02/25/08

Chicago's best cafe

by michaelsonofmark

I moved into an apartment building right around the corner from Metropolis in September of 07. I had never been there before, and waited about a month or two before checking it out for the first time.

I've been back almost every day since then.

The espresso and coffee beans are all roasted on site, and the finished product drinks are phenomenal. I hadn't had a cappucino that even compares to their work since my last trip to Paris. There is lots of room and the space is comfortable and well-decorated. The customer service is neighborly and quick - only ever suffering when they are understaffed, which happens so infrequently, it's hardly worth mentioning. Even the tea list is great.

It you live in the neighboorhood - make this place a part of your life. If you're not from around here, make a point to come up and visit. You most surely will not be disappointed.

• Pros: espresso, coffee, baristas, space. everything.
• Cons: perhaps a bit of a trek for near-north-siders

09/21/07

all in all, awesome- odd service experience

by lisasimp

I have been a regular ever since I discovered it. The coffee is amazing- better than Intelligensia for sure. And it's strong. Great study atmosphere, lots of tables and free wireless is always a plus. My bones to pick are- even when it's like 90 outside, I have to wear a jacket inside because it is often pretty cold inside. I see other people in short sleeve shirts though, so maybe it's just me. Secondly, I'm convinced one barista hates me. She forgot to add flavoring once- at least it tasted that way- so I went up and politely asked if I could have more. Ever since, she glares at me and my drinks made by her have had an amazingly overpowering taste of flavoring syrup, or none at all. I haven't said anything about it since and just deal with it. I guess that's a testament to how much I love this place.

• Pros: study space, good and strong coffee, free wireless, good quiches, great crowd, good music, outdoor seating, free parking, mostly great service
• Cons: it's cold

05/10/07

#2 by a hair

by marzoccomadness

In just about any other city on the planet, Metropolis would be the #1 cafe in town by a wide margin. Unfortunately, Chicago is also home to Intelligentsia and their three retail locations. And while there's no argument about the quality of Metropolis' espresso and coffee offerings and skills, Intelly wins head-to-head because it's as good on those levels and has better service top to bottom, in my opinion.

I'll qualify by noting I'm just an occasional visitor to town, and have only been here twice so maybe it's just my bad luck. It's not the easiest place to get to if you're in town for events at Navy Pier or McCormick... so by the time I actually get all the way up there, I'm anticipating something supremely awesome and just didn't feel I got a warm welcome on either trip.

Because I'm usually downtown when visiting Chicago, I naturally spend more time at Intelly.

• Pros: espresso drinks
• Cons: way out of the way for downtown visitors