Ipsento has roasted and poured its own coffee in Bucktown since 2006. The name joins the Latin ipse, self, and sentio, to discover, from the idea that every person is on a journey to understand themselves and the world around them. The beans are sourced and roasted in small batches with close attention to espresso and brewing. The house espresso is Cascade, a blend of Guatemala and Brazil, and the single origins come from Peru, Colombia, Guatemala and Brazil, with Bucktown Brew, a honey-processed Ethiopia from Kayon Mountain Farm in Guji, sold in a 606 bridge bag and a Chicago flag bag.
Ipsento 606 is “a modern café & bar in Bucktown” beside the 606 elevated trail. The bar pours espresso drinks, hand-roasted drip, nitro cold brew on draught and an oat milk draught latte, with Spirit Tea and ceremonial-grade matcha. The Ipsento Latte is the house signature: “Our twist on your average latte made with coconut cream, honey, and cayenne.” Flavoured lattes include cardamom rose and lavender honey, and the specials change monthly. The kitchen serves breakfast sandwiches and burritos, paninis on Italian country bread, quiche, pastries, affogato and soft serve, and brews a box of coffee for 12 to 20 cups with twenty minutes’ notice.
The café runs a happy hour, catering and group reservations, and 606GOLD, a monthly membership on a matte-black metal card with a discount on in-café purchases, members’ deals, monthly giveaways and priority access to its events and cupping classes.
Coffee on the shelf
- Fresh pear
- Fresh lime
- Orange
- Chocolate
- Walnut
- Caramel
- Black cherry
- Malt
- Strawberry
- White chocolate
- Macadamia
- Dark chocolate
- Graham cracker
- Toffee
Photograph: Ipsento