
A Black-Owned coffee shop bringing exclusivity to South Loop Chicago? Sign us up! Overflow Coffee is the center of “hope-core”. As soon as you enter you are warmly welcomed with the smiles of the employees, the delicious smell of fresh pastries and coffee grounds, and an overwhelming sense of community and Chicago artistry.
Overflow Coffee is where main character energy comes to life. After relocating in 2019, the infamous building that housed the legendary Vee-Jay Records was converted into Overflow Coffee. Drawing inspiration from the rich heritage of African-American musicians and artists, Overflow Coffee has become a hub for entrepreneurship. The business is committed to supporting Black, Latinx, and other minority communities by cultivating safe, diverse, and unifying spaces.


“One of my absolute favorite coffee shops. The staff is always friendly. Great music, and comfortable sitting. If you love oatmeal the blueberry walnut is yummy. Not to mention the awesome coffee selections” – — D.A., Google Review

Searching for your new safe haven to get your creativity flowing? You just found it. Overflow Coffee’s historical impact is evident in its decor and menu, offering a tribute to the past. Themed lattes like “The Vee Jay,” “The Record Row,” and the signature “Overflow” honor music legends such as John Lee Hooker, Jimmy Reed, the Pips, the Four Seasons, and also acknowledge the first U.S. Beatles release. Beyond coffee, the establishment also serves a selection of breakfast sandwiches and house-made pastries, which have become long-time customer favorites.
Pushing the priority to move away from the social stigmas that many people of color face in today’s climate, Overflow Coffee helps that narrative by the way they give back to the local South Loop Community, and by keeping folks involved in the cause! Overflow After Dark Productions (OAD) was created to bring support to local artists in efforts to showcase those hidden Chicago talents to the public.
Along with having their own events you can host your next one at Overflow! Whether you are needing a space for your next business meeting or you want to host an open mic night, Overflow Coffee is the hot spot for all! They offer a full catering menu so your entire event is overflowing with the best refreshments and delicious food!


From back in the day to 2026 Overflow Coffee is still the center of showcasing new and upcoming talent! In 2021, Overflow Coffee was featured in the Chicago Defender after hosting 3 Chicago native artists Sharon Ivring, D. Lylez, and Jessica Love “Emcee” that were headlining from America’s Got Talent, The Voice, and Billboard’s Top 20 Artists!
L. Brian Jenkins the new founder of Overflow Coffee got his very own article written by the Chicago Sun Times highlighting all his contributions he’s made to the small businesses and entrepreneurs in the South Chicago area. He hopes to continue to expand his mission to support the Black, Latinx, and communities alike to gain a sense of freedom and belonging through his businesses that are designed to distribute upward change around the community.
“A coffee shop conveniently located in an area that doesn’t have many other options near-by. This came in handy when I had to find a space to take meeting. They have a pretty simple menu with some specialty lattes to choose from. I enjoyed my coffee and would get it again. They also have an assortment of baked goods to choose from. I got a blueberry lemon loaf which was great! Service was great, there were 2 people running the show, but timing was no issue. It wasn’t super busy when I went around mid-day.” — Chris F., Yelp Review

We always make it a point to support local businesses in South Chicago, and we encourage you to do the same! Overflow Coffee is a fantastic spot to simply stop in, enjoy the aroma of coffee, looking for a boost of creativity, or just relax, and soak up some positive vibes. It’s also an excellent choice if you’re planning your next gathering. Whether you’re visiting or have special inquiries, they’d love to see you. You can reach out through their website for any special inquiries!
Location & Hours:
Address: 1449 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605
Open Monday-Friday from 7 AM- 3 PM
Saturdays & Sundays 8 AM- 4 PM
Phone: (312) 283-0066
Website:
https://www.overflowchicago.com/
Social Media:
Instagram: @overflowcoffee
TikTok: @overflowchicago
LinkedIn: Overflow Coffee
Facebook: Overflow Coffee Chicago
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