More drink and dining options are coming to The Loop in the second half of 2026.
Fairgrounds Coffee & Tea is joining a new development at the ground floor of AmTrustRE’s office tower, 1 E Wacker Drive. It will be accompanied by Espiritu, a Mexican concept opening in the fall. According to Head of Operations Nicholas Polman, Fairgrounds is still working on permitting for the cafe.
Fairgrounds serves their coffees and teas in River North, Millennium Park, Oak Park, Hyde Park, Highland Park and North Loop. The concept initially opened in 2017 in Bucktown at 1620 N Milwaukee Avenue, and was founded by entrepreneur Michael Schultz. A location also opened in the North Loop neighborhood of Minneapolis back in 2018, and additional cafes are in Milwaukee and Dallas.
“We named our adventure Fairgrounds as a reflection of our dedication to diversity in what we offer, our belief in craft in all we do, and our commitment to fair business practices,” says the description on their website.
Cafes serve popular drip coffees, as well as traditional lattes, pour-overs, double shots and cortados. For tea, options include matchas, chais, kombucha and organic looseleaf. Smoothies, breakfast sandwiches, salads and bowls are also served at locations.
1 E Wacker Drive sits right above the Chicago Riverwalk, and is next to Emerald Loop Bar & Grill. The building is surrounded by hotels including theWit Chicago Hilton hotel. The new cafe is expected to open sometime in the second half of this year.
