CHICAGO, IL — Monday Coffee has officially opened its first stationary cafe in North Lawndale, bringing a fresh wave of experiential coffee culture to the West Side neighborhood. Nestled in the Starling Community Center at 3243 W. 16th St., the new cafe is more than a coffee destination—it’s a hub for community engagement, cultural celebration, and culinary education.
Founded by Amanda Christine Harth and Felton Kizer, Monday Coffee is making its mark with a distinctive menu featuring items like the brown sugar cardamom cold brew, paired with an inviting atmosphere of art, books, and history. A standout feature of the space is a 30-year-old coffee bean roaster, which Harth describes as a symbol of the neighborhood’s past neglect and its ongoing revitalization. “Just this cafe being open” has already become a favorite among locals, according to Harth in an interview with the Chicago Tribune.
The cafe’s opening is part of the larger vision behind the Starling Community Center, a $1 million project led by Duo Development to create a vibrant and safe communal space. According to Block Club Chicago, the project, funded through crowdfunding, grants, and a commitment to neighborhood renewal, aims to fill a void left by years of disinvestment, particularly for Black and Brown residents. “For Black people, Brown people, to have a safe space to exist” is essential, said Harth, highlighting the significance of such spaces in the aftermath of the pandemic.
Beyond serving coffee, Monday Coffee is fostering education about coffee’s origins and craft, with a focus on its African heritage. “Coffee is inherently Black,” Kizer emphasized, underscoring the cafe’s mission to deepen cultural connections through its offerings. The space also provides hands-on experiences, such as coffee bean roasting demonstrations, bridging the gap between history and the present-day coffee experience.
Since its debut, Monday Coffee has drawn significant interest, welcoming nearly 200 attendees during its grand opening event. Guests were treated to free drip coffee and roasting demonstrations, showcasing the cafe’s commitment to both quality and education.
Looking ahead, the co-founders plan to expand their programming by hosting community-building events in the cafe. Their vision extends beyond coffee, aiming to educate patrons about the deep cultural and historical narratives tied to every cup.
With its focus on culture, connection, and community, Monday Coffee is quickly becoming a cornerstone in North Lawndale’s renaissance, blending the rich aroma of coffee with the vibrant energy of a neighborhood on the rise.