The Understudy Coffee and Books

"I hosted our engagement party at The Understudy on a Friday evening in October for around 40 people, and I genuinely could not have asked for a better experience. From the start, Jett was incredible. They helped schedule the event and functionally served as our day-of coordinator, making everything feel seamless and calm. Jett went above and beyond all night, checking in, clearing empty plates, and making sure the space flowed well. Truly the kind of person who elevates an entire event. They helped us create exactly the vibe we wanted. Warm, intimate, and celebratory. They brought out candles to fill the space beautifully and let us play our own playlist, which made the night feel personal and intentional. We were also graciously allowed to stay past our original end time, which meant we could enjoy the evening without feeling rushed. Having bartenders for the entire event made such a difference. Ander helped develop our batch-made signature cocktails, a spicy margarita and a coconut gold rush, and they were outstanding. So good, in fact, that I’m now seriously considering having them recreated at our wedding. They also created a sign outside for our event, which was such a thoughtful touch. Honestly, the whole night felt cared for. I’m already looking for excuses to host future events here because the team, the space, and the experience were that good. Highly, highly recommend."

"This is one of my favorite coffee shops. I love how it’s paired with a bookstore — good coffee, tasty pastries, and a great selection of books all in one place. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a good read with a fragrant cup of coffee in the heart of Andersonville."

"Wanted to check out some bookstores in the area and this cafe/bookstore duo is a must to stop by in this fun area of Chicago. The iced ube latte was so delicious and the curated book finds with notes from staff were fun to sift through. The seats and tables are a little on the smaller side but they make do with the space they have."