The Understudy Coffee and Books

The Understudy is a theatre bookstore and specialty coffee shop on North Clark Street in Andersonville, named in honor of all the hidden work it takes to make a play happen. Its stated aim is to celebrate and uplift artistry of every kind in the community, and the café and bookshop share one welcoming room.

The space has an olive green wall, a tiled bar with a red espresso machine, small marble topped tables and shelves of mugs and beans. The team sees theatre and specialty coffee as stories of collaboration, from the grower and roaster to the barista, and the menu includes rotating single origin coffees. The calendar fills with cabarets and book clubs. It is open from seven to six on weekdays and from eight to six on weekends.