The coffeehouse and dessert lounge F212, 401 N. Wells, is named for the boiling point of water (212 degrees Fahrenheit). But, when you walk into F212, that’s the last thing on your mind.
The display case of intricate desserts comes into view, and thoughts of a healthy dinner disappear. The lounge serves various desserts, ranging from Chocolate Sushi – pieces of chocolate mousse and fruit wrapped in chocolate – to lemon mousse tarts and espresso brownies. They are a bit pricey ($6 for the lemon mousse tart), but delicious nonetheless.
Along with unimaginably rich desserts, F212 serves a large assortment of drinks. They offer standard espresso beverages and smoothies and many unique drinks like tea lattes. Tea lattes come in flavors such as Marsala Chai, Apricot Brandy and Mango Amazon. They are priced at $2.85 for the small and $3.35 for the larger size. Another interesting drink is Hot and Cold Chocolate, or hot chocolate with a scoop of chocolate ice cream added to it. If none of these suits your fancy, however, you can bring your own drinks – alcoholic, that is. F212 is BYOB and charges a $5 corkage fee per person.
Almost equally as decadent as the desserts and beverages is the variety of comfort foods offered, such as baked macaroni and cheese, chicken pot pie and Nutella-covered honey paninis. Entrees average about $6.
The decor keeps with the science theme. A huge, funky atom model hangs from the ceiling near the entrance. Wall colors range from intense, warm red booths to cool blues at the front. Even the tube lighting has variegated red, blue and white sections. Each booth features its own art installation – a bubble protruding from the wall and containing science tools.
The lounge also has many entertainment options. DJs spin music Thurs. through Sat. from 8 p.m. to midnight. Each booth is equipped with multiple outlets for computer use, and free wireless Internet is provided. For a study break, a magazine rack is filled with gossipy reads at the front.
F212 is open 7 a.m. to midnight Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to midnight Saturday and is 10 a.m to 8 p.m. It is located behind the Merchandise Mart stop on the CTA brown line.
