A new cafe has opened at Westfield Old Orchard mall: Blue Bottle Coffee. While the chain operates multiple locations in downtown Chicago and is widely known for its New Orleans-style (NOLA) cold foam drinks, the company emphasizes sustainability as a core part of its mission. Blue Bottle’s initiatives focus on reducing emissions and minimizing waste. The addition of the cafe gives shoppers and nearby students another specialty coffee option.
Brianna Bello, a Niles West alumna, began working at the cafe shortly after graduating and has been there since its opening on Jan. 19, 2026. With previous customer service experience, Bello said she enjoys interacting with customers and connecting with the brand’s values.
“I just like the culture and getting to meet everyone, and what Blue Bottle stands for as a company,” Bello said. “I think it was really nice.”
The cafe’s interior gives off a clean and minimalist vibe. Neutral gray and cream tones create a simple aesthetic that some visitors appreciate for its calmness, while others find it less inviting compared with more colorful cafes. Senior Eva Acosta describes how she felt about the environment of the cafe.
“I don’t like the vibe of the place,” Acosta said. “It kind of looks like a coffee shop with no personality to it, and there was also nowhere to sit.”
Despite mixed reactions to the interior, the drinks themselves left a strong impression. The NOLA cold foam and the Sweet Latte both delivered balanced flavor and quality. The coffee had subtle notes of chicory that added a nutty taste, and had a moderate level of sweetness. The cafe’s signature cold foam was light and flavorful, which tied the drink together. While the prices may be higher than those of average chain coffee shops, the overall taste and presentation made the drinks feel worth the cost.
Blue Bottle Coffee has also gained a lot of attention through social media, where many customers first discovered the brand. Senior Zoe Chuipek said she discovered the cafe online before deciding to visit.
“I got the NOLA iced coffee,” Chuipek said. “I told the barista I like sweeter coffee, and she said this was the best option because it has vanilla cold foam. It tasted like good quality coffee.”
As Blue Bottle Coffee continues to attract new and old customers, reactions to the new location remain varied. Its focus on sustainability, modern design and specialty drinks offers something different from traditional cafes, while customer opinions on atmosphere and comfort show that experiences can differ.
