Dark Matter Coffee - Star Lounge Coffee Bar — Restaurant in West Chicago Township

I don’t often write a review, but this time I felt like it was needed. I have been a regular customer of Dark Matter coffee (this specific location) for over two years. I have even recommended it to coworkers (I am a healthcare professional in the neighborhood).

However, my last visit I did not feel welcome and I was treated poorly. I ordered a coffee to go, and while sipping on my coffee, I realized they had quite a few pastries. I called up a coworker, and asked if they wanted something, to which they replied yes. The coworker asked me to verify if one of those pastries had blueberries, so I walked over to the counter and asked one of the barista’s (while still on the phone with my coworker who is placing the order). The barista, then went ahead and started taking other customers, completely ignoring me. At this point, I ended the phone call because I knew what my coworker wanted and patiently waited to make the order. Once the barista was done with the other clients however, the barista‘s response was “ I don’t take orders from or listen to customers that are on the phone”. I went ahead and explained that I was taking an order from the person on the phone. To which he replied “ it doesn’t matter, I will not take your order if you’re on the phone”.

This is an odd situation to be in, it does not state that you cannot take orders from friends on the phone at the counter. I felt embarrassed, coffee shop had about 10 customers present when I was spoken to this way. I work with the public every day, and I treat people with respect. It’s unacceptable to treat anyone in this manor and I sure hope this behavior is corrected going forward.

By the way, I said thank you at the end and the barista did not respond. ...

Edit for changes to the back patio: still love this place but really sad to see the picnic tables go! These new tables are too small to do work with multiple people at,and harder to navigate through. Obviously still great having a patio but I feel my options for what I can do in the back are limited now

I have been steady going here for almost two years now. I really love the staff. I see a lot of people on here complaining about the internet but at the end of the day this is a coffee shop, not an office. They won’t have internet for an office, get yourself a hotspot like most other wfh people have.

The environment is warm and welcoming. There is a nice back outdoor area with picnic tables, and some covered seating out there as well (limited) I like the couches upstairs. It’s also nice having a pool table somewhere that isn’t a bar! Great space to hang out for all ages essentially.

The coffee is good, I enjoy the tea as well. Efficient staff who all enjoys what they do and knows what they do. You can tell they appreciate the craft. Decent selection of food for a coffee shop, I cannot speak on the breakfast tacos personally, as I am not a morning person myself. I have tried most things on the menu I stick with primarily drip and steamed...

The AMBIENCE This is a really hip and trendy place. As you walk in everyone is talking and it's not crazy loud. There is an upstairs section but it's creepily quiet. I went up and it was packed yet not a single peep from a single person so I decided to find some room downstairs and hang out with a friend.

The FOOD.

DRINK I had a bottle orange soda which is whatever. ( I don't really do coffee but was in the area and wanted to stop in but my friend said it seemed ok - nothing fantastic)

EAT I got a poppy seed muffin which tasted a little stale but it could be because we were here at 3 in the afternoon. There really wasn't much else to pick from besides a scone and one more thing. Just seemed like the place lacked selection. I also saw a menu for coffee but that was it - nothing freshly made besides the coffee and maybe that's their thing. No idea but the scone my friend got was ok - but nothing amazing or above average.

The SERVICE We barely stood in line and the coffee was avail crazy quick! The girls working behind the counter were super chill and really nice to us and made the place...