OLD IRVING PARK — Backlot Coffee is now serving caffeine, and community, in Old Irving Park.
The Evanston-based company took over the vacated Bow Truss location at 3982 N. Avondale Ave. in May, and owners Isaac Bloom and John Kim have made good on their promise to open by the end of summer.
Hours at the shop are 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Backlot carries Stumptown coffee and has also partnered with Rare Tea Cellar and Evanston's Frio Gelato. Patrons can expect pastries — Bang Bang Pie is another partner — and light snacks on the menu as well.
Bloom and Kim named Backlot after a community in Evanston — four blocks of houses that share one large back yard.
"A coffee shop is a neighborhood. It takes on the values and character of a neighborhood. That's what I love about them," Kim said in a statement.
The owners pride themselves on creating a friendly, no-pressure atmosphere.
"We don't expect you to know what we call our sizes or specialty drinks," Kim said. "We just want you to get what you want."