OT... Coffee Roaster/Shop in Chicago?

[killacks]

I'll be visiting Chicago next week, and I'm a budding coffee snoob ;), so...

Are there any must-visit local roasters or shops in the downtown area?

Thanks!

[mbakes]

Try Intelligentsia: http://www.intelligentsiacoffee.com/locations

[melonyogloo]

It is not in downtown and is quite a hike.

http://www.metropoliscoffee.com/

[scrubadub]

Try Intelligentsia: http://www.intelligentsiacoffee.com/locations

+1. I was on a shipment plan from them for awhile (bday present) and got some great coffee. In-store coffee was also excellent the last time I was there.

[Bertleman]

How is Coffee off topic?

[jshardwick41]

Intelligentsia Black Cat beans has become the standard for testing espresso machines and really is top notch and is one of the best roasters/shops in the country.
La Colombe in the West Loop roasts their own beans and produces a good cup/latte.

Cheers
Jeremy

[stackie]

Go to Intelligentsia. It will be a life changing experience for you if you are a budding coffee snob.

I saw my first real life rosetta there and tasted coffee like I've never tasted before. Seeing them do rosettas also taught me to do them myself better than any video can.

I dragged my family and MIL about 8 miles out of our path for it. Of course this was before GPS and no one figured out that the 8 miles would take about 45 minutes in Chicago. It was well worth it.

Jon

[soupless]

Intelligentsia is a must do, hut if you're looking for something off the beaten path, Caffe Streets on Division in Wicker Park is quite good, as is WormHole.

[SoCalSteve]

Metropolis Redline expresso...good stuff!!!

[killacks]

How is Coffee off topic?

excellent point!

Anyhow, I have been to a couple intelligensia locations in Los Angeles and enjoyed it thoroughly.

I'll take note of the other suggestions as well. Did we miss anything? Any locals out there trying to keep their favorite spots undercover??

[charliedid]

Coffee is subjective but IMO Metropolis is my fav, real coffee made by real people. Plus, they don't share the same silly attitude that many at Intelligentsia seems so f*^&ing mired in.

I was at the Randolph St. Intel and asked some kid for 2 shots on ice. His response was "we don't recommend that" because it makes the bean a little "woody"

I told him I wasn't looking for a recommendation but thanks anyway.

That said the people who started and own that place are great.

Rent a bike downtown and ride it up to Granville on the lakefront path to Metropolis. Nice ride and great coffee.

Have fun.

[Mr. Squirrel]

you can find us in front of the big maple near the entrance to the lincoln park conservatory. our brew is completely natural. you will find it has a full flavor palate with nutty after tones. bring your bicycle.

mr. squirrel


http://dailyshotofcoffee.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Secret-Squirrel-Cold-Brew-Coffee.jpg

[William]

I always took you for more of a D&D type.:p

http://blog.timesunion.com/tablehopping/files/2011/02/dunkin-squirrel.jpg



William

[flydhest]

If you don't know Intelligentsia, you should.

One can argue whether or not there is better, but they are definitely to be experienced in downtown Chicago if you like coffee. You can order their stuff online, as well.

As noted above, Black Cat for espresso is the bid-niss.

[killacks]

Went to the Randolph St. Intelligensia today. Definitely good stuff. People were nice enough, too.

I spaced on picking up some Secret Squirrel cold brew. That would have been perfect on our way outta the Lincoln Park Zoo this afternoon. The weather was quite steamy.

Yesterday, we sought an afternoon coffee diversion and ended up at another Intelli location on the 12th floor of a pretty awesome building called the Merchandise Mart. It was kind of an odd place for the cafe, at the entrance to a coop space for a bunch of tech start-up companies. Looked like a fun work environment. Adults on razor scooters, etc...

I will be putting Metropolis on the must-see list. Off to uber-hip, or so they say (shhh... h!psters), neighborhood of Wicker Park tomorrow. Any suggestions in the way of coffee, cool shops, and so forth??

Thx for reading :)