Perla Cafe

Sitting on a couch in Perla as I write. A little bit of Europe. Wonderful music, personal service and the BEST soy milk latte spiked with Intelligentsia espresso you will ever need. And home cooking, soups and baked goods. Support local businesses like this one.

I used to live down the street (Dodge Ave) from Perla Café back when it was Pick-​a-​Cup, and would regularly come here to study and/​or for various community events (a play once, meetings, art shows, etc.) As Perla Café none of that has changed (although I think the food is better and the atmosphere a bit less hectic now, despite my love for pick-​a-​cup then) — it’s still a great place to study with a very relaxed, comfortable, and welcoming atmosphere, and it’s big enough that you can reliably find a quiet table where you’ll meet few distractions. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a place to host your communist revolution organizing meeting but really want to do so while drinking a decaf soy latte, or your mother’s 80^th birthday party, or your suburbanites with gorillas playgroup, to name a few examples, this is also the place to go. And on the third hand, even if you don’t have a gorilla, don’t have a latte, and don’t have a mother, but you are looking for a sense of community or, for something interesting to watch or eavesdrop upon, this place can usually provide that as well. So, all around, a great place. The only criticism I have is that they’re not open later. Evanston has so few places that are open past 9 or 10 that if they were to just keep a few lights on and one employee working, they could probably really get a following. Pick-​a-​cup wasn’t open late either. I don’t understand why not.

I love Perla Café and the family who owns it. The homemade pastries — Romanian-​influenced — are always fresh and yummy. New Leaf Teas, decent coffee, paninis, homemade soup — very nice. The atmosphere is homey, calm, and comfortable.
The owners are utterly dedicated to tailoring this locally –owned café to the needs and tastes of the community. If there is something you want or something you feel needs improvement, tell them! They have open ears.
I love that they host craft and art shows and live music, as well. I definitely recommend patronizing this local café. I so want to see them succeed!

I heart the local coffee joint so Perla Café fits the ticket.
A coworker and I stopped by her to get some work done and grab a bite. Tons of seating & wifi made this a good spot for us to camp out. We both ordered panninis which we both really enjoyed (especially the veggie as everyone else seemed to like).
I like that they try to host live music and embrace the whole community type of atmosphere. Will return next time I’m in the area!

Nice café – great hummus sandwhich. Plenty of bright, airy space for snacking or working. Also a great space for a meeting.

I am glad that I know this place. It is a small family owned business. Every time when I am in Evanston I stop by this nice coffee shop. Coffee is great! (it is Intelligentsia).
I love the veggie pannini and the meat ball soup + the apple strudel. Excelant!
Service is very friendly. Every thing on the menu is affordable. Great place for a light meal. Ideal for a meeting or study.
Overall this place is a great experience.

I’m really glad this location has re-​opened as a new coffee shop with new owners, but it’s definitely not as awesome as Pick-​a-​Cup was.
Comparisons aside, we found the food to be lacking. The coffee is also just OK. I once went in here before a community meeting elsewhere around 6:30pm (pretty sure they close at eight) and was told they didn’t have any coffee. I was desperate for a jolt and already going to run late if I needed to stop somewhere else, so I actually agreed to take re-​heated coffee… and then I was charged full price for it. They have, in the past, had really unreliable hours which can burn away would-​be regulars really quickly (all other things aside I would have been one of them).
The interior is fantastic and as a community space it excels. I hope it sticks around but I just can’t go there regularly for my coffee. I tried them again last night and the cup was a bitter mess. It pains me because I want this place to stay open.

While the pastries weren’t my taste, I love Mighty Leaf teas, locally owned businesses, and culture in the burbs! Perla is fostering all that with local artists and musicians; I’d totally make this my go-​to spot if I lived closer. :)
Cute, unique décor, great menu variety, and plenty of space!

They make amazing Lattes! It’s unassuming, clean and because it’s new you can find a place to sit. They are a wonderful little place and very friendly and welcoming. I

I am former Pick A Cup regular and loved the place, so sad to see it close in 2009! The new Perla Café has the same type of Décor, very clean, nice furniture and great people working there — the whole family is pitching in to make it work. Come back former Pick A Cup lovers, this place is great and the menu is actually better. All new floors, new paint, hope to see old friends there soon! A great place for NU students to get away from downtown EV area and take a break. Music to come!
Best wishes Perla Café!

I was lucky enough to find Perla the day they were opening! This is a great little family owned place for a cup of coffee, mocha, or panini. They have dessert panini’s that are a real treat! I fell in love with the apple dessert panini that has warm apple slices, melted provolone cheese, and cinnamon sugar. Sounds weird, but seriously try it! I also got a free sample of a panini with cream cheese and jam for opening day, and it was delicious. Between the creative food and relaxed, friendly service. This is a place I’d definitely recommend to anyone in the area who wants a new place to hang out and call a second home.

A wonderful, family owned café and sandwich shop in Evanston. A great place to eat, drink coffee, hang out for hours, eat again, and be at home away from home.
There are a dozen or so panini options. Many of them are vegetarian. There are also muffins and something called Warm Lava Cake which I’ll be trying in about 8 minutes.
Admittedly, these are some of my favorite people in the world. I hope you agree that they make the neighborhood a better place. :)