In a world that increasingly happens behind a screen, third places give us a reason to slow down, step outside, and simply be around other people. Marissa makes the case for coffee shops as modern third places — spaces where small, everyday interactions can foster connection, community, and a sense of belonging.

Ever wonder what it takes to keep your favorite Tala orders moving? Spend a day on the road with Zak, one of our neighborly delivery drivers, as he makes his way through Libertyville, Green Oaks, Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, Highland Park, Fort Sheridan, and Highwood.

Meet our new favorite drink to sip on: the Chantala Matcha. Going hand in hand with our pivot to unsweetened matcha, the Chantala Matcha combines our decadent, earthy matcha with a balanced vanilla syrup and our homemade blueberry-strawberry whipped cream, garnished with tangy freeze-dried raspberries. Trust me, it tastes and looks as good as it sounds.