Although the Ritz Coffee House, 933 N. Ashland Ave., is not as upscale as its name may suggest, it maintains its “ritzy” status, nestled between a bar and pizza joint. Its cozy and caffeinated atmosphere attracts a lot of young people to the East Village in Chicago, but if you’re a Northwestern student sans automobile, it can be quite the trip.

The cafe offers an eclectic selection of traditional brews and more adventurous concoctions. The turtle latte, “chocolate monkey” and Snickers latte are just a few of their originals. For a less caffeinated and more classic treat, there are a host of shakes and smoothies, referred to as “smoothees.” And evidently Starbucks is not the only cafe with their own language — all of these drinks are available in sizes “cymbium,” “media” and “cymborium.”

For a light lunch, there are pastries, sandwiches and a soup of the day. But the selection is a little scant — mostly vegetarian-friendly options — and there is a limited supply of the soup, so get it while it’s hot.

The decor is simple and elegant, fitting of the cafe’s regal name. The traditional coffee tables are large enough to hold two, but many choose to come alone with a book instead. The soft rock music is relatively loud, but the customers are quiet on the whole. Bookshelves adorn the doors, which appear to inspire the studious atmosphere in the cafe. On the ceiling there is a diorama of a blue sky. Some might call it cheesy, but in the midst of Chicago you come to appreciate these details.

So if you’re ever looking for an excuse to go downtown, check out the Ritz Coffee House and try the “chocolate monkey.”

— Perris Richter