The 95th Street Metra station in Beverly closed its window for ticket sales in March 2016, but another window in the station opened for business last month: Two Mile Coffee Bar. Co-owned by couples Sonia and Nate Hollister and Gretta and Patrick Dertinger (Nate and Gretta are siblings), Two Mile serves family- and neighborhood-inspired drinks, as well as pastries crafted by the Morgan Parkâbased Laineâs Bake Shop, in the stationâs bright waiting room. With Nateâs passion for reviving the historic space and Grettaâs extensive experience as a high-end barista, the family business seems off to a promising start. Their opening day on April 20 was packed, especially with young couples and children. Despite the tiny size of the coffee bar itself, the seating area is spacious: small tables, rose-colored vintage chairs, and several of the train stationâs original wooden benches make for a welcoming and airy environment. Current weekday morning hours cater specifically to commuters. For a taste of Beverlyâs latest, try the cedar-infused âMamma Sue and the Reverendâ or âThe Ridge,â a latte with a cardamom twistâdrinks named, respectively, after Nate and Grettaâs parents and the neighborhoodâs iconic hill.
Two Mile Coffee Bar, 1766 W. 95th St. MondayâFriday, 6amâ11am. Drinks $2.25â$4.00, pastries $2.50. Updates and specials at twomilecoffee.com or on social media @twomilecoffeebar
Janaya Crevier is a contributor to the Weekly. A geographer by training, she spends her time learning about data feminism and taking long walks across the South Side. Find her on Twitter at @JanayaCrevier. Her most recent piece for the Weekly was an interview with musician and activist Tasha.