Our behind the design series is a closer look at design elements that make up Tala. From packaging to merchandise to party themes, explore the who, when, why and how to the what you know and love.

“Frunchroom” is a Chicago-style slang word for the front room or the formal, rarely used sitting room that you usually find at the front of the house. When pronounced, it sounds more as if the speaker is saying “French room” quickly due to the thick Chicago accent that started this casual usage of the term.

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.

Read what’s brewing this month.

Our “Behind The Scenes'“ series highlights one of our production team members, celebrating their unique contribution to the Tala experience. We believe the connection behind and across the bar can be meaningful and impactful. Our production team is the glue that holds Tala together, and we wouln’t be who we are without them. Learn more about what makes each person on the Tala Team unique with this personal interview.

Some coffees you admire from afar. Others you wait for. And then there are the ones that feel almost fated — the lots you’ve tasted in years past, remembered fondly, and quietly hoped would one day return to your cupping table.

For us, coffees from Long Miles Coffee have always lived in that category. Pun fully intended — we’ve been waiting long for Long Miles. And finally, the moment has arrived.

The mornings feel colder, the days feel shorter, and the motivation to leave the house ultimately feels… negotiable. But if there’s one thing we believe, it’s that the best way to get through the cold months is by filling them with warm drinks, good company, and experiences that make you forget about the temperature entirely.

They say a cup of coffee is only as good as the vessel it’s consumed out of — or at least, I say that.

As a chronically indecisive human in both coffee and everyday life, I’ve laid out my ideal lineup of Tala drinkware based on practicality and usage, acting as my determinant, go-to guide for choosing the perfect coffee-consuming vessel each day, hopefully it’ll help you too!

Meet the Igloolong, our newest winter seasonal drink, and a true Tala success story.

What originally started as one of our Winnetka café’s exclusive winter drinks quickly became a fan favorite, ultimately earning it a permanent spot on our Winter Seasonal Menu this year.

We hosted our annual holiday party last Saturday at our roastery, featuring the same theme as the cafes: Cozy Cabin Christmas. Everyone came dressed in their best flannels to eat some barbecue and play bingo. We try to get all of the staff together as much as possible, but it was especially nice to have everyone here to celebrate the holidays!