A Kiddo’s Guide to “Coffee”
By someone who has always loved the idea of coffee, even before I could drink it.
There’s something undeniably special about introducing kids to the little rituals that adults love—like becoming a regular at their local coffee shop. While our cafes are often seen as havens for caffeine lovers and addicts alike, we’ve always believed that coffee culture is about more than just coffee. It’s about community, comfort, curiosity, and the simple joy of having a drink made just for you, no matter how old you are.
Some of my favorite memories as a kid were early mornings with my mom, running errands before the day really got going. We'd stop at a local coffee shop. She’d get her latte, and I got what felt like the ultimate treat: a vanilla bean steamer with whipped cream on top. It was warm, sweet, and made just for me. I remember the excitement of hearing my order called, holding the cup with both hands, and sitting in a big chair while the world buzzed around me. I wasn’t old enough for coffee, but that didn’t matter—what I really loved was the atmosphere.
That love for the cozy hum of a cafe never went away. Now, a lot of my favorite memories lie behind the other side of the bar as a barista, where each day I get to watch parents introduce their kiddos to the same rituals that I once loved and held onto so dearly as a kid. I get to help create that same kind of memory for other people, especially those kids who come in wide-eyed, ready to order something of their own, who I get to watch grow up before my eyes each morning as well.
And while we don’t have a formal kids menu, we definitely have a handful of drinks that cater to young tastes (or those looking for something sweet, comforting, and caffeine-free). Whether you’re a parent stopping in with your little one, or just someone who’s craving a nostalgic break from the usual espresso routine, these drinks are for you:
🟤 Hot Chocolate
Classic and cozy. We make ours with our house-made chocolate syrup and steamed milk, topped with whipped cream if you'd like. It's the perfect treat for chilly days or a reward after a long afternoon of errands.
⚪️ Steamers
Steamed milk flavored with your choice of one of our house-made syrups. Our bourbon vanilla will always be my personal go-to, but caramel and lavender are other fan favorites. They’re warm, comforting flavors, and are just sweet enough—perfect for kids (and a comforting throwback for grown-ups).
🍓 The Main Squeeze
A cafe favorite for the adventurous ones: our house strawberry-basil syrup mixed with lemonade, sparkling water, and a splash of bitters (which I often opt out of for both myself, as well as most kiddos). It’s bright, refreshing, and feels like summer in a cup.
As a barista, it’s important that we have options like these—drinks that invite everyone to be part of the coffee shop experience, no matter their age or caffeine preference. Because honestly, more times than not, it’s not about the coffee. It’s about the pause, the ritual, and the feeling of being in a space that feels special and inviting.
Whether you’re a kid getting your first steamer or an adult taking a break from espresso, there’s always room at the counter for you.
Rachel Severyns
Meet Rachel, a friendly face at the Libertyville cafe. Passionate about wearing stripes and her daily cappuccino, she brings her whimsical spirit to the cafe every day. When she’s not behind the bar chatting with customers, you can often find her planning her next European excursion or looking for treasures at a local thrift store.