Tea Light: Damn Fine Coffee Bar

This month’s Tea Light shines on Damn Fine Coffee Bar  in Logan Square. Our relationship with them began eight years ago, and they were one of the first three cafés to carry Spirit Tea when we launched. Damn Fine consistently offers a thoughtful tea menu, carries our retail products, and prepares and serves our tea to perfection.

We deeply value the warm, inviting atmosphere and the genuine, friendly customer service that makes Damn Fine such a special place. We’re grateful for the lasting connection we’ve built together.

In what ways do you find that Spirit Tea aligns with the heart of Damn Fine Coffee Bar?

We have been lucky to work with Spirit for eight years now, and I admire so many things about them. But what aligns us the most is our commitment to quality and our combined focus on creating connections through beverages, whether in the mountains of China or Armitage Avenue.

How does your community enjoy tea in your space?

Tea provides routine and comfort to our customers.
It helps create an excellent opener to their days, whether you are getting an extra hot chai before a hectic day of teaching teenagers art or the calming presence of a morning matcha with your golden retriever.

How does the cafe interact with tea, both individually and as a component of beverages or recipes?

We are fluid with beverage creation. Sometimes, it is collaborative, and other times, it is an individual’s passion project. Seasonally, we offer a Feature Drink that raises money for a Nonprofit picked by the drink's creator. It is a way for us to experiment with some unique beverages and help support the community around us. Spirit’s offerings have long been a staple in designing those drinks. We have gone from safe bets like Blueberry Matchas to a little more risque Cucumber Cilantro Green Teas. Tea offers so many creative avenues, and it is an essential part of our toolbox. 

How do you see the future of tea evolving at Damn Fine Coffee Bar?

We have such a strong tea foundation at DFCB that we hope to build and explore new layers. Pushing the norm of what people expect from us and from their previous tea experiences. At the very least, I just want someone to read our menu and say, “ That’s weird. I want to try it.”