Overflow is open for business for real
money will be accepted
03/21/2011 3:23 PM
Brandon Neely taking my money--for a good cause (photo by Bonnie McGrath)
I've had many a free cup of Overflow coffee. Brandon and Amanda Neely, the good-hearted and do-gooder entrepreneurs and South Loop residents who have created the now-finished large coffeehouse/coffee bar at 1550 S. State have been giving their coffee away at neighborhood events for months and months. But they are officially open as of this past weekend and the coffee is just as delicious as it was when it was free.
It was a long haul getting everything built out in their Daystar Center space. Everything had to be just right--for the Neelys and for the city--before the cash register (which for the moment only takes cash, but that will change asap) could ring up sales; sales not only to provide a living for the Neelys but also to treat coffee growers fairly and to help other socially worthy causes.
I really enjoyed my rich chocolate muffin made by Sweet Miss Giving's with my large coffee to go just a few hours ago. Other pastries in the new location are made by Flourish Bakery. And the Neelys are working on a nice carryout menu that should be ready shortly. The space is huge and bright and airy. The Neelys have many plans to attract customers and to become a neighborhood institution.
All in all, this is quite a lovely spot--and almost a mile roundtrip from my house at Roosevelt and State, All the better to walk off a few of the muffin calories in the now nice weather.
Stop in. Have a cup. A muffin. A cookie. A piece of pie. Money well spent.
And by the way, the Neelys plan to have a grand opening weekend after next.
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By Rob Latham from Near South Side
Posted: 03/24/2011 8:07 PM
The Jane Adams wrap (hummus, tomato, letuce, avocado) was quite good. Nice place to sit and work for a couple of hours. How can you dislike a place with four kinds of pie on hand?
By Richard Cole from South Loop
Posted: 03/24/2011 1:16 PM
Loved my first visit on Day 1 - friendly owners, great coffee, and a very welcome addition to the neighborhood. Really surprises me to see a negative review here - yes, new places have teething problems, but I couldn't imagine two owners who would go more out of their way to make sure that their customers leave happy.
By Ellen Hallin from West Rogers Park
Posted: 03/24/2011 11:34 AM
These guys are wonderful...definitely check out their place. They are good for the community...
By Amanda from South Loop
Posted: 03/24/2011 9:46 AM
Mark K, thanks for sharing your feedback. Please come in & get a free cup of coffee to try again. We're working out the kinks. We'll also refund your muffin & tell our baker your feedback. We hope to earn back your business. Everyone, we're here to serve you & make profits to use for nonprofit activities in our neighborhood. Please let us know anytime you get less than what you expect from us. Contact us at info@overflowcoffeebar.org or (312)772-2356. Thanks! Amanda, owner, manager
By Mark K from Near South
Posted: 03/24/2011 3:04 AM
Would have been ok except for the cold coffee and something in my muffin that nearly cracked a tooth. not going there again.
By John from NW Chicago
Posted: 03/22/2011 3:48 PM
Overflow is absolutely THE place to get your java. Brandon and Amanda are amazing, and the coffee is excellent! Get there. Soon. Now!
By Stephen Reginald from South Loop
Posted: 03/21/2011 4:44 PM
Been following the development of this couple and their business for a long time and can't wait to be part of the grand opening celebration. And the coffee is very good too!