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

10/31/06

The day my con panna blew away

by leecifur

I've been going to Metropolis since I moved to Chicago. Was a time I would hang out late at night at Standee's Diner. Loved their coffee. "What kind is it?" I asked. "Metropolis," the guy behind the counter said. Turned out it was Samba blend, still my favorite. The lattes and iced mochas are wonderful, although the hot mochas are often not as chocolaty as I would prefer.

The staff are always very nice, and try to remember your name.

When not completely jammed with Loyola students and little kids running around, the dining area is very relaxed. With the demise of the bookstore next door, now there is more seating, which is very nice.

Advice: If you want a small drink, like just espresso or a con panna, drink it there. Even if you are in a hurry. It'll just take a moment to gulp down, and you won't waste a paper cup or two. I learned my lesson when I got a con panna to do. Walking to my car, a sudden gust of wind blew my lightweight drink away, which was resting inside another paper cup. I stood there, shocked, and holding an empty paper cup.

My only solace was that none of the baristas saw it, as they would have laughed and sneered. And they would have every right to.

• Pros: Great coffee and espresso drinks, comfortable atmosphere, Jeff humming to himself.
• Cons: Not much parking, and that's shared with several other businesses.

07/25/06

Delicious Coffee

by gertruder

This is without doubt the best tasting coffee in Chicago. Metropolis take pride in their coffee roasting and I defy anyone who says they do not like this coffee. I love the Spice Island blend.

• Pros: Fabulous coffee
• Cons: Parking lot is a little tight

07/01/06

Best and most beautiful looking latte

by teachms302

Upon entering Metropolis you realize that you are truly in a unique and delightful coffee shop. The prompt friendly service as you enter makes you feel right at home. Delicious pastry selection abound. The artwork on the walls provides visual excitement.

The furniture is funky yet comfortable and functional. You get to meet a variety of people including the owners Tony and Jeff. Each makes you feel special and right at home.

You can sit for hours with your laptop, with a good book, or talking and meeting new friends as you enjoy your coffee or tea and listen to great music.

A variety of live entertainment on different nights provides some unexpected enjoyment.

A great place to meet and spend time with strangers or special friends.

• Pros: Great coffee and tea selection; prompt, great service, like the "card" system
• Cons: Some times the art selections

06/29/06

Best coffee and teas I've ever had!!!!!!!

by ikhlas

Metropolis Coffee Co has absolutely the best coffees and wide selection of bulk teas including greens, oolongs, herbals, rooibuses, blacks and even home-made chai, I've ever had. The coffees are always roasted perfectly-a wide variety from lightly roasted to beautiful (and sweet) darkroasts. Honestly, no other roaster comes close. This smallish company beats anythings here in Chicago and Seattle and The bay area. Metropolis Coffee Co is in a league of its own. I hope, as they grow, that their wonderful coffees and teas become widely recognized as incredibly good. I've watched them roast (through a window) and have cupped their coffees; oh yeh, they cup coffees every morning m-f at 9:15, and if you're interested you can participate. Wow!!!!!! Passionate and friendly- Metropolis, please adopt me!!!!

• Pros: passion for coffees, teas, even pastries including home-made pies; press pots on both coffees and teas
• Cons: not open late enough for me

06/26/06

Always worth it.

by puritydrink

I love the coffee here. It is, by far, THE BEST coffee in the city of Chicago (from the roasted bean to the brewed cup). And I am a hard sell when it comes to coffee. The staff is trained extremely well on the espresso machine and they always add that meticulous extra touch in the presentation that I greatly appreciate. Most of the veteran staff and a few new ones are extremely personable, professional, and show a good deal of integrity in their work. However, watch out for some of the new post-slacker snobby young ones. I could do without their distaste for good working ethics, their inability to smile, as well as their desire to listen to really bad eighties music. What a bore. Hopefully, Jeff and Tony will pick up on that soon. Bottom line, the coffee is well worth the visit.

08/11/05

great coffee and atmosphere

by lianaj

coffee and atmosphere are wonderful, and Tony and Jeff are wonderful and personable. Only downfall is the service. When they first opened they had a phenomenal crew. Now it is iffy, the staff spends more time socializing than attending to customers.

In-house blends and a relaxed atmosphere bring Edgewater and Andersonville caffeine lovers to this coffeehouse.

by Contributor

In Short
A mixed crowd of neighborhood locals come to this coffee and teahouse to study, read the paper, meet friends and even knit. Seating is plentiful with plush brown couches, chairs and tables available for enjoying a variety of brews that are roasted on-site. Other products include tea in the oolong, herbal, flavored and rooibos varieties, along with sandwiches and pastries.