Building Minds, Hearts, and Community

Stories Rooted in the South Side

Some places are made for getting cozy, getting your favorite latte, and reading that book you’ve been dying to finish. Build Coffee & Books was founded in 2017 by three visionary women of color who shared a powerful mission: to cultivate a truly positive and nurturing environment within South Chicago. 

The vibrant South Chicago community gathers here to foster creativity, savor delicious coffee, and indulge their affinity for amazing books. Appealing to the curious intellectuals throughout the neighborhood, their goal is to spread warm welcomes and a relaxing environment for foodies and readers alike!

Between Sips & Chapters

“Lovely small independent coffee shop near U of C campus! I had the cardamom rose iced latte special and it was delicious. Service was friendly and quick … small but sweet book and zine collection for purchase — best part is the hidden patio covered in greenery and cute chairs and tables to sit outside, loved this! ✨✨✨” — Amanda Leigh Lichtenstein,  Google Review

Find Your Favorite Corner

Grab your latte, find that cozy corner and choose a book to read all in one swoop. At Build Coffee & Books you are introduced to options for all! From the array of different espresso drinks to vegan and fresh made sandwiches and salads the possibilities are endless! Some fan favorites include the “I Yam, What I Yam” sandwich made from their quality sourced Publican Bread, the “Cardamom Rose Latte”, and their “All Kale Ceasar” Salad are powered with flavor and leave you craving your next bite. 

Build Coffee and Books offers a selection of reading materials designed for the whole family. The shelves feature diverse titles for every reader, from advanced selections such as The Wall of Respect and High-Risers: Cabrini-Green and the Fate of American Public Housing, cookbooks like Afro-Vegan: Farm-Fresh African, Caribbean, and Southern Flavors Remixed, to children’s literature such as The Belly Song. Each book carries a sense of intention beyond its pages. Every purchase contributes by donating a portion of the proceeds to supporting fellow independent bookstores through Bookshop.org.

“Literally the best coffee shop/meeting space/mini bookstore (have you seen the zine collection?!?!)/artist display/comfy culture cafe on the south side. The seasonal rotating lattes are a must try; NOT overly sweet and always strong enough (s/o to a cafe that pulls dbl shots only!!). The team is always so welcoming and I trust them 🙂 My week is not complete if I haven’t made a visit at least once.” — Breanna Champion, Google Review

Next time you think about visiting your generic bookstore, make sure you try Build Coffee & Books first. We promise, you won’t want to leave! An intentional space where culture, conversation, and care intersect. Whether you arrive for a perfectly balanced latte, a thoughtfully prepared meal, or a book that lingers long after the last page, you leave with a sense of connection that extends beyond the visit itself. It’s a place that doesn’t just serve the community, but is building it up one story, one cup, and one shared moment at a time.

Location & Hours:

Address: 6100 S Blackstone Ave, Chicago, IL 60637

Open Tuesday-Friday from 7:30 AM- 3 PM 

Saturdays 9 AM- 3 PM

Phone: (773) 627-5058

Website:
Build Coffee & Books

Social Media:

Instagram: @buildcofffeeandbooks