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Thu Jun 4
Aville.net → The Understudy Coffee and Books
Issue No. 0048 · Thu Jun 4, 2026 · Updated Thursday, June 4 · 8:59am

Cafe · 5457 N. Clark St. · Andersonville

The Understudy Coffee and Books

A theatre-focused bookstore and specialty cafe hosting community performances.

Website ↗ Map ↗ Open until 6pm
Where theatre makers, book lovers, and coffee enthusiasts meet. — hero photo placeholder
Where theatre makers, book lovers, and coffee enthusiasts meet. — hero photo placeholder
Where theatre makers, book lovers, and coffee enthusiasts meet. — hero photo placeholder

The Understudy Coffee and Books is a unique theatre bookstore and specialty coffee shop in Andersonville. Beyond its shelves of plays and books, the space hosts an active calendar of play readings, cabarets, mutual aid shows, and open mics, creating a dedicated creative hub for Chicago's performing arts community.

What's happening

Coming up

TTRPG Journaling Workshop w/ The Mind of Guy at The Understudy Coffee and Books — A writing and journaling workshop for TTRPG enthusiasts. Learn about the wellness applications of journaling and how it can enhance your TTRPG experiences, hosted by The Mind of Guy.
one-off Thu Jun 4 · 7:30pm

TTRPG Journaling Workshop w/ The Mind of Guy

The Understudy Coffee and Books
Hosted by The Mind of Guy
Thursday, June 4 · 7:30–6pm
$5–$20 (tiered: GM's Quest Jotter + Stickers $5, GM's Quest Jotter + RP Mechanical Pencil + Stickers $10, GM's Quest Journal + RP Mechanical Pencil + RP GM's Quest Jotter + Stickers $20)
Ari Gato Attempts to Share the Spotlight: A Murderously Funny Cabaret at The Understudy Coffee and Books — A drag cabaret featuring Chicago drag superstar Ari Gato with music, stories, and laughter. Featuring Jon Jackson, Laura Vidal, Bosston, and Alex Newkirk on keys.
one-off Sat Jun 27 · 8pm

Ari Gato Attempts to Share the Spotlight: A Murderously Funny Cabaret

The Understudy Coffee and Books
Ari Gato · ft. Jon Jackson · ft. Laura Vidal · ft. Bosston · DJ Alex Newkirk
Saturday, June 27 · 8–6pm
PWYC or suggested donation of $15

Hours

Monday 8am–6pm
Tuesday 8am–6pm
Wednesday 8am–6pm
Thursday 8am–6pm
Friday 8am–6pm
Saturday 8am–6pm
Sunday 8am–6pm

Recent flyers

FEM/THEM Comedy Open Mic at The Understudy at The Understudy Coffee and Books — A comedy open mic for women and non-dude performers. Hosted by Preeti Thaker and Jordan Levene.
one-off Fri May 22 · 7:30pm

FEM/THEM Comedy Open Mic at The Understudy

The Understudy Coffee and Books
Hosted by Preeti Thaker · Hosted by Jordan Levene
Friday, May 22 · 7:30–6pm
KAPWA: a filipino variety + mutual aid show at The Understudy Coffee and Books — An evening of music, film, poetry, comedy, and burlesque featuring an all-Filipino cast. Hosted by KT and Jett.
one-off Fri May 29 · 8:15pm

KAPWA: a filipino variety + mutual aid show

The Understudy Coffee and Books
Hosted by KT · Hosted by Jett
Friday, May 29 · 8:15–6pm
See 1 more past event
Visit The Understudy Coffee and Books ↗