Off the Grid

November 3rd, 2017

In October 2016 Lewis Kostiner ’72 and his wife, Annie, opened kibbitznest: books, brews & blarney on Chicago’s  N. Clybourn Avenue to encourage “creative, sensitive, and intellectual discourse” in a wifi-free zone. The store, which is full of liberal arts books mainly from academic presses, helps fund the nonprofit coffee house, which the Kostiners refer to as a “third place” (“first” is home, “second” is work). To promote actual face-to-face human interaction, kibbitznest features comfortable chairs and couches; drinks ranging from craft beers and specialty cocktails to herbal teas; an assortment of games; “a little nosh” like imported cheese plates and Chicago-style hotdogs; and events like discussions, book signings, live music, and storytelling. Kostiner isn’t new to the business: while a student at Brown, he cofounded Mother Records, a coffee shop in the basement of Faunce House.

Kibbitznest.jpg
Photo by Matt Kosterman

 

What do you think?
See what other readers are saying about this article and add your voice. 
Related Issue
November/December 2017