The Windfree Solar Cafe in Evanston is where great coffee, community, and clean energy come together.
Created by the team at Windfree Solar, this space is a sustainable coffee shop and solar education hub. It is a place designed to make renewable energy tangible and approachable for everyone in our community.
At the cafe, you can:
Enjoy thoughtfully sourced specialty coffee, tea, and local pastries.
Learn how solar panels and battery storage work in everyday language.
Meet with our engineering and solar teams to discuss projects or home options.
Experience sustainability practices in action—from compostable goods to energy-efficient design.
Why a Solar Cafe?
For over 15 years, Windfree has engineered and built solar projects for businesses, schools, and municipalities across the Midwest. We opened the cafe at 517 Dempster St. to bring that high-level expertise down to the neighborhood level.
We created this space to:
- Demystify Clean Energy: Make solar power feel approachable and unintimidating.
- Provide Expert Access: Offer a comfortable, low-pressure environment to ask questions about technology, incentives, and ROI.
- Foster Community: Host local events, workshops, and art exhibits that highlight the intersection of creativity and climate action.
- Model Sustainability: Show that a small business can operate with a deep commitment to the environment without compromising on quality.
Sustainability in Practice
We designed the Windfree Solar Cafe to reflect the same engineering standards we bring to our utility-scale and commercial projects:
- Zero-Waste Initiatives: We use 100% compostable cups, lids, and utensils.
- Closed-Loop Composting: All coffee grounds and food scraps are diverted from landfills through professional composting.
- Local Sourcing: We partner with regional roasters and bakeries to reduce transport emissions and support the local economy.
- Energy Efficiency: Our space utilizes high-efficiency equipment to minimize our operational footprint.
What’s on the Menu
We keep our menu focused on quality, working with local partners to provide fresh offerings:
Coffee & Espresso
- Drip Coffee & Pour-overs
- Espresso & Americano
- Lattes & Cappuccinos
- Seasonal Signature Drinks
Coffee & espresso drinks from Clerestory (roasted by Sparrow Coffee)
Tea & Refreshments
- Premium Hot Teas & Herbal Blends
- House-made Iced Teas
- Seasonal Non-Coffee Specialties
Unique loose leaf tea from Rare Tea Cellar (a local Ravenswood company)
Pastries & Bites
- Freshly baked goods from local Evanston and Chicago bakeries.
- A rotating selection of seasonal snacks and treats.
Freshly made baked goods, such as scones, muffins, Bavarian pretzels, and brownies from Button Bakery on Main Street (exclusively supplying to Windfree Solar Cafe)
Art, Education & Community
The cafe is more than a coffee shop; it is a platform for local voices. We frequently host:
- Sustainability Talks: Brief sessions on solar incentives, battery backup, and energy efficiency.
- Local Art Exhibits: Rotating installations featuring local creators, including our ongoing partnership with Artists Book House.
- Community Meetups: A gathering space for local environmental groups and neighborhood organizations.
If you are interested in hosting an event or exhibiting art at the cafe, please reach out via our contact page.
Visit Us in Evanston
Stop by for a drink, or stay for a conversation about the future of energy.
Address:
517 Dempster St.
Evanston, IL 60201
Hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Thursday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Schedule a Solar Consultation
While you are always welcome to walk in and ask questions, we recommend scheduling a dedicated time if you want to dive deep into a specific project. We can review your utility bills, site photos, and goals right here at the cafe.
We can help you explore:
Commercial & Industrial Solar:
Engineering-led EPC for your business.
Municipal & School Projects:
Navigating public-sector solar requirements.
Residential Options:
Understanding the choice between Leasing vs. Owning.
Battery Storage:
Adding resilience to your home or facility.
Explore More
About Windfree Solar
View Our Engineering Services
See Our Commercial Projects