The Coffee Shop Oak Park

Jose Balaguer
163 S. Oak Park Avenue

At The Coffee Shop at 163 S. Oak Park Avenue, co-owners Jose Balaguer and Ryan Klem have created a space that invites you to connect—or disconnect. Find a book from the floating shelves in the middle of the shop. Add a few pieces to the community puzzle. Bring a record from your collection and take it for a spin on one of three turntables. Challenge a stranger, or Jose himself, to a game of chess. Plunk out a few words on the vintage typewriter near the window.

The coffee connects too. Jose makes a point to ensure each coffee drink pays homage to its origin. If you order a macchiato, for example, it’s served the way it would be in Italy: espresso with a small amount of milk and a dollop of foam in a macchiato cup.

“I want to provide our client a good base to judge coffee,” Jose says. To that end, their motto has become ‘every shot, every time,’ as a reminder for the team to measure each espresso shot carefully and craft an excellent beverage. “We want each drink to be consistent. And good.”

Pop by The Coffee Shop for your favorite drink. And join Jose and team for one of their many events, including Thursday Turntable Clinics, regular chess meetups and more.