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Black Fodder Coffee in Illinois

A warm coffee shop and espresso bar offering a relaxed atmosphere and mobile catering in River Forest, IL. Affordable prices from $1 to $10.

4.8 277 reviews $1–10 Coffee Shop American · Southern

349 Ashland Ave, River Forest, IL 60305, United States

FoodPlacee Passport United States · Illinois · 3587
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Black Fodder Coffee

River Forest, Illinois, USA

Rating★ 4.8 / 5
Price$1–10
CategoryCoffee Shop
Today 07:30 AM - 05:00 PM

Overview

About This Food Place

Black Fodder Coffee is a cozy and trendy coffee shop nestled in the heart of River Forest, IL. Renowned for its exceptional specialty coffee and espresso bar, this inviting spot offers a carefully curated selection of organic dishes, comfort food, and healthy options to satisfy all tastes. With a casual atmosphere and free Wi-Fi, Black Fodder Coffee makes an ideal destination for college students, families, and tourists alike.

Offering a range of services including outdoor seating, takeout, delivery, and mobile catering, guests can enjoy everything from a quick bite to a leisurely brunch. With an emphasis on great coffee, tea, and live performances, it serves as a warm and welcoming neighborhood hub. Its accessible facilities and family-friendly environment make each visit pleasant and convenient.

Gallery

Photos from Black Fodder Coffee

Real shots of the food, atmosphere, and signature dishes at this location.

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Local favorites

Why People Come Here

Black Fodder Coffee offers an inviting space with exceptional coffee and tasty snacks, perfect for work, relaxation, or catching live performances.

Exceptional Coffee & Tea

Known for great coffee and a wide selection of teas, all carefully crafted to please every palate.

Live Music & Performances

Enjoy a casual and trendy atmosphere featuring live music and performances that add to the warm vibe.

Ideal for Working or Solo Dining

Comfortable seating with free Wi-Fi makes this spot popular among college students and remote workers.

Accessible & Family-Friendly

Wheelchair accessible with gender-neutral restrooms and a welcoming space suitable for kids and families.

Multiple Service Options

Outdoor seating, dine-in, takeout, delivery, and mobile catering offer flexible ways to enjoy great drinks and food.

Healthy & Vegan Offerings

Menu features comfort food, organic dishes, and vegan and vegetarian choices to satisfy various dietary preferences.

Community & Cozy Ambiance

The cozy yet trendy environment makes it a favorite for families, tourists, and locals to unwind or socialize.

Experience

When & How to Enjoy This Place

Whether seeking expertly crafted coffee or a cozy spot to unwind, this coffee shop caters to a variety of occasions and preferences.

With a welcoming atmosphere and a menu full of specialty drinks and vegan-friendly options, Black Fodder Coffee creates a perfect retreat for both quick stops and extended visits, complemented by live music that enhances the experience. — FoodPlacee editorial note

Morning Coffee Break

Start the day with smooth espresso or a refreshing cold brew, accompanied by house-made muffins or quick bites, perfect for a relaxed morning or to-go option.

Work-Friendly Spot

A quiet neighborhood location with free Wi-Fi and comfortable seating ideal for solo diners and those needing to focus on their laptops.

Catch Up with Friends

Enjoy the cozy indoor space or relaxing patio seating while savoring specialty coffees and teas, perfect for socializing or casual meetings.

Weekend Brunch

Savor a delicious brunch with options that include vegan, vegetarian, and organic dishes in a trendy, family-friendly environment.

Mobile Catering Events

Black Fodder Coffee's professional mobile bar service brings expertly brewed coffee to corporate events and gatherings, impressing guests with quality and variety.

Evening Live Performances

Experience live music and performances in a cozy atmosphere that adds a special touch to a casual night out at this vibrant coffee shop.

Best for

Specialty Coffee Work Ready Social Spot Brunch Catering Wheelchair Accessible High Rating Family Friendly

Guest sentiment

What People Feel

A snapshot of what local diners frequently mention about this location.

JM
Jon McCallon 2 month ago

"Left the airport for this amazing spot in my layover. Hidden in a neighborhood, this spot hits all the right notes. Top shelf third wave coffee, kind service, dope and atmosphere. So worth the effort to come work here today."

FP
Fiona P 3 month ago

"I stopped by Black Fodder Coffee around 8:15 AM, and although it was a bit busy, the staff was very attentive and welcoming. It did take a while to order but that’s understandable and I was in no rush. I ordered a vanilla iced latte — the coffee itself was strong and smooth, not bad at all, though I personally prefer it a little sweeter. I sat outside with a group of friends, and the seating was super comfortable, which made it such a relaxing spot to ease into the day before things got hectic. The inside is also beautifully chic with a very warm, inviting vibe. Overall, a great place to grab a coffee and enjoy some downtime with friends."

CW
Connor Warriner 3 month ago

"After a long, exhausting morning of shoveling, we stopped by Black Fodder, and I’m so glad we did. The moment we walked in, we were greeted by Byron who truly made our experience unforgettable. Byron’s expertise in coffee preparation and his deep understanding of the drinks, their sources, and the meticulous process behind them were impressive. You can tell that the team here is passionate about their craft and it shows in every cup. The space itself is stylish and inviting, creating the perfect environment for either a quick break or a leisurely coffee experience. With its calm ambiance and modern design, it’s easy to unwind and enjoy a great cup of coffee. The drinks are top-notch—full of flavor and expertly crafted. The baristas add a personal touch to the experience. We'll definitely be back for more! Highly recommend for anyone looking for quality coffee and great service."

MH
Maritza Huerta 4 month ago

"an oat vanilla latte, espresso tonic + matcha cake — divine! coffee is high quality, service is friendly, and atmosphere is tender. The coffee shop is small, so be aware. We went during the colder months, but there is seating outside for the summer! How cute."

RS
Rebecca Schiappa 4 month ago

"Our first visit was wonderful — we’ll definitely be back! We ordered two cappuccinos and a double shot of espresso. When the owner asked whether we preferred a wet or a dry cappuccino, I knew we were in for a treat! Our capps were delightfully balanced in flavor and the temperature was perfect. We enjoyed our drinks on their patio. They offered house-made baked goods — many of the choices are GF and sugar free, and some are dairy free. Everything is prepared by the owner’s wife in house, which we truly appreciate. The muffins were delicious! The ambiance was calming and peaceful, and the decor was simple yet elegant. You can tell a lot of thought went into the design of the space (both inside and outside!). Everything was clean and well organized. I can’t wait to go back!"

IP
Isabelle Phan 5 month ago

"Love this coffee shop! The atmosphere is charming, and the service is fantastic overall. Would recommend to anyone who wants a lovely coffee shop that has excellent coffee and space for work or meeting up with a friend!"

MR
Maggie Ryhajlo 5 month ago

"We used Black Fodder’s mobile coffee bar for a company event and they were fantastic! Their booking site was easy to use, they arrived on time, set up quick, and guests loved the options provided. The matcha was a huge hit along with the espresso options. Everyone kept asking where their cafe was located so they can try more drinks. We’ll absolutely use them in the future and highly recommend."

JW
Joe Watrach 5 month ago

"This is easily the best coffee shop in all of River Forest, Oak Park and Forest Park. The coffee and espresso is exceptional and prepared with such meticulous care. The staff is super friendly and kind, and the shop is very inviting, the perfect third space we all are looking for these days. I’ve had some top notch espresso tonics, a delicious V60 pour over, and an amazingly complex single origin espresso from this shop and I loved all of them. An absolute 10/10 in my book."

Visit info

When to Visit

Weekly hours below — always confirm with the business before holidays or special events.

Today Closed
Weekly hours
Monday 07:30 AM - 05:00 PM
Tuesday 07:30 AM - 05:00 PM
Wednesday 07:30 AM - 05:00 PM
Thursday 07:30 AM - 05:00 PM
Friday 07:30 AM - 05:00 PM
Saturday 07:30 AM - 05:00 PM
Sunday 07:30 AM - 05:00 PM
Hours may change. Please confirm with the business before visiting.

Best time to visit

This coffee shop is open daily from early morning to late afternoon, making it perfect for a quick coffee or a relaxed visit.

Weekdays 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM for a productive coffee break Weekends 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM for brunch or casual meetups Ideal for solo dining or working on a laptop Family-friendly during daytime hours Free parking available on-site and street parking nearby

On the map

Where This Food Place Lives

Find your way to Black Fodder Coffee in Illinois .

Address 349 Ashland Ave, River Forest, IL 60305, United States
Phone +1 312-248-3575
Area Illinois
Call Address copied ✓

Questions answered

Food Place Questions

Find answers to common questions about Black Fodder Coffee, a popular coffee shop in River Forest, IL.

Black Fodder Coffee is open every day from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Hours may vary on holidays, so it's best to check ahead before visiting.

Yes, the coffee shop provides outdoor seating along with delivery, takeout, dine-in, and onsite services to accommodate different preferences.

Black Fodder Coffee features vegan and vegetarian options, along with coffee, comfort food, healthy and organic dishes to suit various dietary needs.

The location is wheelchair accessible with entrance, parking, restrooms, and seating designed for accessibility, though no assistive hearing loop is available.

Black Fodder Coffee offers catering and accepts reservations, including booking its mobile espresso bar for company events and gatherings.

Payments can be made via credit cards, debit cards, checks, and NFC mobile payments, providing a variety of convenient options.

Yes, free parking is available on-site, including a parking lot and street parking nearby for added convenience.

The coffee shop offers a casual, cozy, and trendy atmosphere with live music and performances, making it suitable for working, solo dining, or socializing.

For owners

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Menus, prices, hours, services, and availability may change. Please contact the food place directly before visiting or ordering.