Upcoming Events at necessary & sufficient coffee®
Community gatherings, performances, workshops, and ticketed events hosted at our cafés in Logan Square and Printers Row.
We host a rotating calendar of events—from intimate performances and readings to workshops, tastings, and neighborhood gatherings. Some events are free and drop-in; others are ticketed with limited capacity.
Weekly(ish) Cartoonist Office Hours With Temo
Join artist Temo most Tuesdays at necessary & sufficient coffee to learn about her journey as a cartoonist and how to develop your very own cartoon creation!
Artist Statement: As a new mother during the pandemic, I took a Zoom cartooning workshop from the brilliant and kind New Yorker cartoonist Asher Perlman, who taught me to draw what I know. Cartooning allowed me to create in small moments and spaces when I only had small moments and spaces to spare. It also helped me feel creative during a stressful time in my life and brought cheer to those around me.
Temo’s cartoons can be found in Narrative Magazine, the Bridgeport Art Center, the Duck Inn, the Monadnock Building, and numerous private collections.
Weekly(ish) Cartoonist Office Hours With Temo
Join artist Temo most Tuesdays at necessary & sufficient coffee to learn about her journey as a cartoonist and how to develop your very own cartoon creation!
Artist Statement: As a new mother during the pandemic, I took a Zoom cartooning workshop from the brilliant and kind New Yorker cartoonist Asher Perlman, who taught me to draw what I know. Cartooning allowed me to create in small moments and spaces when I only had small moments and spaces to spare. It also helped me feel creative during a stressful time in my life and brought cheer to those around me.
Temo’s cartoons can be found in Narrative Magazine, the Bridgeport Art Center, the Duck Inn, the Monadnock Building, and numerous private collections.
Weekly(ish) Cartoonist Office Hours With Temo
Join artist Temo most Tuesdays at necessary & sufficient coffee to learn about her journey as a cartoonist and how to develop your very own cartoon creation!
Artist Statement: As a new mother during the pandemic, I took a Zoom cartooning workshop from the brilliant and kind New Yorker cartoonist Asher Perlman, who taught me to draw what I know. Cartooning allowed me to create in small moments and spaces when I only had small moments and spaces to spare. It also helped me feel creative during a stressful time in my life and brought cheer to those around me.
Temo’s cartoons can be found in Narrative Magazine, the Bridgeport Art Center, the Duck Inn, the Monadnock Building, and numerous private collections.
Sip and Sketch with Amy Gowans
Ever looked at a perfectly poured latte or a flaky croissant and thought, “I wish I could capture this”? Now you can, and no, you don’t need to be an experienced sketcher to start.
Urban Sketchers document their life in real time. Join us for a relaxed, beginner-friendly urban sketching session at Necessary & Sufficient Coffee. Travel Sketcher Amy Gowans will guide you through this fun, low-pressure experience.
All levels are encouraged. If you are a beginner and don’t have supplies, they will be provided.
The registration fee is $25 and should be paid at the time of registration. Please email Amy at amygchicago@gmail.com to register.
🗓️ Sunday, November 8
⏰ 1:00-3:00 pm
📍 Necessary & Sufficient: 728 S Dearborn St., Chicago
🎟️ Class Fee: $25 (to be paid at the time of registration)
We’re offering a discount on food/beverage items ordered by participants in this class. Please arrive hungry and plan to order what you’re interested in sketching.
Neighborhood Coffee Shop Vibes with DJ Roads Clear
Ease into your weekend with the perfect caffeine and music combo.
DJ Roads Clear will be spinning a laid-back soundtrack for your morning-to-afternoon drift through breakfast, specialty coffee, and good company.
Free entry. Full menu. Flawless vibes.
Follow @roadsclear on Instagram for more!
Coffee Shop Speed Dating with Jigsaw
Love is in the air… and in your latte!
Join us for an afternoon of sparks and good conversation. This speed-dating event is hosted by Jigsaw, a new dating experience for people ages 30-45. Come ready to meet someone!
Necessary & Sufficient Coffee - Printers Row
728 S Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60605
Regular price $29.99 USD
Limited tickets available! Get your tickets HERE
ArtNight Chicago - Ticketed Event
Join us for an interactive variety show of comedy, education, and art. One of our very own baristas, Elizabeth, is performing an eight-minute stand-up set, so you should definitely show up.
Friday, October 2 · Doors 7:30PM · Show 8PM · 728 S Dearborn St
For the past nine years, ArtNight has been organizing monthly community-building variety shows all around Chicago! ArtNight provides talented, passionate artists a platform to share what they love. On the first Friday of the month, Chicagoans gather to laugh, learn, and celebrate art in all its forms. From storytelling and comedy to music, uncover what the art industry is doing next with ArtNight Chicago.
Neighborhood Coffee Shop Vibes with DJ Roads Clear
Ease into your weekend with the perfect caffeine and music combo.
DJ Roads Clear will be spinning a laid-back soundtrack for your morning-to-afternoon drift through breakfast, specialty coffee, and good company.
Free entry. Full menu. Flawless vibes.
Follow @roadsclear on Instagram for more!
Neighborhood Coffee Shop Vibes with DJ Roads Clear
Ease into your Sunday with the perfect caffeine and music combo.
DJ Roads Clear will be spinning a laid-back soundtrack for your morning-to-afternoon drift through breakfast, specialty coffee, and good company.
Free entry. Full menu. Flawless vibes.
Follow @roadsclear on Instagram for more!
Coffee Shop Speed Dating with Jigsaw
Love is in the air… and in your latte!
Join us for an afternoon of sparks and good conversation. This speed-dating event is hosted by Jigsaw, a new dating experience for people 40-55. Come ready to meet someone!
Ages 40-55
Necessary & Sufficient Coffee - Printers Row
728 S Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60605
Regular price $29.99 USD
Limited tickets available! Get your tickets HERE
Neighborhood Coffee Shop Vibes with DJ Roads Clear
Ease into your weekend with the perfect caffeine and music combo.
DJ Roads Clear will be spinning a laid-back soundtrack for your morning-to-afternoon drift through breakfast, specialty coffee, and good company.
Free entry. Full menu. Flawless vibes.
Follow @roadsclear on Instagram for more!
Book Signing + Q&A with Ronnie Frey - Doorways of Chicago
Join us at necessary & sufficient coffee to discover 100 photographs of Chicago’s most iconic and unique doorways with Ronnie Frey!
Ronnie Frey is a photographer, social media content creator, and storyteller behind the popular Instagram account @doorwaysofchicago, a visual archive celebrating Chicago’s architecture, history, and hidden gems. His debut book, Doorways of Chicago, was released on May 5, 2026, by Trope Publishing. The book quickly reached #1 in Hot New Releases in several categories on Amazon, where it remained for more than five weeks. His work has been featured in Midwest Living and Chicago Magazine, and he has appeared on WGN Spotlight Chicago, WGN Morning News, NBC Today Chicago, FOX 32 Chicago Now, and numerous podcasts discussing Doorways of Chicago and Chicago architecture. He will also be featured in an upcoming segment on CBS Eye On Chicago.
He is currently the artist-in-residence at the Radisson Blu Hotel in the iconic Aqua Tower. The exhibit in the building’s lobby features 21 framed photographs from his Doorways Of Chicago Project in an exhibit through November 15 of this year.
From his studio in Chicago’s landmark Fine Arts Building, Ronnie captures historic details and cultural stories through photography, writing, social media content, as well as curated Chicago walking tours and global group tours. His work invites people to slow down, look closer, and discover the beauty hiding in plain sight.
Pottery Pop-Up with Lindsy Rice
Join us for a pop-up with local potter Lindsy Rice. If you haven’t yet touched her beautiful pottery, felt its texture, heft, and form, you’re in for a real treat!
Neighborhood Coffee Shop Vibes with DJ Roads Clear
Ease into your Sunday with the perfect caffeine and music combo.
DJ Roads Clear will be spinning a laid-back soundtrack for your morning-to-afternoon drift through breakfast, specialty coffee, and good company.
Free entry. Full menu. Flawless vibes.
Follow @roadsclear on Instagram for more!
Book Signing + Pop-Up with Ronnie Frey - Doorways of Chicago
Join us at necessary & sufficient coffee to discover 100 photographs of Chicago’s most iconic and unique doorways with Ronnie Frey!
Ronnie Frey is a photographer, social media content creator, and storyteller behind the popular Instagram account @doorwaysofchicago, a visual archive celebrating Chicago’s architecture, history, and hidden gems. His debut book, Doorways of Chicago, was released on May 5, 2026, by Trope Publishing. The book quickly reached #1 in Hot New Releases in several categories on Amazon, where it remained for more than five weeks. His work has been featured in Midwest Living and Chicago Magazine, and he has appeared on WGN Spotlight Chicago, WGN Morning News, NBC Today Chicago, FOX 32 Chicago Now, and numerous podcasts discussing Doorways of Chicago and Chicago architecture. He will also be featured in an upcoming segment on CBS Eye On Chicago.
He is currently the artist-in-residence at the Radisson Blu Hotel in the iconic Aqua Tower. The exhibit in the building’s lobby features 21 framed photographs from his Doorways Of Chicago Project in an exhibit through November 15 of this year.
From his studio in Chicago’s landmark Fine Arts Building, Ronnie captures historic details and cultural stories through photography, writing, social media content, as well as curated Chicago walking tours and global group tours. His work invites people to slow down, look closer, and discover the beauty hiding in plain sight.
The Wild Worth Protecting - A solo exhibition by Brian Doyle
Discover the natural world through a different lens with Brian Doyle.
Brian is an expedition guide and conservation photographer specializing in environmental education, wildlife interpretation, and sustainable stewardship through experiential learning. With more than a decade of field experience, he integrates science, storytelling, and photography to foster meaningful connections between people and nature.
#buyarttosavetheparks - A portion of your proceeds goes directly towards the US National Parks.
Live Music with Maren Naomi
Sip on a latte and enjoy a free afternoon of soothing melodies with Maren.
Originally from upstate New York, Maren is a student at Roosevelt University studying vocal jazz. She started writing music in middle school but only recently decided to start performing. Her writing style is still developing, but she has a strong focus on creating indie folk music.
“I'm excited to continue sharing my music and getting to know more people on this journey,” said Maren.
Neighborhood Coffee Shop Vibes with DJ Roads Clear
Ease into your Sunday with the perfect caffeine and music combo.
DJ Roads Clear will be spinning a laid-back soundtrack for your morning-to-afternoon drift through breakfast, specialty coffee, and good company.
Free entry. Full menu. Flawless vibes.
Follow @roadsclear on Instagram for more!
Pop-Up with The Orange Tent Project
We’re partnering with The Orange Tent Project to bring hope, connection, and care one meal, one person, and one orange tent at a time.
About The Orange Tent Project:
The Orange Tent Project is a Chicago-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals experiencing homelessness through direct outreach, essential resources, and community partnerships. They provide tents, sleeping bags, hygiene supplies, clothing, meals, and other critical items while working to connect individuals with housing and supportive services. Its mission is to meet people where they are with compassion, dignity, and practical support.
Café Urban Sketching with Amy Gowans
Beginning Urban Sketching Workshop
Join travel sketcher Amy Gowans in this relaxed two-hour workshop. We will let go of the pressure to draw "perfectly" and instead explore the simple joy of choosing what to include. You'll learn to see a blank page not as something you have to fill, but as a fun space you get to design.
Through easy exercises and observing the world around us, you'll practice picking out the interesting parts of a scene, arranging them with intention, and capturing the energy in your own way. No drawing experience needed—just come ready to look, choose, and enjoy the process. Supplies will be provided if you are new to sketching.
Registration is $25. Contact Amy Gowans to register: amygchicago@gmail.com to reserve your seat.
📅 Sunday, August 30
⏰ 1:00-3:00
📍Necessary & Sufficient Coffee: 728 S Dearborn St.
Tarot Readings with Sarah - $25 Per Reading - Logan Square
Sarah has 20 years of experience in astrology and tarot, and can be found at events around Chicago with her tarot, art, and vintage pop-up.
Neighborhood Coffee Shop Vibes with DJ Roads Clear
Ease into your Sunday with the perfect caffeine and music combo.
DJ Roads Clear will be spinning a laid-back soundtrack for your morning-to-afternoon drift through breakfast, specialty coffee, and good company.
Free entry. Full menu. Flawless vibes.
Follow @roadsclear on Instagram for more!
Artist Talk and Workshop with Temo
oin this month’s featured artist, Temo, at necessary & sufficient coffee to learn about her journey as a cartoonist and how to develop your very own cartoon creation!
Artist Statement: As a new mother during the pandemic, I took a Zoom cartooning workshop from the brilliant and kind New Yorker cartoonist Asher Perlman, who taught me to draw what I know. Cartooning allowed me to create in small moments and spaces when I only had small moments and spaces to spare. It also helped me feel creative during a stressful time in my life and brought cheer to those around me.
I hope my cartoons bring cheer to you, too.
My cartoons can be found in Narrative Magazine, the Bridgeport Art Center, the Duck Inn, the Monadnock Building, and numerous private collections.
Tarot Readings with Sarah, Saturday, from 12-4 p.m. - $25 Per Reading
Sarah has 20 years of experience in astrology and tarot, and can be found at events around Chicago with her tarot, art, and vintage pop-up.
Tarot Readings with Sarah - $25 Per Reading - Logan Square
Sarah has 20 years of experience in astrology and tarot, and can be found at events around Chicago with her tarot, art, and vintage pop-up.
Neighborhood Coffee Shop Vibes with DJ Roads Clear
Ease into your Sunday with the perfect caffeine and music combo.
DJ Roads Clear will be spinning a laid-back soundtrack for your morning-to-afternoon drift through breakfast, specialty coffee, and good company.
Free entry. Full menu. Flawless vibes.
Follow @roadsclear on Instagram for more!
Chicago Loft Party pop-up with Tony Lucca
Enjoy an end-of-summer celebration with Tony Lucca at necessary & sufficient coffee!
Your VIP Experience includes:
- Laughter
- Stories
- Camaraderie
- One-on-One interaction with the artist before, after and during the event
- Finger food will be provided
Suggested donation of $30 with all money collected going to the bands! Bring extra money to buy some merch!
Seating is limited and an advanced RSVP is highly recommended.
Book Signing + Q&A with Will Quam - Fire and Clay
Uncover the architectural secrets that live within the walls of local businesses in Printer’s Row and other iconic Chicago neighborhoods with Will Quam.
Will Quam is an architecture historian, author and photographer. Since 2016, he’s shared Chicago’s architecture and history through his project Brick of Chicago, also leading award-winning walking tours for thousands across the city. His photographs and expertise have been featured by PBS Chicago, The Chicago Tribune, Block Club Chicago, McSweeney’s, and more. You can find him at @brickofchicago on Instagram.
Neighborhood Coffee Shop Vibes with DJ Roads Clear
Ease into your Sunday with the perfect caffeine and music combo.
DJ Roads Clear will be spinning a laid-back soundtrack for your morning-to-afternoon drift through breakfast, specialty coffee, and good company.
Free entry. Full menu. Flawless vibes.
Follow @roadsclear on Instagram for more!
Tarot Readings with Sarah, Saturday, from 12-4 p.m. - $25 Per Reading
Sarah has 20 years of experience in astrology and tarot, and can be found at events around Chicago with her tarot, art, and vintage pop-up.
ArtNight Chicago - Ticketed Event
Celebrate art in all its forms. From storytelling and comedy to music, uncover what the industry is doing next with ArtNight Chicago.
Friday, August 7 · Doors 7:30PM · Show 8PM · 728 S Dearborn St
For the past nine years, ArtNight has been organizing monthly community-building variety shows all around Chicago! ArtNight provides talented, passionate artists a platform to share what they love. On the first Friday of the month, Chicagoans gather to laugh, learn, and celebrate art in all its forms. From storytelling and comedy to music, uncover what the art industry is doing next with ArtNight Chicago.
August Lineup:
Tiara Bullock will be telling the story of our historic Major Taylor Trail
Zak Falouji will be enlightening us on the fascinating world of video game economies
Ronnie Frey will be taking us on a virtual tour of some of Chicago’s most beautiful doorways
Rey Tang will be performing comedy
Justin Parlette has challenged himself to learn the keys and write a song in only a month
Come early, mingle, participate in community activities, and join the discussion, then settle in as the show unfolds.
Silent Reading Night
Join us on the first Thursday of the month for Silent Reading and Writing night at the cafe from 6-8 pm.
The cafe will not be closing from 5-6 p.m. Instead, remaining customers will be notified that we’re getting ready for silent reading and writing night, and we’ll stop serving from 5-6 p.m. After that, we will have a limited menu, baked goods, bagels, and burritos.
The Cartoon Show - A Solo Exhibition by Temo
This is a cartoon show. By a cartoonist who has been rejected by the New Yorker 78 times (and counting).
But! This cartoonist has also once made negative $50 when her cartoon Abandonment Issues was published by Narrative Magazine. According to her cartoon sensei Asher Perlman (of the New Yorker), this feat makes her among the top 1 percent of cartoonists in terms of successfulness.
So come experience the dark and twisted humor of someone who continues to cheerfully make and send her cartoons off to the New Yorker after 78 rejections – attempting to summit, as they (who?) call it, the “Mount Everest of cartoons.”
Come learn from the wisdom of “10 Budget-Friendly Ways to Spruce Up Your Despair” (2023) and “Secret to Success” (2022).
Perhaps you will be inspired to purchase one of the cartoons. Or perhaps you will be moved to write a personal letter of rejection to the cartoonist, who clearly gets off on these things. What’ll it be?
Artist Bio: Temo (b. 1985, Dalian, China) is a published cartoonist, artist, and psychotherapist working in Chicago. A self-described “bumble bee” who moves freely across many artistic mediums and styles, Temo’s diverse body of work is united in the artist’s capacity to find the elephant in the room, dance with it, and capture its essence so vividly that everyone else sees it, too.
Temo was a less-than-mediocre Economics graduate of the University of Chicago and a quite good Counseling Psychology graduate of Northwestern University. She received foundational training in classical Western and Chinese art from her mother, a noted Chinese Calligrapher and fine artist. But it was her improv training from iO, the Annoyance, and the Second City that finally taught her, on the eve of her 30s, how to play, create, and be an artist on her own terms.