The Wormhole Coffee — Restaurant in West Chicago Township

For about 6 months I came to this coffee shop at least once a week. I came in one day for an iced coffee. The coffee I got did not taste very good so I asked if perhaps a hot coffee would be better. Instead of customer service I got a lecture from the cashier about how I should "know what I am ordering". After explaining that I did know what I ordered and it simply did not taste very good I was then told that I would not get the large I ordered but instead I would get a small replacement coffee. At this point I was very frustrated but I had work that needed to be done and decided to ignore it. After all of this was finished I left my finished coffee on the front counter and as I was walking out the same cashier decided it was his responsibility to rudely tell me where empty coffee cups go instead of simply taking it to the dishwasher and sink behind him and the counter. This situation is unfortunate because I have not returned to the shop since. I am writing this review well after the fact but as someone who has lived in wicker Park my entire life I felt it necessary to let the wormhole know that they lost a local loyal customer a while back because of rude entitled employees. This neighborhood is one with a rich history and wonderful residents and they should be treated with respect as they are the reason this neighborhood has become what it has and the only reason The Wormhole can exist at all. The only reason I don't leave one star is because I waited too long to leave...

Summary -

Great coffee join with a quarky decor. Would go here all the time if I lived in the area. The lattes are fantastic.

Details -

Coffee (4) : I've only had lattes here, but they were fantastic. Venue (3): The decor is cool if you like geek things. There are some tables to do work at. There are some couches to sit at. It's slightly cramped. Price (2): Pretty standard coffee prices. Coffee habits are expensive, haha. Service (2): The staff seemed pretty normal. They bring the coffee to the table when it's ready and shout your name so you know it's done. No complaints. Crowd (3): Seemed like normal every day people. Location (4): I'm not super familiar with the area since I"m out of town, but I found myself running into this place multiple times while doing other things, so I get the feeling it's in a good are.

What's good? - The lattes are great. I personally like the decor.

What could use improvement? - The place seemed a little cramped. Personal space was adequate, but there are definitely places with a bit more. I always felt in the way of people while waiting for my coffee, table space was mostly shared and looked a little cramped. Might help to utilize some of the space in the front somehow? Bring the counter up and put tables in the back? Put a place for waiting people to sit?...

I stopped by The Wormhole on the recommendation of several friends. I was visiting from out of town and was told that this establishment catered to my particular flavor of geekdom. As soon as I entered the building, I understood why: there is a giant Back to the Future style DeLorean inside! Considering I have a complete 1985 Marty McFly costume in the closet at home, I felt like I had found long-lost family. Additionally, the walls are adorned with all manner of 1980s nostalgia, much of it original to the time. I didn't mind waiting in line to order my coffee, as it gave me time to take in the atmosphere.

I wondered if the coffee itself would live up to the level of detail and care that the owners afforded their interior decor. Happily, I was just as pleased with my coffee. I'm a simple guy: I ordered a drip coffee and drank it black. The flavor was superb. Additionally, the barista didn't hassle me about my drink or try to get me to order something more complicated; he was genuinely happy to provide me with my simple order. I also ordered a chooclate muffin, which was delicious. My girlfriend ordered a hot chocolate & croissant and enjoyed them as much as I did mine.

Friendly staff, quality coffee, amazing atmosphere. I can't imagine ever visiting Chicago again without stopping in...