The roasters writing the coffee scene in Chicago: who they are, where they source from and where to drink it.
The roasters writing the coffee scene in Chicago. who they are, where they source from, and where to drink the result.
Intelligentsia Coffee in Chicago is the third-wave roaster founded 1995 by Doug Zell, with Black Cat espresso as its signature roast and a flagship cafe in the Loop.
Tip: The Direct Trade catalogue rotates by season; subscribe to the cupping-room newsletter for first access to new microlots.
Sources from: Ethiopia, Colombia, Kenya, Costa Rica, Guatemala
How they serve: Espresso, Filter, Whole bean retail, Subscription
Metric Coffee in Chicago is the West Town roaster from Xavier Alexander and Darko Arandjelovic, operating from a former blacksmith shop on Fulton since 2013.
Tip: The Fulton Street cuppings are open to the public Thursday 14:00; arrive 10 minutes early for a seat at the bar.
Sources from: Ethiopia, Brazil, Burundi, Honduras
How they serve: Espresso, Filter, Whole bean retail
Sparrow Coffee in Chicago is the Naperville-born roaster's flagship cafe in the Fulton Market on Green Street, with espresso flights and Saturday public cuppings.
Tip: Saturday cupping at 11:00 is the value play: two coffees, a 45-minute talk through origin, free with a cafe purchase.
Sources from: Ethiopia, Colombia, Honduras, Bolivia
How they serve: Espresso, Filter, Whole bean retail
Big Shoulders Coffee in Chicago is the Noble Square neighbourhood roaster on Chicago Avenue, with single-origin pour-overs and a small Chicago Avenue cafe up front.
Tip: The Chicago Avenue cafe doubles as the cupping room; ask about the seasonal-roster bag before the website lists it.
Sources from: Ethiopia, Colombia, Rwanda, El Salvador
How they serve: Espresso, Filter, Whole bean retail, Subscription
Dark Matter Coffee's Star Lounge cafe on West Chicago Avenue serves the roaster's bold single-origin and signature blends in a long-running West Town space.
Tip: The Star Lord blend is the everyday espresso; Unicorn is the seasonal showpiece. Buy both bags and decide at home.
Sources from: Mexico, Honduras, Ethiopia, Colombia
How they serve: Espresso, Cold brew, Whole bean retail
Peak food season in Chicago is year-round.
Local dining hours: lunch around 12:30, dinner from 19:30.
service is typically included; small extra is welcome but not expected.
Ask the next local you meet what they would order. Chicago rewards trust.