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Meddle Coffee Bar
601 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60661, United States
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Meddle Coffee Bar
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Mi
Review №1

Very awesome looking little coffee shop with great tasting coffee. Only issues I had that there were no electrical outlets that I could see; the staff were okay, did not ask how I was doing or anything; and they close too early. Other than that, I loved their cappuccino and the decor and indoor mural art are very creative.

Ja
Review №2

Sweet little indie coffee shop with a great visual style and delicious coffee. Fewer pastry options than some, but still a great variety of croissants, doughnuts, and cookies. Lots of extra purchaseable coffee and coffee-drinking methods, all on the pricier side.The coffee itself is EXCELLENT, though. Iced and hot are both delicious. The house specialties are very worth it.

Ni
Review №3

Cool vibe with outdoor seating. I always like drinking out of ceramic cups and they provide! Cool decor to gander at also. COFFEE WAS SUPERB!!

Ka
Review №4

Great atmosphere great coffee love the art

Ga
Review №5

Ive been working at this coffee shop for a year. I still crave their coffee. By the way, it tastes very different from the other coffee shops in town, in a good way. Not only did I come here every morning for the coffee, but they also had a lovely atmosphere. Their employees are also very friendly and accommodating. Keep up the good work!

Hi
Review №6

If youre looking for a coffee shop and delicious cakes, this is the place to be! It offers free wifi and a smoking area (if youre a smoker) inside the venue. At all times, the staff/waiters are very supportive and bubbly. The coffee was great, and the food was delicious. Its reasonably priced, and the atmosphere is good.

Ty
Review №7

Pretty cool coffee spot, they have great breakfast tacos and im glad they carry the type of hot tea I like. Found this place on Google wanting to get away from the usual Starbucks routine. My new morning stop on the way in the office!

Jo
Review №8

I just stopped in for a cup of coffee and bought some beans. The coffee was good. The vibe and decor is psychedelic. Obviously the owner is into music. I liked it.

mo
Review №9

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 cafes 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 new customer!

Ma
Review №10

Last week, we stopped here for coffee since we wanted to spend time here. We love having chit-chat over the cup of coffee. We chose this place because this is one of the best places to get coffee. Food is also good. The staff are knowledgeable and friendly. The space is beautiful, minimalist, clean and airy with lots of natural light streaming through the big glass windows.

JD
Review №11

Really cool space with excellent drinks. Draft iced coffees, creative signature drinks, and standard espresso selections. Great spot!

St
Review №12

Tall dark haired guy at register and making coffee was very dry and rude. Also he was wearing his mask under his nose. We came from out of town and were excited to try the coffee bar but he was not helpful at all when we inquired about the different coffees and pastries. Very disappointed with this whole experience. If you have a bad attitude maybe try a different industry to work in other than the service industry.

Jo
Review №13

The cappuccino I ordered from the waiter was accurate and delicious. Aside from that, I adored this coffee shop because they catered to their customers in a professional and courteous manner. It was a safe, relaxing, and well-organized environment. To be honest, I enjoyed hanging out at this shop because it was a great place to spend my free time. It was both enlightening and rewarding!

Ha
Review №14

This is the coffee shop that is the most affordable! All you can see, touch, and taste is made out of love. The workers are all very professional and know all about what they have done. There are also other pastries and cookies of high quality available at a very reasonable price. This is the strongest by far! Highly recommended to everyone.

Pa
Review №15

Hands down my favorite coffee spot in the Loop. My boss makes fun of me because I walk ‘all the way over there’ (it’s 2 blocks people 🙄) to get my ‘bougie’ coffee. It’s worth every step!

Lo
Review №16

The reason why I keep on coming here is that their coffee and cakes are so affordable and tasty. Every time I wanted to take a break, I always went to this coffee shop. I like the place because it was so classy and relaxing. They also serve my orders quickly. I highly recommend this coffee shop to my friends!

Ne
Review №17

What a hip and cute coffee shop! First time coming in and the staff new I was a first timer, they really explained what was popular, favorite alternatives and paired with recommended pastries. Highly recommend them, they have some of the best coffee around

Ja
Review №18

Dark Matter coffee might be the best coffee Ive ever tasted (whether iced or normal), and they know how to prepare it well here.

Ca
Review №19

Great experience. I love dark matter coffee and this location. I wish they had more outlets available for use.

Ma
Review №20

Excellent coffee bar. Tried dark matter coffee first time and it was delicious. We had the iced mocha which is the best I have had so far. Must try.

Pa
Review №21

This place is cool. The coffee is great. The bottomless coffee mug is awesome.

Ka
Review №22

The artwork on the inside was creative and exciting! I got a matcha latte and it was great! Overall fun local coffee shop

Se
Review №23

Walked a few blocks to get here, and was greeted by a unique space filled with wonderful aromas. The seating here is VERY limited, and the space is quite echo-y, with nothing really there to absorb the sound. The regular coffee is regular drip brewed, so if youre looking for pour-over, this isnt the place. At least I didnt see that as an option.The most positive note was the wide array of locally roasted coffees available for sale. Including some collaboration with Heavy Metal magazine, and a line for the band Mastodon as well. Overall, a good place to get a cup of coffee, but nothing really stood out one way or the other.

Je
Review №24

Great latte nice environment decent Wi-Fi

Da
Review №25

Awesome coffee shop! I especially love their Black Splash when I need something with a big kick. Their Agave Latte is pretty awesome as well. Its also a nice and cozy place to sit down, have a cup of your favorite drink, and hang with friends.

ta
Review №26

The milk curdled in my coffeethe guy behind the counter told me that their milk I non homogenized and thats how it is. I threw it away because it grossed me out all I wanted was a replacement that I would have left black then. I dont know about you but chunky milk is not something I want to swallow

Ab
Review №27

Love the vibe of this place - music was loud enough to be enjoyed but quiet enough to not hear if i put in my headphones; the menu has a good number of options but didnt give me option paralysis; the coffee was good (I had the agave latte). The doughnut I had (old fashioned cinnamon) was a bit too sweet but its a doughnut, so... The biggest qualm is that they dont have outlets in the shop so if youre bringing your laptop/other make sure its charged. They did offer to let me charge my phone behind their counter though, which was really nice. Seating is also pretty limited.

Ko
Review №28

Very affordable and nice coffee shop! I like their interior because it was so cozy, and it can relieve your stress. I also like their drinks and desserts because it was all tasty and mouthwatering. I didnt regret my decision to visit your shop. A great job to all of you! You must be highly recommended to everyone! Thanks!

Da
Review №29

Hip coffee bar with a great product. Their beans are very good but pricey ($18-24/12oz). Not a lot of single origin options but they seem to experiment with different yeast strains which is unique. Everything Ive tried has been good. Atmosphere of this place is very hip. Reasonable seating with some outdoor tables. Works for a quick cup on the go or stay to enjoy

Co
Review №30

My favorite coffee shop in Chicago. Espresso comes in fantastic glassware. Also taste the maple bacon doughnuts!

Li
Review №31

Cool vibe. Love dark matter coffee.

Ki
Review №32

I enjoy being in this coffee shop so much! The atmosphere is just so calming and they even have outstanding coffee and pastries! Ill certainly recommend it to all my mates!

Pa
Review №33

Excellent coffee

Br
Review №34

Great service and THE MOST POWERFUL COFFEE IN THE MULTIVERSE! Seriously. Sip it slowly. Good pastries too.

As
Review №35

Had the barrel-aged bourbon mocha coffee and it was delish. Everytime I visit this location the coffee is perfect and worth every penny. I enjoy the seasonal coffee beans they have available for purchase to brew coffee at home too, they are very flavorful.

Re
Review №36

I am always surprised and delighted to taste such savory! A nice place where we love to come every time we are in the city. Most of the clients know each other and they like to have a chat near a great cup of coffee.

An
Review №37

Best coffee Ive had in Chicago so far. The flavor is nice, strong, and hot, even for a latté. However, my qualms with the place are in how awkward the seating is. There are only three square tables of which you cant really share space with another party due to their size. So when people come in with their laptops/to doodle or read, they end up taking up the entire table space and youre really just left with sitting on a small bench they have or standing. Music is also loud, another reason why I wouldnt recommend this place as a work from home/meeting location.

Po
Review №38

Excellent cappuccino!! Great atmosphere. Friendly service.

Er
Review №39

The workers are very friendly and the coffee is great! The honey latte is my favorite here. The quality of the food is great.

Fa
Review №40

Good collection of pastries. Decent coffee.

Jo
Review №41

If theres one word for this place, its cool. In a neighborhood of endless mass produced chain coffee shops, this place is unique. From the music selection to the murals to the baristas, nothing here is trying to blend. Its a shop that would definitely feel at home on Milwaukee Ave., but with more of an urban professional vibe and clientele. A lot more slacks and button downs walking in than would dare in Wicker Park. Of course the coffee is amazing, if youve been to any of the Dark Matter sister shops, you know what to expect.

Ve
Review №42

Friendly atmosphere and good coffee!

Ab
Review №43

Cool little independent coffee shop. Vanilla latte was excellent. They also sell their own beans to take home which is always appreciated. And of course free Wi-Fi.

Av
Review №44

Friendly staff, good coffee and cool atmosphere. Fits the bill for an excellent coffee shop. A bit small, but there are table to sit and work for bit.

Ja
Review №45

GREAT coffee bar, and extremely close to Union Station. The barista behind the counter was extremely helpful and friendly with her recommendations, and represented the Dark Matter brand well. We ended up with a cortado served in a blood red chalice, a barrel aged mocha (which also was incredible), and an iced oat milk latte. They have a diverse range of beans available for sale, as well as branded merchandise with great artwork on them, including mugs and t shirts. The bourbon flavor of the barrel aged beans in the mocha added a unique depth of flavor.I will gladly go back to this shop, and look forward to visiting the other DM coffee shops in future trips to Chicago.

Ar
Review №46

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 bread I made. :)

Ma
Review №47

Love Dark Matter, somehow I missed that they have a Loop location! I will definitely stop by more often on my way to work.

Ol
Review №48

Barrel aged mocha 👍!

Mu
Review №49

Agave latte and barrel aged mocha were interesting and delicious, but I found the espresso shot on its own to be a little sharp/aggressive and thin-bodied. Really cool vibe, blend-focused offerings of beans with options for both the terroir-minded [lighter roasts] and those favoring a more traditional [darker] roast profile.

Ja
Review №50

Cool looking spot with unicorn blood and hops that can be added into some drinks. Its rather expensive and there arent many seats to be had competitive to other coffee shops around the city.

Ry
Review №51

Beautiful place with very carefully crafted coffee. The staff is absolutely wonderful. Dont miss the bourbon barrel aged espresso!

Ma
Review №52

This place is really small so dont expect to get a table if its busy. I really like the decor and coffee, in addition to the treat selection. Really stylish, though with good music and interesting vibe.

Ma
Review №53

Perfectly made espressos in a hip setting. Friendly staff and comfy seats.

Do
Review №54

If you are a Prince fan and love coffee this is for you.

Ch
Review №55

Amazing tasting coffee I wish it was closer to my house.

Sa
Review №56

I love this location! The staff is awesome, and the espresso from dark matter is very rich. I recommend the iced agave latte. Very COVID friendly, 1 customer inside at a time- which I appreciate.

Ch
Review №57

Great baristas who were very helpful in helping pick out a great drink.

To
Review №58

Great tasting high end coffee and a cool environment. The decor is modern and the full wall mural is very interesting giving the place a one of kind look and feel.

St
Review №59

Excellent Espresso and donuts

Je
Review №60

The espresso is amazing and the overall aesthetic is really cool.

Ar
Review №61

Pleasant artistic interiors with amazing coffee variety at a reasonable price. 2 blocks away from Willis Tower.

Ca
Review №62

Dark Matter is just drool worthy, but this location is GOLD. Its psychedelically gorgeous. Their oat milk dirty chais are so tasty.

Ra
Review №63

Great little spot - smooth blend - chill atmosphere. Will stop by next time!

Au
Review №64

Great coffee, amazing friendly staff, and now selling hot fresh breakfast tacos in the mornings with your coffee! One stop shop ☕ 🌮💓

Va
Review №65

Coffee is mediocre. And no outlets for electronics.

Ka
Review №66

Tasty, not too crowded. Great midday pick-me-up.

R.
Review №67

Serving dark matter coffee, delicious lattes, and non traditional beverages. I had the barrel aged Mocha and it was such a treat! The coffees are pricey so I view this as my special occasion beverage stop.

St
Review №68

Dark Matter Coffee served up another ace with this location! The staff are super cool and friendly. Plus they are serving some of my favorite lattes and coffee inspired drinks in Chicago! I had the Barrel Aged Latte two mornings in a row and was never disappointed. It sounds like that is a popular item too. Check out the freshly roasted beans and pick up some killer swag too.

Ca
Review №69

Amazing draft coffees, like this barrel aged nitro!

Al
Review №70

I love this place. It is by far The best coffee in west loop. How can it be otherwise when this place uses dark matter beans:). The whole staff is super friendly which makes the morning stop for coffee even more pleasant.

ma
Review №71

Best cortado ever

Pe
Review №72

First class espresso based coffee using Dark Matter beans. Milk is properly done without scalding or burning and the coffee is a turbo charged triple shot. Highly recommended for serious coffee drinkers!

El
Review №73

Dark matter is I believe the biggest craft coffee roaster in Chicago. Great coffee, and a cool spot.

Em
Review №74

Awesome customer service! Very clean and rapid food service! Definitely will stop by again!

Mi
Review №75

Some of the best coffee in Chicago. Their barrel aged coffee is unique and delicious. Great staff and a very cool space. Keep an eye out for their various collaborations.

Se
Review №76

This place oozes with style and artwork. Good selection of whole beans and merch. 4 or 5 cold brews on tap that are also canned to go.

Gl
Review №77

Friendly, high energy staff! I had their draft iced coffee. They have three different options. I chose to go with Chocolate City. It is a high acidity, full body, first wave of oral experience is the tartness of gooseberry followed by smooth balsa wood flavor ending in a kick of cacao and the darker sides of chocolate. A fantastic iced coffee!Truly a pleasure!There are only two downsides that you may want to be aware of:- There arent any outlets accessable in sitting area- The music is fantastic however is loud so not the place to come to find quiet.Summary:Excellent coffee and atmosphere, not ideal if youre looking to have a long term stay with electronics.I would highly recommend this place all things considered!

St
Review №78

A unique vibe for a coffee shop. Clean, modern interior fused with a funky mural and early rap music.Great coffee.The interior doesnt have a ton of seating.

Va
Review №79

This place was a quirky and quiet place to grab a delicious latte while waiting for the train at union station (only a 5 minute walk). I got the agave latte, which was delicious. The staff was excellent and friendly, even made my drink on the house since I was a new customer and the espresso machine was down when I first arrived. Overall an excellent and fun coffee shop with amazing staff!

Si
Review №80

Lovely coffee shop, best in the area. There was a really cute barrista that used to work here and she called me boo every morning, used to make my day!

Ba
Review №81

These guys move like the wind. They knocked out a group of twelve people in like 4 minutes. Marcus was truly amped about working there. I am grateful for the experience. I will be back. All the best guys.!

Ja
Review №82

Great staff always a pick me up on a rough morning. Excellent fresh coffee. They have a loyalty program which is nice. Better than any of the other shops (Starbucks and such) around the area.

Br
Review №83

The most swank of all the Dark Matters. This one has multiple coffees on tap which sets them apart from the rest. It has a nice ultra-lounge vibe, fitting in well with the neighborhood. But with all its extras, its missing that edge, and true Dark Matter warmth, which can only be found at The Star Lounge and Osmium.

Ni
Review №84

Just love this place. For coffee its on the high end price wise so will come here maybe once a week when I want to treat myself. Great staff and decor as well.

Al
Review №85

Dark Matter never fails to impress. Friendly, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate staff. The coffee is delicious and the vibe is fun and has good energy. My only disappointment is that its a small place and has very little seating. Otherwise, pretty perfect coffee place.

Al
Review №86

Very good coffee and the decor is a defining piece to this location. there are no outlets here but this is perfect for grabbing a coffee and having a chat with friends/colleagues.

Em
Review №87

Very good here. A little pricey and the staff is a little unwelcoming. The inside is very cool but also very small so dont expect tables to be open for you to sit. The Chai Latte was very very good as was the barrel aged mocha. Their latte art is very pretty and speed of service is decent. Is a great place to stop by to get a slmewhat quick coffee with very good taste.

Vi
Review №88

Coffee is fine, but who needs screeching rock music going full volume at 8am.

Si
Review №89

Everytime I come back here I am reminded of how good the coffee is. I dont know why Im still pleasantly surprised, each time. Wish I lived closer. Might move closer just for the coffee. Thanks for the quality coffee guys.

K.
Review №90

Coffee shops like this are what make the world a better place. Always great music, top notch specialty coffee. A little pricey for coffee bags, but you get what you pay for. I drink this gold daily.

Ga
Review №91

Great experience and top quality product. Special shout out to staff member Carlos for a over the top customer service treatment, super knowledgeable, and just real cares. Thanks

Da
Review №92

Fancy dark matter coffee. They try to get cute with their coffee but in the end its one of my faves

Li
Review №93

Great coffee bar right by Union Station. The coffee is strong and smooth.

Sa
Review №94

Good espresso made by people who care about good espresso. Small space, with a nice ambiance. Its fairly echoy, but Ive never thought it was too loud.

Mi
Review №95

Great establishment, friendly staff, but I wasnt impressed with the dirty chai I ordered. Seemed a bit overpowered with cinnamon.

Mi
Review №96

Delicious coffee. The hopped chocolate city iced coffee is great!

Ni
Review №97

Another quirky Dark Matter coffee bar. Staff are super friendly and excited to talk with you about their coffee. Space may be a bit small for squatting and working but it doesnt seem designed to do that.

Ry
Review №98

Very very good barrel-aged mocha, just very inconsistent. Tastes completely different each time, but still amazing

Dr
Review №99

I love this place, their coffee is delicious and very friendly staff. If you like flavorful coffee, I highly recommend the machete coffee beans. Their barrel aged coffee is my favorite

Ph
Review №100

Very tasty fairly expensive coffee. You get what you pay for and the variety is large enough for all tastes.

Information
100 Photos
100 Comments
4.7 Rating
  • Address:601 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60661, United States
  • Site:http://darkmattercoffee.com/
  • Phone:+1 312-631-3553
Categories
  • Coffee shop
Working hours
  • Monday:7AM–2PM
  • Tuesday:7AM–2PM
  • Wednesday:Closed
  • Thursday:8AM–2PM
  • Friday:7AM–2PM
  • Saturday:7AM–2PM
  • Sunday:7AM–2PM
Service options
  • Takeout:Yes
  • Delivery:No
  • Dine-in:No
Highlights
  • Fast service:Yes
  • Great coffee:Yes
  • Great tea selection:Yes
Popular for
  • Breakfast:Yes
  • Solo dining:Yes
  • Good for working on laptop:Yes
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible entrance:Yes
Offerings
  • Coffee:Yes
Dining options
  • Dessert:Yes
Atmosphere
  • Casual:Yes
  • Cozy:Yes
Payments
  • Debit cards:Yes
  • NFC mobile payments:Yes
  • Credit cards:Yes
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