— AUTHENTIC GREEK COFFEE — CHICAGO —

Greek Coffee in Chicago

Freddo Cappuccino, Freddo Espresso & Greek Frappe

The most popular coffee in Greece — finally in Chicago. Yaya Mas is one of the only places in Chicago serving authentic Freddo Cappuccino, Freddo Espresso, and Greek Frappe made the traditional way. Cold, strong, creamy — nothing like anything else in the city.

OnlyIN CHICAGO

GreekAUTHENTIC

4.7+GOOGLE RATING

9:30AMOPENS DAILY

Our Menu

Greek Coffee Menu

#1 IN GREECE

Freddo Cappuccino

Cold double espresso shaken with ice until frothy, topped with a thick layer of cold frothed milk foam. The most ordered coffee in Greece since the 1990s. Served in a tall glass, creamy and refreshing.

Freddo Espresso

Pure cold espresso shaken with ice — no milk, no foam. Strong, bold, and intensely smooth. The drink of choice for Greeks who like their coffee black and cold.

Greek Frappe

Instant coffee whipped into thick foam, poured over ice with cold water and optional milk. Invented accidentally in Thessaloniki in 1957. The original Greek iced coffee.

Traditional Greek Coffee

Finely ground coffee brewed slowly in a briki (traditional copper pot). Thick, rich, served unfiltered with foam on top. Ordered sketo (no sugar), metrio (medium), or glyko (sweet).

History & Culture

What Makes Greek Coffee Different

Greek coffee is not just a drink — it is a cultural ritual that has defined daily life in Greece for centuries. Unlike American drip coffee or Italian espresso, Greek coffee is brewed slowly in a small copper pot called a briki, producing a thick, rich, unfiltered cup with a distinctive foam called kaimaki on top.

In Greece, coffee is never rushed. It is sipped slowly at a kafeneio (traditional coffeehouse), often accompanied by a glass of cold water and conversation that lasts for hours. This is the philosophy we bring to Yaya Mas — authentic Greek coffee culture, right here in Chicago.

The modern Greek coffee scene has evolved dramatically. While traditional briki coffee remains beloved by older generations, younger Greeks have embraced the Freddo Cappuccino and Freddo Espresso — cold espresso drinks that were invented in Greece in the 1990s and now dominate the coffee culture across the country. These drinks are virtually unknown in American coffee shops — until now.

Know the Difference

Freddo vs. Frappe vs. Traditional

	Freddo Cappuccino	Freddo Espresso	Greek Frappe	Traditional
Base	Espresso	Espresso	Instant	Fine ground
Temp	Cold	Cold	Cold	Hot
Milk	Frothed foam	None	Optional	None
Best For	Latte lovers	Black coffee fans	Classic vibes	Purists

Perfect Pairing

Greek Coffee & Pastry

In Greece, coffee is always served with something sweet. These are the traditional pairings we serve at Yaya Mas.

Bougatsa

Warm custard-filled phyllo pastry dusted with cinnamon and powdered sugar. The classic breakfast pairing in Thessaloniki.

Baklava

Layers of phyllo, walnuts, and honey syrup. Rich and sweet — perfect with a strong freddo espresso to balance the sweetness.

Galaktoboureko

Semolina custard wrapped in crispy phyllo, soaked in citrus syrup. A beloved Greek dessert that pairs beautifully with traditional hot coffee.

Two Locations

Where to Get Greek Coffee

Lincoln Park

1755 N Sheffield Ave

Chicago, IL 60614

(312) 313-7006

Mon-Tue & Sun: 9:30AM–12AM

Wed-Sat: 9:30AM–5:00AM

Order Lincoln Park

Magnificent Mile

46 E Chicago Ave, Suite 1W

Streeterville, Chicago IL 60611

(312) 313-1681

Sun-Wed: 9:30AM–12AM

Thu-Sat: 9:30AM–2:30AM

Order Magnificent Mile

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Freddo Cappuccino?

A Freddo Cappuccino is a cold espresso drink invented in Greece. Double espresso is shaken with ice until frothy, then topped with a thick layer of cold frothed milk foam. It is the most popular coffee order in Greece and is different from any iced coffee you will find in American coffee shops.

What is the difference between a Freddo and a Frappe?

A Freddo Cappuccino and Freddo Espresso are made with real espresso, while a Greek Frappe is made with instant coffee (Nescafe). Freddos are smoother and more modern, while the Frappe has a distinctive foamy texture and stronger, more bitter taste. Both are served cold over ice.

Is Greek coffee the same as Turkish coffee?

Traditional Greek coffee and Turkish coffee use the same brewing method — finely ground coffee brewed slowly in a small pot (called a briki in Greek, cezve in Turkish). The preparation is identical, but Greeks call it Greek coffee. At Yaya Mas, we brew it the authentic Greek way in a traditional briki.

Can I get Greek coffee to go?

Yes. All of our Greek coffees are available for dine-in and takeout. Freddo Cappuccino, Freddo Espresso, and Greek Frappe travel well since they are cold drinks. Traditional hot Greek coffee is also available to go, though it is best enjoyed slowly at a table — the Greek way.

Where can I find Greek coffee near me in Chicago?

Yaya Mas serves authentic Greek coffee at both locations: Lincoln Park (1755 N Sheffield Ave) and Magnificent Mile (46 E Chicago Ave). We are open daily starting at 9:30 AM. You can also pair your coffee with fresh bougatsa, baklava, or other Greek pastries.

What does sketo, metrio, and glyko mean?

These are the three traditional sweetness levels for Greek coffee. Sketo means no sugar (plain), metrio means medium (one teaspoon), and glyko means sweet (two teaspoons). The sugar is added before brewing, not after, which changes the flavor and foam. Tell your server which style you prefer.

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