Dark Matter Coffee - Meddle Coffee Bar — Restaurant in West Chicago Township

Is Dark Matter Chicago’s BEST?

I humbly think so.

Why?

Quality! Their espresso is a rich, robust, concentrate unlike most places. Their espresso is superior (they will have single origin options as well), and earns the name dark matter. I do like to add some simple syrup to a double shot for my flavor preference. BE. CAREFUL. Their shots are concentrated. I would avoid more than 2 double shots (I believe that equals 6 shots - so you really even need that many? 😂)

Consistency! This is why there is a solid argument to why Dark Matter is Chicago’s BEST. I have ordered coffee from multiple locations, many times over the years. Was every latte drink and/or shot exceptional? No. But a MAJORITY were exceptional. Most places that I really enjoy, deliver consistent exceptional quality 5-6 out of 10 times, while Dark matter is at about an 8.5/10.

Cost! For the cost they deliver fantastic quality. All coffee drinks are expensive in my opinion, especially if you include a non diary option. Most places are over priced in my opinion because their coffee is mediocre. Dark matter quality is worth the cost as they charge similar to most places with inferior quality. They often offer barrel aged coffee!

Vibes! Their locations are all different and dope. I’ve been to every location at least twice. They each have a unique funky/fun vibe. With the vibes, a majority of the time people are welcoming and helpful. Over the years I have run into some disgruntled baristas, yet few and far between.

Hot tips:

*Their iced coffee is a cold brew alternative and is fantastic! They will let you get a taste as they always have 3+ options. Get a 32oz growler to go. Their cans are pricey yet they have unique offerings like barrel aged versions that make a great gift.

*Their cans Meddle location is a quick walk to the Sears Tower (we don’t call it the Willis Tower) and Greek Town. (10mins or less)

*19mins + walk you can get to the West Loop and Fulton Market. Cruz Blanca is great, Time Out Market is solid and family friendly, Recess is unique, the new Guinness location is worth a visit and you would never guess they sell amazing local ice cream to go, and Professor pizza has expensive yet amazing Tavern style...

This cafe was trying to sell a french press set for 90.00 that was 54.00 online!!! Asked to exchange a bag of coffee that was unopened that was purchased the day before because it was the wrong blend and clerk refused. I asked to speak to manager and told her I did not HAVE to go here because there were many other options online and that I was asking to exchange the bag I bought yesterday with a different blend. Most cafe's would gladly allow it to keep a customer. Not this manager (who was not really communicating clearly to me - plus the added muffling with a mask). When I said I was not happy with not being able to exchange my purchase, she finally offered a refund to me, but followed it with "you are going to have treat our staff better." May I remind her that her staff mixed a recent order up about 2 weeks ago and had to remake the coffee as I ordered it. Stores who goof your order up usually offer you SOMETHING as compensation for your time and good customer service. I asked if I could have the medium cup of coffee that was wrong (because I was going to give it to a coworker and perhaps win them another customer). He said, "No. It will not go to waste." Really POOR customer service. Really POOR customer service from the "manager" today who said she is a "part owner." Perhaps the owner should offer some customer service classes to their "part owners" and "other" staff who do not know how to keep customers. After I told the "part owner" I would not return, she told me I was "banned" from returning. Sorry.. I just TOLD YOU I was NOT coming back! You lost TWO customers..... spending minimum of $90 per week. I have never seen more than 2 or 3 customers in this store. I guess you can afford to lose some. SMH. Peets Coffee at Chicago Union Station has a...

I just returned from this place, having quickly dropped by for my morning Sunday coffee. There are a few things to say about this place, all truly wonderful. First, it’s fairly close to me which is great, and they have three other locations. So if decide to travel to some other parts of the city, I know there’s good chance I’ll find dark matter coffee. Second, the mind behind the interesting and psychedelic interior design of this place is an artist, who’s name I’ve regretfully forgotten already, although they publicly display some information regarding the artist and his motivation in laying out this particular coffe shop in the way he did. I really did feel as if I entered some alien, urban coffee jungle. The last two points I have to make are the most important. My third point is about their coffee, and myfourth deals with their staff. Their coffee is delicious. I ordered a basic red-eye with a “half-basket” of espresso? I haven’t mastered this place’s coffeenese, but I’m drinking it now and it is smooth and citrusy, with subtle nutty and chocolatey understones— absolutely wonderful. I should’ve asked what kind of coffee of regular drip I was getting, but as I had yet to drink coffee for the day, clearlu I wasn’t on my game and forgot. In any case, I’ll be sure to ask the friendly, amiable staff next time, which brings me to final point: staff was really nice and hip! Not overwhelming friendly but also not completely apathetic either (like at la Colombo). Pictured: (1) the dark matter coffee I got and (2) the coffee plus the gluten free chocolate chip banana...