After months of anticipation, Colectivo Coffee is officially set to open its newest Chicago café on Wednesday, July 8, bringing one of the Midwest’s most recognizable coffee brands to the heart of the Southport Corridor.
Located at 3258 N. Southport Ave., the new café marks Colectivo’s seventh location in Chicago and 23rd overall for the Milwaukee-based company, which has become known for its distinctive neighborhood cafés, house-roasted coffee and made-from-scratch food.
The approximately 2,100-square-foot café features seating for 40 guests indoors and an additional 26 seats on its outdoor patio. The café will be open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
A Long-Awaited Opening
The Southport location has been one of the corridor’s most anticipated additions. Originally announced in 2024, the project encountered unexpected construction challenges after engineers determined a major structural wall of the historic building needed to be rebuilt before renovations could continue.
Those repairs delayed the opening by several months, but the finished café now occupies the prominent corner formerly home to Schoolyard Tavern and is expected to become another neighborhood gathering place along Southport Avenue.
A Midwest Coffee Favorite
Founded in Milwaukee in 1993, Colectivo has earned a loyal following for its small-batch coffee roasted on vintage machines at its Riverwest roasting facility. Beyond coffee, the cafés offer a full menu of signature espresso drinks, cold brew on tap, all-day breakfast, freshly prepared sandwiches and house-made bakery items.
Today, Colectivo operates cafés throughout Milwaukee, Madison and Chicago, with Southport joining existing Chicago locations in Wicker Park, Lincoln Park, Logan Square, Andersonville, Ravenswood and Evanston. The company is also planning an eighth Chicago café in Roscoe Village, expected to open later this fall.
“Southport is a great Chicago neighborhood, and we’re excited to become part of its vibrant community,” said Scott Isabella, President of Colectivo Coffee. “We look forward to welcoming neighbors into the café and sharing the coffee, food and hospitality that define Colectivo.”
Opening Day Celebrations
Customers stopping by on opening day will have a couple of reasons to arrive early.
The first 250 guests will receive a free Southport-designed Colectivo tote bag while supplies last.
The café will also debut a limited-edition coffee bag created in partnership with Chicago artist Alyssa Low. The exclusive 12-ounce coffee bag will only be available for purchase at the Southport location while supplies last, giving collectors and coffee enthusiasts something unique to commemorate the opening.
Another Milestone for Southport
Colectivo’s arrival continues the steady evolution of the Southport Corridor as one of Chicago’s premier neighborhood shopping and dining districts.
Over the past year, the corridor has welcomed new retailers and concepts including Reformation, STRONG Pilates, and Ernesta, while several nearby residential developments are bringing additional residents within walking distance of the corridor’s businesses.
Adding Colectivo introduces another highly recognizable regional brand while helping activate a long-vacant corner with morning, afternoon and evening foot traffic. The café is expected to serve both neighborhood residents and visitors exploring one of Chicago’s most vibrant commercial streets.
With another Chicago location already planned for Roscoe Village, Colectivo’s continued investment also reflects growing confidence in Chicago’s neighborhood retail districts and the enduring appeal of walkable commercial corridors like Southport.
Another Sign of Southport’s Evolution
Colectivo’s arrival reflects the continued transformation of Southport Avenue into a destination that blends shopping, dining, fitness, and neighborhood gathering spaces.
Over the past year, the corridor has welcomed new retailers and concepts including Reformation, STRONG Pilates, and upcoming Ernesta, while several mixed-use developments are bringing additional residents within walking distance. The addition of Colectivo further strengthens Southport’s appeal as an all-day destination rather than simply a shopping street.
For nearby residents, it also fills a long-vacant corner with an active business that is expected to generate steady foot traffic throughout the day—benefiting neighboring retailers and restaurants alike.
With doors officially opening July 8, Colectivo’s Southport café marks another milestone in the continued growth and evolution of one of Chicago’s most vibrant neighborhood business districts.
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