The Tala Blog
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March Events
March always feels like the deep breath before the exhale. The light lingers a little longer, the air softens (just slightly), and we start emerging from full-on winter mode. After months of bundling up and keeping cozy, it finally feels like we’re stepping out of hibernation — and we’re celebrating the best way we know how: with coffee, community, and a lineup of events at Tala.
Libertyvilles 2nd Birthday Recap
This past Memorial Day weekend, here at Libertyville, we celebrated our second birthday! Two Septembers ago, the cafe at the roastery opened its doors for the first time, bringing longtime Tala fans a glimpse into the process, as well as another cafe to love.
Global Matcha Shortage
Matcha has exploded in popularity, thanks to social media trends, its striking bright-green color, and the rise of specialty cafes serving it up in lattes, baked goods, and more. But behind the buzz lies a growing challenge: matcha supply simply isn’t keeping up with demand.
Summer Drink Menu 2025
The summer heat is clearly here to stay, and so are some of your favorite refreshing drinks. We’re keeping the Ube Latte and the Main Squeeze on this season. We’re excited to also bring back two crowd favorites: The Orange You Glad and the Kopi & Kaya. In addition to these four, you’ll find an incredible cafe exclusive drink at each location as well.
Celebrating Eight Years
Thank you for celebrating with us last weekend! We are truly always surprised to see how many people come to celebrate with us. We’re thankful for a community that values a good party and shows up to support each other in little and big ways!
A Tala Timeline
As we approach Tala’s Birthday Month, we reflect on the eight years of history we have under our belt. Whether you’ve been with us since day one or are just joining us on the journey, we hope you’ll enjoy taking a little walk with us down memory lane.
What does Tala Mean?
This is one of our most common FAQs. If you’ve ever asked someone at Tala this question, they may have answered with “It means sweet, and beautiful,” which is true, but it isn’t the full story. Let’s explore the full meaning and thought behind our name: Tala Coffee Roasters.
Tala Food Features
As of October 9th at Libertyville, and for the entirety of Winnetka’s existence, we’ve had six distinct food items on our menu, each filled with great flavors and good protein. The menu came together with the efforts of our amazing production team, as well as a Lake Zurich vendor called Zelda’s Sandwich Joint. Whether you’re planning on hanging out in the cafe for a while (and concerned about over-caffeinating) or needing a bit of grab-and-go fuel, these quick and delicious meals are definitely worth checking out.
Spring Drink Menu 2025
Spring is here and with it comes the long-awaited spring lineup. With returning favorites like the Ube Latte, Main Squeeze, and Dirty Horchata, you’re sure to find something you love.
Tala Valentine’s Day Guide
So, you forgot Valentine’s Day. Or maybe you didn’t forget, you were just waiting for divine inspiration (or for the caffeine to kick in). Either way, we’ve got you covered. If coffee is your Valentine’s love language, like ours, you’re in the right place. Luckily for you, we’ve got some unique ideas to turn your last-minute scramble into a perfectly brewed romantic gesture.
Winter Drink Menu 2025
Saying goodbye to the holiday drinks is made much easier once you get a taste of what the winter drink menu holds. These warm flavors almost make you forget how cold it is. Some of our most intricate and complicated drinks of the year are featured on this menu. The colder indoor energy of the winter seems to invite the tinkering and tweaking for these delicious concoctions you’ll find here. Read about each below and flag the tasty drink for your next visit!
Tala-Day Gifting Guide
Let’s face it, holiday shopping can be a drag. So many people on your list and so little time! No matter how often we fool ourselves into thinking we’ll be proactive next year, the time slips away from us. Luckily, we’ve figured out the best gifts to give all of your loved ones so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the tala-days!
Holiday Drink Menu 2024
The holiday season is upon us, but it wouldn’t be complete without our iconic holiday drink lineup. Some of our most popular beverages of the year make their debut today: Gingerbread Latte, Candy Cane Lane, and more. Find out what’s in store for the 2024 holiday drink launch!