Chicago was recently named the most caffeinated city in the country. In light of this, we figured they must know a thing or two about coffee. Plus, why should Seattle get all the props? We conferred with the Traveler staff and scoured Citysearch and Urbanspoon for some of the best java joints in the windy city. Here they are, from north to south on the map, starting with a café based on a subject near and dear to us:
Kopi, a Traveler's Cafe (5317 N. Clark St.; +1 773 989 5674) Order a drink at the full espresso bar and have a seat on the plush pillows on the floor. If you've got some extra cash, the boutique in back sells global wares.
Julius Meinl (3601 N. Southport Ave.; +1 773 868 1857) Grab a coconut macaroon mocha or linzer torte latte at this cozy spot, an offshoot of the lauded Viennese coffeehouse founded in 1862.
Intelligentsia (3123 N. Broadway St.; +1 773 348 8058) has been importing raw coffee to its vintage roasters for more than 10 years. Aside from donating time and funds to various community organizations, it's also incredibly hip; the Silver Lake branch just won a design award from the American Institute of Architects.
Bourgeois Pig Cafe (738 W. Fullerton Pkwy; +1 773 883 5282) offers different flavors of drip coffee daily. "There appears to be no rhyme or reason as to what we will pick next," says the owner on his quirky website. Try the Italian Lavazza Grand Espresso, for "a golden sweet coffee liquor, with caramel crema," and, oh yeah, a huge jolt.
Where do you get your favorite cup of joe?
Here in D.C. I have a few favorites: When I'm at work, i like to hit up Mudd House for its organic coffees sweetened with honey. A bit down 17th St., I like Steam Cafe, and also Java House for their free Wi-Fi, friendly staff, and cozy atmospheres. And of course, there's always the bustling, eclectic and progressive "Bus Boys & Poets" on U and 14th.
Posted by: Sarah Jane | December 17, 2007 at 09:47 AM
Intelligentsia is not just a cafe (there are actually 3 locations in Chicago), but a roaster. They roast and blend their own coffee right in Chicago, and are a popular mail-order coffee company. They win numerous awards, both for their coffee and their baristas.
Another Chicago coffee company that has outstanding coffee is Metropolis. http://www.metropoliscoffee.com/
Their cafe is at 1039 West Granville Avenue, but many local independent coffee shops and restaurants serve their coffee around town.
Posted by: Erin (Chicago resident) | December 17, 2007 at 04:22 PM