it's all good: A Coffee House That Lives Up To Its Name
When opening their own cafe in an old 1930s gas station was still a seed of thought, Lynne and Andy Angelos took to the road in search of the perfect coffee bean. Both perched on Andy's Harley Road King Custom, the Angelo's traveled in a 150-mile radius of their home in Zion, Ill., fueled by caffeine alone.
Now in its fifth year "it's all good" pours one of the best cups of coffee along the North Shore. Named both for a positive out look and a bible verse, its all good attracts patrons from both Chicago as well as Wisconsin. Located on Sheridan road in the Northern suburb of Zion, the former Pure Oil gas station has become a stop for cyclists riding from Milwaukee to Chicago as well as the locals. During their renovation, the Angelo's found in the station's attic old maps that detail Lake County long before interstates and highways threaded through the landscape. Old photos of the station grace the exposed brick walls.
An economically diverse town, Zion was founded as a religious community that welcomed people from all cultures. Hit hard by the economy and facing higher than average unemployment rates, it's all good provides Zion a local gathering spot
Long shunned for its history and blue-collar lifestyle, few business chains would even consider opening in the community. The Angelos', both from Zion, knew there was much more to their town--and who doesn't enjoy a good cup of coffee? Today it's all good thrives, serving homemade pastries -- muffins, biscotti and fresh pies as well as soups and sandwiches. Their roast beef sandwich is made with roast sirloin roasted at the cafe and Andy makes the dressing for their popular Thanksgiving Panini--a combination of sliced turkey layered with dressing and cranberries, served on fresh baked bread.
While little of the old service station remains, the Angelo's maintained the historic atmosphere, keeping the high pitched ceilings and adding windows that fill the cafe with light. A gas fireplace glows in the colder seasons and hardwood tables add to the coziness no matter the time of year. Their outdoor seating area is one of the best in Cook or Lake counties. What's more, a park is located behind its all good.
Whether you live in Wisconsin or in Chicago, it's all good should be on your radar. It's the perfect destination as a Sunday morning drive and the miles are well worth the quality of coffee. Illinois Beach State Park is only three miles from its all good, yet another great gem about the Zion area that is one of its best kept secrets.
Posted by Lori Rotenberk
