Tiny's Coffee Bar Serves 300 Bottles of Alcohol and Smoked Brisket

Tiny's Coffee Bar stocks 300 bottles of alcohol in its back room.

The inventory supports a full service cocktail menu that sits alongside standard coffee orders. The establishment operates as a full-service diner despite its name suggesting a simple espresso stop.

NBC Chicago's "Food Guy" segment visited the location on October 30, 2026. The reporter noted that the menu exceeds typical expectations for a coffee bar. Regulars find lattes and espresso on the board. They also find thick-cut bacon, biscuits with gravy, and beef brisket hash. Caramelized pineapple French toast rounds out the breakfast offerings.

The kitchen features a smoker used for ribs, beef brisket, and salmon. Chefs crisp beef brisket and top it on a bowl of ramen. The menu includes Japanese-style fried chicken karaage. This mix of American diner staples and Japanese items creates a distinct dining experience.

The reporter described the restaurant as one that exceeds expectations. He emphasized the contrast between the exterior sign and the interior food offerings. The segment included a video tour of the space. Viewers can see the equipment and menu items in the footage.

Tiny's Coffee Bar combines a smokehouse with a coffee shop and a bar. The 300-bottle alcohol stock allows for craft cocktails. The diner menu includes brisket hash and French toast. The location serves as a hybrid dining destination in Cook County.