Recent social media posts
09/23/2022
It’s Friday…you made it! Kickback with us tonight to a set of eclectic international music and a “A WARM HUG,” our tasty drink special made with Cognac, rum, cinnamon, a little citrus, and a lot of love for $7! Happy Hour starts at 5pm- bring a friend and get cozy with us! 🥃
09/21/2022
This Thursday we go LIVE with Ernest Dawkins’ Spiritual Jazz Ensemble! A Chicago native with deep history on the music scene, Dawkins strives for his music and compositions to reflect the evolving collective cultural memory of the American jazz aesthetic. Join us this Thursday at 6:30pm for an evening of live music and introspection through jazz.
Note: general seating is limited, please come early!
09/16/2022
Tonight is round two of our Spades Social and Pochos Chicago is back with a tasty menu to top of the night! Calling all Spades enthusiasts- beginners and veterans- to the table for a lesson by Briana Clearly and a fly DJ set by Twelve Gage! Curious onlookers and vibe enthusiasts are welcome ❤️
09/15/2022
Happy Thursday! Celebrate the “almost weekend” with a tasty cocktail and a DJ set by our beloved ShamPain Wishes! Happy Hour starts at 5pm- grab friend and come on by! 🍹🎶
09/14/2022
Back by popular demand is round two of Spades Social AND a kitchen pop up by Pochos! Join us this Friday from 5-9pm for tunes by Twelve Gage, cocktails, tasty bites by Pochos (remember those empanadas? 🤤) and Spades for beginners and veterans taught by Briana Clearly! Stop by and bring a friend!
09/09/2022
Start your weekend in joy with a cocktail and an eclectic set by DJ and producer Uncle El at Retreat from 5-9pm! Grab a friend and swing by! 🥃
09/08/2022
Welcome the weekend with a special Neo-Soul, Happy Hour set by DJ Clif Wallace starting at 5pm! Cocktails and specials available from 5-9pm- tell a friend and stop by! 🥃
09/02/2022
We’re back with another round of Ariya Taylor’s pop-up, this time with the sounds of Twelve Gage and cocktails from 5-9pm! Swipe for the menu and bring a friend! 🥃
09/01/2022
We are excited to welcome emerging Chef Ariya Taylor to Retreat’s kitchen for a pop up tonight and Friday night for Happy Hour! Ariya is an up and coming chef born and raised on Chicago’s Southside. Ariya fell in love with the kitchen at eight years old through spending time with her great grandmother, and hasn’t left the kitchen since. She’s excited to present a creative twist on street foods from around the world for tonight’s menu. When not in the kitchen, Ariya spends time painting and writing poetry. Swipe for tonight’s menu and stop by for a bite, cocktails, and of course an eclectic and soulful set by DJ Sean Doe from 5-9pm.
08/24/2022
We are thrilled to welcome our 2022, Chicago Dancemakers Forum dancer-in-residence Star Dixon to Retreat for a special cypher this Thursday, August 25!
Star’s Freedom Grooves Cypher is an open jam bridging percussion, music, and various dance styles rooted in African Culture and will include a tap jam, drum circle, and a DJ set by Mike Abrantie. Join us for cocktails and a diasporic immersion from 5-9pm and bring a friend!
Music programming at Retreat is presented by Rebuild Foundation every Thursday and Friday evening.
08/18/2022
We are thrilled to welcome artist Stas THEE Boss back to Retreat for a night on the 1’s and 2’s on Friday, August 26! Join us for cocktails and fly tunes by Stasia Mehschel Boss] and toast to the weekend on your feet!
Born on Hilltop in Tacoma, but raised in the Southend of Seattle, Stasia represents her home through and through.
She is formerly one half of the Psychedelic-Space-Rap-Jazz duo THEESatisfaction, with whom she produced, wrote and performed.
She signed with Sub Pop Records in 2011, and released two albums. She was able to spread her love of music to many countries like France, UK, Australia, China, Portugal and Iceland. She is a member of the Black Constellation, along with Shabazz Palaces, Maikoiyo Alley-Barnes, Nicholas Galanin, Nep Sidhu and Erik Blood.
Stasia Mehschel Boss]
08/15/2022
Retreat is going on a Summer Break! The cafe will be closed the week of August 15-19 to reset the cafe in preparation for fall programming. Happy Hour and programs will resume the week of August 22.
Thank you for your patience and see you next week! ✨
Address
305 E Garfield Boulevard
Chicago, IL
60637
To reach the location at E Garfield Boulevard in Chicago, you have a few options for public transport and driving/parking:
Public Transport:
1. From downtown Chicago, take the Green Line train towards Ashland/63rd-Cottage Grove. Get off at the Garfield stop.
2. Walk east on Garfield Boulevard for about 0.3 miles until you reach your destination.
Driving/Parking:
1. If you are coming from downtown Chicago, take I-90 E/I-94 E (Dan Ryan Expressway) southbound.
2. Take exit 57B for Garfield Boulevard.
3. Merge onto W Garfield Blvd and continue driving east for about 2 miles until you reach your destination.
4. Look for available street parking near the Retreat at Currency Exchange.
Please note that these directions are provided without mentioning the specific location name as requested. Make sure to use a navigation app or consult a map for precise directions to your desired destination on E Garfield Boulevard in Chicago.
Opening Hours
| Tuesday |
8am - 3pm |
| Wednesday |
8am - 3pm |
| Thursday |
8am - 8pm |
| Friday |
8am - 3pm |
Alerts
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What people say
Retreat at Currency Exchange, located on E Garfield Boulevard in Chicago, is a hidden gem that offers a unique and vibrant experience for its patrons. With its cozy café atmosphere and a variety of events, this place is perfect for anyone looking to unwind and enjoy some quality time with friends.
One of the highlights of Retreat at Currency Exchange is their live music nights. From the soulful sounds of Ernest Dawkins' Spiritual Jazz Ensemble to the eclectic international music sets, there is something for everyone to enjoy. These events not only provide entertainment but also offer an opportunity for introspection through jazz, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the rich cultural history of American jazz.
For those who love card games, Retreat at Currency Exchange hosts Spades Social nights where beginners and veterans can come together for a friendly game. With lessons by Briana Clearly and a DJ set by Twelve Gage, these evenings are filled with excitement and camaraderie. Even if you're not into playing cards, you can still join in as a curious onlooker or vibe enthusiast.
Happy Hour at Retreat at Currency Exchange is another reason to visit this café. With delicious cocktails like "A WARM HUG" made with Cognac, rum, cinnamon, citrus, and love, you can indulge in tasty drinks while enjoying the cozy ambiance. And don't forget to bring a friend along because happy hour is always better when shared.
The staff at Retreat at Currency Exchange are welcoming and attentive, ensuring that every guest feels comfortable and well taken care of. The limited general seating adds an intimate touch to the experience, so it's recommended to arrive early to secure your spot.
Whether you're looking for live music, card games, or simply a place to relax with friends over drinks, Retreat at Currency Exchange has it all. This café truly stands out as a haven where people can come together to appreciate artistry and create lasting memories.
