Best Coffee Beans In Chicago - The Foodie Diary

Chicago is a city that takes its coffee seriously. From small-batch artisanal roasters to well-established coffee institutions, the Windy City offers an impressive selection of coffee beans that cater to all palates. Whether you prefer a bold, dark roast, a fruity and bright light roast, or a balanced medium roast, there’s a Chicago-based roaster that can provide the perfect cup.

In this article, we will explore the best coffee beans in Chicago, looking at some of the top roasters, their signature beans, and what makes them stand out in the city’s vibrant coffee scene.

1. Intelligentsia Coffee

Overview

One of the pioneers of Chicago’s third-wave coffee movement, Intelligentsia Coffee was founded in 1995 and has since become a national name in specialty coffee. With a commitment to direct trade sourcing and meticulously roasted beans, Intelligentsia sets the standard for quality coffee.

Best Beans

Black Cat Espresso – A signature espresso blend with a balanced chocolatey and caramel profile.
House Blend – A medium roast with bright citrus notes and hints of milk chocolate.
Ethiopia Washed Yirgacheffe – A single-origin coffee known for its floral and tea-like characteristics with hints of peach and jasmine.

Why It Stands Out

Intelligentsia’s dedication to sustainability, quality sourcing, and precision roasting makes it one of the best coffee roasters in Chicago. Their Black Cat Espresso is especially famous among baristas for its well-rounded and rich flavor.

2. Dark Matter Coffee

Overview

Dark Matter Coffee is synonymous with bold, unique flavors and a rebellious attitude towards traditional coffee roasting. Established in 2007, this Chicago roaster experiments with fermentation and aging processes, resulting in some of the most distinctive coffee profiles in the city.

Best Beans

A Love Supreme – A rich and balanced blend with nutty and chocolatey notes.

Chocolate City – A medium roast with creamy, sweet flavors and a cocoa-heavy profile.
Unicorn Blood Espresso – A bold, fruit-forward espresso blend with notes of berries and dark chocolate.

Why It Stands Out

Dark Matter’s use of unconventional processing methods, such as barrel aging and experimental fermentation, produces coffee unlike anything else in Chicago. Their Unicorn Blood Espresso is a must-try for those who love bright, berry-forward espresso shots.

3. Metric Coffee

Overview

Metric Coffee is a small but mighty roaster in Chicago, known for its commitment to transparency and ethical sourcing. Founded in 2013, Metric takes a meticulous approach to roasting, ensuring that each batch brings out the best flavors in the beans.

Best Beans

Colombia El Progreso – A medium-light roast with notes of red apple, honey, and caramel.
Ethiopia Kochere – A bright and floral single-origin with a juicy citrus acidity.

Hellion Cold Brew Blend – Designed for cold brew lovers, with a smooth chocolatey finish.

Why It Stands Out

Metric Coffee’s emphasis on sustainability and fair trade sourcing, combined with precision roasting, ensures high-quality beans. Their Colombia El Progreso is perfect for those who enjoy sweet and fruity coffee.

4. Sparrow Coffee Roastery

Overview

Sparrow Coffee is a hidden gem in Chicago, primarily serving some of the best restaurants in the city. They specialize in ultra-premium, small-batch roasted coffee that highlights complexity and balance.

Best Beans

Sparrow Espresso Blend – A silky smooth blend with caramel and nutty undertones.
Single-Origin Ethiopia Sidama – A floral and fruity roast with notes of bergamot and honey.
Signature House Blend – A well-balanced cup with chocolate, nut, and fruit notes.

Why It Stands Out

Sparrow Coffee is highly respected by Chicago’s top chefs and restaurateurs, making it a top choice for those seeking high-end, restaurant-quality beans. Their Espresso Blend is incredibly smooth and ideal for milk-based drinks.

5. Passion House Coffee Roasters

Overview

Passion House Coffee Roasters is a forward-thinking roaster that categorizes its coffees into three experience levels: Ambient, Mainstream, and Experimental. This approach allows customers to find the perfect beans based on their preferred flavor profile.

Best Beans

Burundi Kayanza – A bright, citrusy single-origin with floral notes.

Bassline Espresso – A smooth and rich espresso blend with caramel and cocoa flavors.
Brazil Fazenda Primavera – A nutty, chocolate-forward medium roast.

Why It Stands Out

Passion House makes it easy to explore new flavors based on experience levels. Their Bassline Espresso is great for those who love balanced and slightly sweet espresso shots.

6. Big Shoulders Coffee

Overview

Big Shoulders Coffee is a no-nonsense roaster that focuses on accessible, delicious coffee. Their beans are roasted to bring out natural sweetness and balanced flavors, making them perfect for both beginners and coffee aficionados.

Best Beans

Big Shoulders Blend – A medium roast with chocolate and nut flavors.
Ethiopia Sidamo Natural – A fruity and floral single-origin with blueberry notes.

Guatemala Huehuetenango – A smooth and balanced roast with caramel and citrus notes.

Why It Stands Out

Big Shoulders Coffee emphasizes accessibility while still delivering high-quality beans. Their Big Shoulders Blend is a great everyday coffee that works well for drip and espresso.

7. Gaslight Coffee Roasters

Overview

Gaslight Coffee Roasters is a boutique roaster in Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood, known for its minimalist approach and focus on highlighting the true flavors of the beans.

Best Beans

Ethiopia Guji – A vibrant roast with tropical fruit and floral notes.
Colombia Huila – A balanced and slightly sweet roast with caramel undertones.
House Espresso Blend – A chocolatey and smooth espresso with hints of berries.

Why It Stands Out

Gaslight’s attention to detail and focus on pure, unadulterated flavors make it a top choice for those who appreciate light to medium roasts. Their Ethiopia Guji is a standout for those who love bright and complex coffee.

8. Bridgeport Coffee

Overview

Bridgeport Coffee is a community-focused roaster that has been serving Chicago since 2004. They are known for sourcing high-quality beans and roasting them to perfection, offering both classic and unique coffee profiles.

Best Beans

Bridgeport Blend – A medium-dark roast with chocolate and nutty undertones.

Peru Chirinos – A sweet and smooth single-origin with caramel and citrus notes.
Espresso Blend – A bold, rich blend with deep cocoa flavors.

Why It Stands Out

Bridgeport Coffee has a strong commitment to quality and community. Their Bridgeport Blend is perfect for those who enjoy a smooth and rich morning brew.

Chicago is home to an incredible array of coffee roasters, each bringing their own unique approach to sourcing and roasting beans. Whether you enjoy fruity Ethiopian light roasts, bold espresso blends, or smooth and chocolatey medium roasts, there’s a coffee roaster in Chicago that has the perfect beans for you.

For those who are new to Chicago’s coffee scene, Intelligentsia and Dark Matter Coffee are great places to start. If you’re looking for something more unique, Metric Coffee and Passion House offer experimental and exciting single-origin beans.

No matter your preference, the best coffee beans in Chicago can transform your daily cup into an extraordinary experience. Try out these roasters and discover your new favorite coffee today!

Where to Buy the Best Coffee Beans in Chicago

Now that we’ve explored the top roasters, let’s dive into the best places to buy high-quality coffee beans in Chicago. Whether you prefer to visit a local café, order online, or shop in specialty grocery stores, there are plenty of options to get your hands on the finest beans.

1. Local Roaster Cafés

Many of the roasters mentioned earlier have their own cafés or retail locations where you can purchase freshly roasted beans. Some of the best places to visit include:

Intelligentsia Coffee (Broadway, Monadnock, Wicker Park) – A flagship for premium, direct-trade coffee beans.

Dark Matter Coffee (The Mothership, Osmium, Electric Mud) – Perfect for those who love bold and experimental flavors.
Metric Coffee (Near West Side) – Offers a wide range of single-origin and blended beans.
Gaslight Coffee Roasters (Logan Square) – Great for those who appreciate unique, small-batch coffee.

Bridgeport Coffee (Bridgeport, South Loop) – A must-visit for classic and well-balanced roasts.

2. Specialty Grocery Stores

If you prefer to pick up coffee while shopping for groceries, several local and national stores in Chicago carry high-quality coffee beans, including:

Whole Foods Market – Offers a curated selection of beans from Intelligentsia, Metric, and other premium roasters.

Foxtrot Market – A trendy, high-end market with a great selection of locally roasted beans.
Mariano’s – Features popular brands like Big Shoulders and Sparrow Coffee.
Local Co-ops & Farmers’ Markets – Many independent grocery stores and farmers’ markets in Chicago sell small-batch coffee from lesser-known local roasters.

3. Online Ordering

If you prefer the convenience of online shopping, most Chicago roasters offer nationwide shipping. Some great options include:

Intelligentsia’s Website – Offers a coffee subscription service for fresh beans delivered to your door.
Dark Matter Coffee Online Store – Perfect for those who want to explore their experimental coffee collection.

Metric Coffee Subscription – Provides curated single-origin coffees delivered monthly.
Trade Coffee – Features several Chicago-based roasters in their rotating selection.

Best Coffee Beans for Different Brewing Methods

The type of coffee beans you choose should match your preferred brewing method to get the best flavor. Here are some recommendations based on how you make your coffee:

Espresso

For a well-balanced and smooth espresso, consider:

Black Cat Espresso (Intelligentsia) – A rich, caramel-heavy espresso.
Unicorn Blood Espresso (Dark Matter) – Bright and fruity, perfect for adventurous espresso lovers.

Bassline Espresso (Passion House) – A smooth, chocolatey espresso with a touch of sweetness.

Drip Coffee & Pour Over

For an exceptional cup using a Chemex, Hario V60, or a standard drip machine, go with:

Colombia El Progreso (Metric Coffee) – A well-balanced coffee with caramel sweetness.

Ethiopia Guji (Gaslight Coffee) – Bright and floral, excellent for pour-over brewing.
Big Shoulders Blend (Big Shoulders Coffee) – A classic, easy-drinking coffee.

French Press & AeroPress

For a bold and full-bodied cup, these beans work great:

Chocolate City (Dark Matter Coffee) – Smooth, chocolatey, and rich.
Bridgeport Blend (Bridgeport Coffee) – Balanced with nutty and caramel notes.
Sparrow Espresso Blend (Sparrow Coffee) – A silky smooth choice for those who enjoy depth in their brew.

Cold Brew

For a refreshing, low-acid cold brew, try:

Hellion Cold Brew Blend (Metric Coffee) – Specifically crafted for cold brewing.
Chocolate City (Dark Matter Coffee) – A creamy, cocoa-forward blend.

Guatemala Huehuetenango (Big Shoulders Coffee) – A smooth and naturally sweet cold brew option.

Coffee Tasting Tours in Chicago

If you’re looking to explore the best coffee beans Chicago has to offer, consider going on a coffee tasting tour or visiting multiple roasters in a day. Some fun ways to experience Chicago’s coffee culture include:

1. Self-Guided Coffee Tour

Plan a day of visiting some of Chicago’s best coffee spots. Here’s a sample itinerary:

Start at Intelligentsia (Monadnock Location) – Try their espresso or a classic drip coffee.
Head to Dark Matter’s Mothership Café – Taste one of their barrel-aged coffees.
Stop by Metric Coffee – Learn about their roasting process and try a single-origin pour-over.

Visit Gaslight Coffee Roasters – Enjoy a light and floral Ethiopian roast.
End at Sparrow Coffee (West Loop) – Savor a smooth and balanced espresso.

2. Guided Coffee Tastings & Workshops

Several roasters in Chicago offer coffee tastings, known as cuppings, where you can sample different beans and learn about their flavor profiles. Some places that offer tastings include:

Intelligentsia’s Coffee Tasting Lab – Educational tastings led by expert baristas.
Metric Coffee Public Cuppings – A deep dive into different coffee origins and processing methods.
Dark Matter Coffee Workshops – Focus on unconventional brewing techniques and flavors.

3. Coffee Festivals & Events

Chicago hosts several annual coffee events where you can sample beans from local and international roasters:

Chicago Coffee Festival – A large event featuring tastings, workshops, and new product launches.
CoffeeCon Chicago – A hands-on consumer coffee festival where you can learn about different brewing methods.

Local Pop-Up Markets – Keep an eye out for small coffee roasters showcasing their beans at neighborhood events.

How to Store Coffee Beans for Maximum Freshness

Once you’ve found your favorite Chicago coffee beans, you’ll want to store them properly to maintain their freshness and flavor. Here are some best practices:

1. Use an Airtight Container

Store beans in a vacuum-sealed or airtight container to prevent oxidation.

Avoid keeping them in the original bag unless it has a one-way valve.

2. Keep Them Away from Light and Heat

Store beans in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or cabinet.
Avoid keeping coffee in direct sunlight or near heat sources like the stove.

3. Don’t Store Beans in the Fridge or Freezer

The moisture from refrigeration can cause beans to lose their flavor.
If you must freeze them, use a vacuum-sealed bag and only freeze for long-term storage.

4. Grind Just Before Brewing

For the freshest flavor, grind beans right before you brew instead of pre-grinding large batches.

Use a burr grinder for a consistent grind size.

Final Thoughts: Finding the Best Coffee Beans in Chicago

Chicago’s coffee scene is thriving, with a diverse selection of local roasters offering high-quality beans for every taste and brewing method. Whether you love the smooth, balanced flavors of Metric Coffee, the bold and experimental roasts of Dark Matter, or the refined espresso blends from Sparrow Coffee, there’s no shortage of options in the Windy City.

If you’re a coffee enthusiast, take the time to explore different roasters, experiment with brewing methods, and even attend a coffee cupping session to refine your palate. With so many incredible options, you’re sure to find the perfect coffee beans to elevate your morning cup.

So, what are you waiting for? Start your coffee journey and discover the best coffee beans in Chicago today! ☕✨