Brothers K Coffee House
There are two sure-fire ways to get to know a neighborhood. Visit the local bar and belly-up or seek out the nearest coffee shop or diner.
To get a flavor of a wonderful university town and eclectic ‘hood, head to Evanston’s
Brothers K Coffee House located at the corners of Main Street and Hinman Avenue. Since reopening as Brothers K in 2005, this independent shop has garnered a loyal following of both young and old.
Most importantly, the café offers great coffee—Chicago’s own Metropolis and their espresso drinks precise and beat out the chains by miles. Customers croon over the warm Kim brothers who both know everyone by name.
Owned by brothers John and Brian Kim (the K is for Kim, the name a play on the famous novel, Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoyevsky) this is a locale where there is no stronger definition of neighborhood.
If there is a comparison to be made, consider that Brothers Kim is much like the café you might find in backwoods Vermont or New Hampshire. At times it can look like the setting for the movie “Grumpy Old Men” and on another night, take on the vibe of a ‘60s Greenwich Village coffee house.
On the first Friday of each month, the café hosts Open Mic Night, attracting all varieties of musicians willing to step up to the mic. Beginning at 6 p.m., the event packs the house.
During the summer and warm fall months, Brothers K offers outdoor seating. Given its fine location, it is a great spot for people-watching.
Whether you’re in Evanston to visit Northwestern or just to browse, or if you’re looking for a great place to have a cup of wakeup magic, stride over to Brother’s K and become, if only briefly part of the neighborhood.
Posted on Apr 27, 2011 by Lori Rotenberk
