Pilot Pete’s Coffee & Treats

Just a great coffee shop opened/​owned by a good guy with great coffee and friendly service.

Tried for the first time yesterday morning and I am in love! I love all of the creative drink combinations their ‘Spring menu’ has to offer, best coffee I’ve had in a while!

Pilot Pete’s makes me happy that I’m up and about early in the morning. Pete’s coffee is great, but it’s Pete that makes this place exceptional. He’s cheerful, remembers everyone’s name and morning beverage, and plays LP’s that leave customers humming a classic, happy tune as they begin their day. His monthly newsletters are informative with local events and happenings and show that he really enjoys being part of the Elmhurst community.

Great coffee and Pete is always friendly.
Strong yet smooth iced brewed coffee is my favorite in the summer.
I love Pete’s latte and brewed coffee on colder mornings.
I enjoy listening to his old albums too. Very welcoming.

This is the best coffee shop that I’ve been to in my life! The owner does sooooo much for the community, he gives back, does clothes drive, donate a portion of his earnings to familes in need, and make sure that you have the best experience while buying your coffee there.
It’s surprising how he is the only one that works there but his line goes extremely fast! Like he has some type of superpower. He knows how to connect with his customers and spread his positive vibes all while creating a coffee that feels customized for you! I wish that there were more locations, but it’s worth the drive to Elmhurst for his coffee!

Why is an Arizonan writing a review about a coffee stand in suburban Chicago? Because, it is THE BEST coffee that I have found when I visit northeast Illinois! I have always admired entrepreneurial business owners who seem to have fun and love what they are doing. This business owner is a sole proprietor and he gives back generously to the community with coats and hot drinks for homeless in cold weather, sponsors fundraisers to help with peoples medical expenses and he no doubt does more acts of kindness that I don’t know about. I like it that Pilot Pete’s has excellent coffee, gives back to its community and, as I have observed, lifts the spirits of its patrons. Your money spent here does not pay a corporate CEO in some far away ivory tower, but it does stay in the community and helps people in need.
So, get to the Elmhurst Metra Station on First Street across from The Red Dragon before 11:30am weekdays, otherwise you are missing great coffee and treats!

I’ve been commuting on the Metra from the Elmhurst station every day for the past 6 months and never once got coffee here. Even though the man behind the counter and his shop seemed so inviting, I never stopped. Partly because I already carry so much to work each morning and a hot beverage on the train would most likely end up in my lap and partly because I honestly thought Pilot Pete’s was a small vendor «brewing» coffee from a Keurig machine. And in my head, I would just rather get to work and drink the coffee that someone generously makes every morning for free.
But au contraire! I was particularly tired one morning and wanted a shot of espresso for a buck and some change. «Would you like an extra shot of espresso on the house?» asked Pete. Is the Pope catholic? Why yes, Pete! I absolutely freakin’ would like more caffeine. In the 60 seconds that it took him to make my espresso, my perception about him and his tiny café completely changed. I actually looked inside and noticed that this guy wasn’t messing around when it comes to coffee. On top of that, he was so incredibly nice. Have you ever met someone that was almost exasperatingly nice that you start to contemplate your own life and wonder why you’re such a miserable duck (replace the «D» with an «F») compared to the person in front of you? That’s how I felt after speaking to Pete. Not only did he genuinely ask how I was doing, but he told me to have a «marvelous» day. Why thank you. I will now. Simple kindness goes a long way. And for that you get to be my 500^th review. (Note: This may or may not mean anything to anyone but the writer of this review)
The double espresso was so concentrated, rich and almost milky in taste. I chugged the drink while waiting for the train and waited for the caffeine to take over my body. It did soon enough and I began to think how much wasted time was spent on much more expensive espresso shots with half the taste. Awesome drink from an awesome guy and his awesome, yet semi-​creepy music from the 40’s (think Fallout music for all my fellow gaming dorks) he plays on his record player every morning. I am a believer now. Pete-​liever?

Pilot Pete is one of the most educated individuals I know when it comes to coffee and tea. He has a true passion for what he’s doing and you see it every day. He values quality ingredients, both in his drinks and his baked goods. He also is generous around the community and with helping others in need. Coffee is great, Chai Tea Latte is best I’ve ever had, and the homemade blueberry muffins are incredible. And, he caters! We will definitely be trying his catering service.
Simply put, Pilot Pete’s is an Elmhurst treasure. Metra commuters are lucky to have him in the morning.

Don’t drink coffee but Pilot Pete’s Chai Tea Latte is the best around. Imagine this… a real TEA bag in a Chai Tea! The tea is a custom blend that makes for a silky smooth Chai Tea that is the perfect drink for non-​coffee people on a cold winter morning. Great sweet treats as well if you need a quick bite to take with you on the train. Good prices, quick service, and all with a smile!

Peter couldn’t be any nicer. First off, everything is homemade. My favorite is the coffee crumb cake muffin. And, I love the cold brew coffee he serves. A perfect stop before jumping the train to downtown Chicago!

Pete’s awesome :)
The coffee is fantastic too. He really cares about the quality, makes his own syrups, and he has a cool record player.

Pete is magical with his coffee and treats.
He supports local business, loves his customers, and loves his coffee.

I make sure to stop at Pilot Pete’s for coffee whenever I’m in Elmhurst. Pete is always so nice and friendly and he makes everything fast. My personal favorite is the cold brew! I will continue to go here any day over Starbucks and support Pete’s business!

Always friendly, fast, and makes you feel like he knows you. Honestly the best part of the downtown commute.

I absolutely love pilot Pete’s. Amazing service and the beverages are great. Always starting a morning off right when I can stop into grab a coffee.

I love starting my day with a yummy drink from Pete. I look forward to it every morning. Pete is such a positive individual and he honestly makes my mornings nicer by his kindness. My fav drink is the iced honey vanilla latte!

The annoying thing about this place is that this isn’t open longer.

My favorite local business. The owner, Pete, is always friendly and quick to offer a free shot on the house or some extra cinnamon. Also little touches throughout– the coasters even have a picture of the owner piloting a plane. Great spot to Jumpstart the commute into the city :)

I was pleasantly surprised to see a stand for pilot pete’s at the Farmers market!!! Okay maybe more the just pleasantly, almost giddy! They have a FANTASTIC cold brew that is so smooth and chocolaty no cream or sugar needed! They also give you a sleeve for your iced drinks which is very nice! They have encouraging messages on them mine said“do what you love, you’ll be better at it” a sweet touch. Pete has an incredible vanilla syrup that is always a go to add in, although the coffee never needs it.
Pilot Pete’s is always a treat, service is always nice. The woman how helped me today was very sweet while Pete himself wasn’t there I’m sure he was serving the regulars at the train station while listening to a cool record. I wish the hours were longer, but it keeps a girl waking up early! Cool guy, supporting other local businesses and serving bomb ass coffee!
Of course I’ll be back; recommend to all!

I love starting my day with the iced tea of the day and a delicious donut or muffin (blueberry is soooo good). Pete is super friendly. This really is a must visit place for anyone traveling through downtown Elmhurst in the morning.