Reborn Mexican Coffee Shop Adds to Pilsen’s Bustling Cafe Scene

A revamped modern Mexican coffee shop and cafe from three Tijuana-born siblings is reopening in Pilsen with a Baja vibe and Mexican American menu. Owners Jazmin, Diana, and Christian Medrano spent the past 11 months reinventing their brand to better represent their heritage, according to a news release, and are relaunching their Pilsen business, Brew Brew Coffee and Tea, today at 1641 W. 18th Street.

A cozy, 12-seat operation, Brew Brew draws on the colors and patterns of Baja with dusty pink and cream tones with blond wood and original pressed-tin ceilings, as well as clusters of cacti and succulents. An additional eight seats are available on a dog-friendly patio, weather allowing. The siblings seem to celebrate every detail — Jazmin Medrano hand printed a series of blue tiles that line the counter, and together they selected a ram for the cafe’s logo. An animal indigenous to the region, they hope it will evoke “strength, determination, and energy,” representatives wrote in the release.

Belen Aquino/Brew Brew Coffee and Tea

Caffeine connoisseurs can expect coffee and espresso drinks made with beans from popular local purveyor Passion House Coffee Roasters, such as lattes, espresso shots, nitro, and more. The siblings intend to pay homage to their heritage through a selection of Mexican drinks including cafe de olla, or Mexican spiced coffee, with cinnamon and piloncillo (raw dark sugar), and will also offer dark Mexican hot chocolate and seasonal drinks.

Jay Ruff of Tattooed Chef Consulting partnered with the Medranos on an evolving Mexican American food menu, which will be released in about three weeks at both Brew Brew locations. For the time being, patrons can purchase bagels, pastries, and Deflouered’s gluten and dairy-free options.

Belen Aquino/Brew Brew Coffee and Tea

The siblings moved to Chicago in 2000 and opened their first cafe in Avondale and the sister spot in Pilsen the same year. They first announced the Pilsen shop’s temporary closure and reconcepting in September. “Although it is never easy to close or make big changes in a company, we felt that it was right for us,” owners wrote in an Instagram post that alerted customers to the short-term shutter. “We want to create an experience that represents us.”

Pilsen is home to a range of coffee shops, some with more prominent Latinx elements than others. Highlights include essential coffee spots Cafe Jumping Bean and Cà Phê Dá, as well as local favorites Jackalope Coffee & Tea and Kristoffer’s Cafe & Bakery.

Brew Brew Coffee and Tea reopens today in Pilsen.

Brew Brew Coffee and Tea, 1641 W. 18th Street, Open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday through Saturday; open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.