moment.

The room fills with Chicagoans meeting up with colleagues and friends, busy professionals wrapping up conference calls getting ready to order their next cortado, and urban athletes grabbing some caffeine for their cardio session along the 606. It's a funky combination of upbeat and energized while also being laid back and relaxing.

The location truly makes Ipsento 606 shine. Situated along the 606 trail, which runs nearly three miles east and west through the city from the Kennedy to Ridgeway Avenue, this spot serves as a natural gathering point. Similar to Manhattan's High Line or Paris' Promenade Plantée, the 606 transformed a disused elevated freight railway into a public walking, biking, and running path.

You can hang out inside on the comfy chairs or hop back to the trail and finish your morning cardio. The trail has a handy exit as it crosses Milwaukee Avenue, almost an invitation to pop down and visit Ipsento.

The Equipment & Capacity

Ipsento 606 has serious capacity. They have all the impressive equipment to match their ambitions. Multiple La Marzocco and Slayer espresso machines, a Modbar espresso and steam setup, and taps for a multitude of beverages. There's certainly more equipment than what's visible from the seating area. Probably well over $100,000 in coffee brewing and serving equipment, and that's just what you can see.

This joint is ready to serve the masses, which is exactly what you need when you're positioned at one of the busiest intersections of trail traffic in the city. The custom bar was designed to reduce the visibility of equipment and open up the space, creating clean sight lines throughout.

What Makes Ipsento 606 Special

Ipsento 606 represents something unique in Chicago's coffee scene. Owners Tim and Mandi Taylor took over the original Ipsento location in Bucktown in 2009 and have grown it into a homegrown Chicago destination. The 606 location allowed them to expand their vision with more space for adventure, growth, and creativity.

This location borders Park No. 567 and the 606 Trail, creating ideal traffic with people strolling the trail during summer or stopping by during park events. The space also allowed Ipsento to establish a bar program featuring local breweries and in-house crafted cocktails, transforming from coffee shop to cocktail bar as the day progresses.

The commitment to craft quality extends beyond the coffee. From the thoughtfully designed space to the house-made donuts to the carefully curated bar program, Ipsento 606 encourages everyone to delight in self-discovery and take pleasure in significant moments spent enjoying quality time.

The Verdict: Is Ipsento 606 Worth It?

Absolutely, especially if you're exploring the 606 Trail or looking for a spacious coffee shop in the Bucktown area. The location is unbeatable for trail access, the space is bright and welcoming, and the beverage options go well beyond standard coffee shop fare.

I'd particularly recommend visiting during morning hours on a sunny day when you can grab a coffee and either settle into the comfortable seating or take it to go for your walk or run along the trail. The Nutella Latte and the loose-leaf tea service both impressed, and I'm eager to try the signature Ipsento Latte on my next visit.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

🅿️ Parking & Access: Street parking available on Milwaukee Avenue. Better yet, bike or walk via the 606 Trail, which has a convenient exit right at the cafe.

⏱️ Best time to visit: Morning hours, especially on weekends, showcase Ipsento at its best when the energy is high and the trail traffic is flowing. The space transforms into a cocktail bar in the evenings with a completely different vibe.

💡 Insider tips: Check the menu online before you go to see the full range of specialty drinks. The Nutella Latte and signature Ipsento Latte are customer favorites. Arrive early if you want first pick of the house-made mini donuts. The huge windows make this an ideal spot on sunny days when natural light floods the space.

♿ Accessibility: Accessible entrance with level access from the sidewalk. Spacious interior with wide aisles.

👥 Good for groups?: The 1,800-square-foot space can accommodate groups comfortably. Multiple seating configurations work for different party sizes.

📶 Work-friendly?: Yes, with comfortable seating and good natural light. Note that laptops aren't allowed in the evening when it becomes more of a social spot.

Final Thoughts

Ipsento 606's greatest asset is its location. Positioned perfectly at the intersection of Milwaukee Avenue and the 606 Trail, it serves as a natural gathering point for Chicago's urban hikers, cyclists, and coffee lovers. The spacious, light-filled interior provides a welcoming respite whether you're mid-workout or meeting friends for conversation.

The massive investment in quality equipment shows Ipsento's commitment to serving craft coffee at scale. The Nutella Latte delivered on flavor, the loose-leaf tea service impressed with its presentation and care, and the overall beverage menu offers enough variety to bring you back multiple times.

If you find yourself hiking through the city on the 606, or just exploring the Bucktown neighborhood, Ipsento would certainly be a great pit stop to refuel. On a sunny morning during the warmer months, with the garage doors open to the trail and a quality coffee in hand, this spot captures exactly what a neighborhood cafe should be.

Looking for more Chicago coffee shop reviews? Check out my complete guide to the best cafes in Chicago and the suburbs.

I paid for these drinks myself. All opinions are my own.

Last updated: November 2025

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