The Best Coffee Roasters in Chicago
In the heart of the Windy City lies a vibrant coffee scene that’s as diverse as the city itself, something that blows Best Coffee Roasters in Chicago. This city has become synonymous with coffee culture, and its coffee roasters have gained international acclaim for their dedication to quality and sustainability.
Leading the charge is Intelligentsia Coffee, the world’s first certified organic coffee roastery. Established in 1995 by Doug Zell and Michael Phillips, Intelligentsia has grown to become an icon in the coffee world. With a steadfast commitment to quality and sustainability, this pioneering company has become a cornerstone of the specialty coffee movement.
Table of Contents
Must-Have Items for Any Coffee Roaster
Before we jump in to the Best Coffee Roasters, have a quick read of our articles to get you underway with your roasting needs:
- Coffee Grinders: Precision grinding is key – our top reviews on manual and electric grinders deliver.
- Coffee Makers and Machines: Choose from our selection of coffee makers and espresso machines for a flavorful cup.
- Coffee Storage Containers: Airtight storage containers ensure beans stay at their freshest, brew after brew.
Now join us on a journey through Chicago’s thriving coffee culture, where innovation, flavor, and social responsibility unite to bring you the best brews the city has to offer…
Intelligentsia Coffee
Intelligentsia Coffee is a specialty coffee roaster and retailer founded in 1995 in Chicago. It is known for its high-quality coffee beans, which are sourced from around the world and roasted in small batches. Intelligentsia has a number of cafes in Chicago, as well as a retail store where you can buy beans to take home. The company is committed to quality and sustainability, and it has been recognized for its environmental and social impact.
Here are some of the key things to know about Intelligentsia Coffee:
- It was founded by Doug Zell and Emily Mange, two coffee enthusiasts who were passionate about bringing high-quality coffee to Chicago.
- Intelligentsia is considered a pioneer of the third wave coffee movement, which emphasizes high-quality beans, small-batch roasting, and expert brewing.
- The company has a reputation for its meticulous attention to detail, from sourcing the beans to roasting them to brewing them.
- Intelligentsia is committed to sustainability, and it works with farmers to ensure that they are paid fair prices for their beans.
- The company has been recognized for its environmental and social impact, and it has won numerous awards for its coffee.
Sustainability Initiatives
- Direct Trade: Intelligentsia Coffee sources its coffee beans directly from farmers, which helps to ensure that farmers are paid fair prices for their beans. This also helps to build relationships between farmers and roasters, which can lead to more sustainable practices.
- Organic Coffee: Intelligentsia Coffee sources organic coffee beans, which means that the beans are grown without the use of synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. This helps to protect the environment and the health of coffee farmers.
- Shade-Grown Coffee: Intelligentsia Coffee sources shade-grown coffee beans, which means that the coffee plants are grown under the shade of trees. This helps to conserve water and protect biodiversity.
Pricing Options
| Product Name | Origins | Package Bag Size | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Cat Espresso | Ethiopia, Brazil | 12 oz. bag | $19.95 |
| El Salvador Santa Rosa | El Salvador | 12 oz. bag | $19.95 |
| Finca La Esmeralda | Panama | 12 oz. bag | $39.95 |
| Guatemala Huehuetenango | Guatemala | 12 oz. bag | $19.95 |
| Intelligentsia House Blend | Mexico, Ethiopia, Peru | 12 oz. bag | $19.95 |
| Peru La Merced | Peru | 12 oz. bag | $19.95 |
| Rwanda Gishwati | Rwanda | 12 oz. bag | $19.95 |
| Single Origin Espresso | Various origins | 12 oz. bag | $21.95 |
| Single Origin Pour Over | Various origins | 12 oz. bag | $21.95 |
| The Original Intelligentsia Blend | Mexico, Ethiopia, Peru | 8 oz. bag | $16.95 |
Website www.intelligentsia.com
Opening Hours
Here are the operating hours for their cafes in Chicago, USA:
- Broadway Coffeebar: 7am-7pm daily
- Monadnock Coffeebar: 7am-6pm weekdays, 8am-6pm weekends
- Millennium Park Coffeebar: 7am-7pm daily
Dark Matter Coffee
Dark Matter Coffee, founded in 2008 in Chicago, isn’t your ordinary coffee roaster and retailer – it’s a game-changer. Committed to social justice and environmental sustainability, every cup you savor makes a positive impact.
Their beans are sourced from ethical farmers, creating a coffee that’s not just flavorful but socially responsible. A portion of their sales supports charitable causes, so your daily caffeine fix becomes a force for good.
Beyond your cup, Dark Matter’s cafes and retail store bring their coffee culture to your doorstep. Small-batch roasting ensures the freshest, most exciting flavors.
Founders Josh Colton and Michael Tisserand turned their passion into a movement. As a certified B Corporation, Dark Matter Coffee meets high social and environmental standards, from Fair Trade programs to renewable energy use.
With accolades like the Good Food Award and the Roast Magazine Golden Bean Award, Dark Matter is more than just coffee; it’s a revolution in every sip. Join the journey, and let Dark Matter Coffee ignite your senses.
Here are some of the key things to know about Dark Matter Coffee:
- It was founded by Josh Colton and Michael Tisserand, two coffee enthusiasts who were passionate about bringing high-quality coffee to Chicago.
- Dark Matter Coffee is a certified B Corporation, which means that it meets rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.
- The company has a number of initiatives to support social justice and environmental sustainability, such as its Fair Trade program and its commitment to using renewable energy.
- Dark Matter Coffee has won numerous awards for its coffee, including the Good Food Award and the Roast Magazine Golden Bean Award.
Sustainability Initiatives
- Fair Trade: Dark Matter Coffee is a Fair Trade certified company, which means that it guarantees that farmers are paid a fair price for their beans. This helps to ensure that farmers can make a living from growing coffee and that they are not exploited.
- Direct Trade: Dark Matter Coffee sources its beans directly from farmers, which helps to build relationships between farmers and roasters. This can lead to more sustainable practices, such as the use of shade-grown coffee and the reduction of waste.
- Renewable Energy: Dark Matter Coffee is committed to using renewable energy, such as solar and wind power. This helps to reduce the company’s environmental impact.
Pricing Options
| Product Name | Origins | Package Bag Size | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| A Love Supreme | Ethiopia, Honduras | 12 oz. bag | $18.00 |
| Black Cat Espresso | Ethiopia, Brazil | 12 oz. bag | $18.00 |
| Colombia Narino | Colombia | 12 oz. bag | $18.00 |
| El Salvador Santa Rosa | El Salvador | 12 oz. bag | $18.00 |
| Ethiopia Guji Natural | Ethiopia | 12 oz. bag | $18.00 |
| Guatemala Huehuetenango | Guatemala | 12 oz. bag | $18.00 |
| Machete (Barrel Aged Blend) | Honduras, Guatemala, Ethiopia | 12 oz. bag | $20.00 |
| Peru La Merced | Peru | 12 oz. bag | $18.00 |
| Rwanda Gishwati | Rwanda | 12 oz. bag | $18.00 |
| Single Origin Espresso | Various origins | 8 oz. bag | $14.00 |
| Single Origin Pour Over | Various origins | 8 oz. bag | $14.00 |
Website darkmattercoffee.com
Opening Hours
- Mothership: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily
- Star Lounge: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily
- Osmium: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily
- Chocolate City Coffee Palace and Bodega: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM daily
- Caravanserai: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily
- Sleep Walk Chocolateria: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM daily
Metric Coffee
Metric Coffee, a Chicago-born specialty roaster and retailer since 2016, is your gateway to an exceptional coffee journey. Renowned for its unwavering commitment to quality and sustainability, Metric is more than just a coffee destination; it’s a taste of perfection.
As this article is about Best Coffee Roasters in Chicago, Metric’s excellence lies in sourcing beans from ethical farmers and roasting them in small, carefully crafted batches. This dedication ensures that every cup overflows with freshness and flavor, making every sip a memorable experience.
Metric’s presence extends beyond the coffee cup, with a cozy Chicago café and a retail store where you can take their exceptional beans home.
But that’s not all. Metric Coffee is committed to transparency and education. They offer a wealth of educational resources on their website, making your coffee journey not just enjoyable but also enlightening.
Metric Coffee isn’t just about coffee; it’s about a commitment to excellence, a dedication to ethical practices, and a mission to share knowledge. When you embrace Metric, you’re not just enjoying coffee; you’re experiencing a blend of taste and wisdom. Join us in celebrating the Metric Coffee experience.
Here are some of the key things to know about Metric Coffee:
- It was founded by Matt and Emily Swenson, two coffee enthusiasts who were passionate about bringing high-quality coffee to Chicago.
- Metric Coffee is a certified B Corporation, which means that it meets rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.
- The company sources its beans from ethical farmers, and it pays them a fair price for their beans.
- Metric Coffee roasts its beans in small batches to ensure freshness.
- The company offers a variety of educational resources on its website, such as blog posts and videos, to help people learn more about coffee.
Sustainability Initiatives
- Direct Trade: Metric Coffee sources its beans directly from farmers, which helps to build relationships between farmers and roasters. This can lead to more sustainable practices, such as the use of shade-grown coffee and the reduction of waste.
- Traceability: Metric Coffee is committed to traceability, which means that it can track its beans from the farm to the cup. This helps to ensure that the beans are sourced sustainably and ethically.
- Recycling and Composting: Metric Coffee recycles and composts all of its waste, which helps to reduce its environmental impact.
Pricing Options
| Product Name | Origins | Package Bag Size | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ethiopia Worka Chelbessa | Ethiopia | 12 oz. bag | $16.00 |
| Peru Dioniso Pintado | Peru | 12 oz. bag | $16.00 |
| Metric Classic Cold Brew | Honduras | 16 oz. bag | $18.00 |
| Modicum Colombia Carlos Esteban Cortes Natural | Colombia | 12 oz. bag | $16.00 |
| Parasol Summer Blend | 50% Colombia, 50% Ethiopia | 12 oz. bag | $16.00 |
| World Tour Sample Pack | Various origins | 4 x 4 oz. bags | $24.00 |
| Big Riff | Colombia | 12 oz. bag | $16.00 |
Website metriccoffee.com
Opening Hours
- Cafe: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily
- Retail Store: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
Metropolis Coffee
Since 1999, Metropolis Coffee has been an iconic fixture in Chicago’s coffee landscape. As a specialty coffee roaster and retailer, it stands as a testament to quality and customer service that’s second to none.
Metropolis sources its beans from ethical farmers and roasts them in small, carefully tended batches, guaranteeing every cup bursts with freshness and flavor.
As this article is about Best Coffee Roasters in Chicago, Metropolis Coffee isn’t just about the brew; it’s about creating an environment that welcomes and enchants. With a charming Chicago café and a retail store inviting you to take their treasures home, they offer more than just coffee; they offer an experience.
When you walk into Metropolis Coffee, you’re not just a customer; you’re a cherished guest. Your journey here is more than just a sip; it’s an experience in comfort and hospitality. Join us and experience excellence at Metropolis Coffee, where every cup comes with a smile.
Here are some of the key things to know about Metropolis Coffee:
- It was founded by Michael Thompson, a coffee enthusiast who was passionate about bringing high-quality coffee to Chicago.
- Metropolis Coffee is a certified B Corporation, which means that it meets rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.
- The company sources its beans from ethical farmers, and it pays them a fair price for their beans.
- Metropolis Coffee roasts its beans in small batches to ensure freshness.
- The company has a cafe in Chicago’s Loop, as well as a retail store in the West Loop.
- Metropolis Coffee is committed to providing a welcoming and inviting atmosphere for its customers.
Sustainability Initiatives
- Direct Trade: Metropolis Coffee sources its beans directly from farmers, which helps to build relationships between farmers and roasters. This can lead to more sustainable practices, such as the use of shade-grown coffee and the reduction of waste.
- Shade-Grown Coffee: Metropolis Coffee sources shade-grown coffee beans, which means that the coffee plants are grown under the shade of trees. This helps to conserve water and protect biodiversity.
- Recycling and Composting: Metropolis Coffee recycles and composts all of its waste, which helps to reduce its environmental impact.
Pricing Options
| Product Name | Origins | Package Bag Size | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breakfast Blend | Honduras, Ethiopia, Peru | 12 oz. bag | $13.25 |
| Cafe Jumping Bean | Honduras | 16.50 oz. bag | $16.50 |
| Chicago Blend | Madagascar Vanilla, Toasted Pecan and Meyer Lemon | 12 oz. bag | $20.00 |
| Cold Brew Blend | Dark Roast | 12 oz. bag | $12.50 |
| French Roast Blend | Sexy and seductive flavors like molasses, pipe tobacco smoke and swiss baker’s chocolate | 12 oz. oz. bag | $13.25 |
| Granville Blend FTO | Light Roast | Toasty, bright and comforting like dried berry granola in milk | 16 oz. bag |
| House Blend | Mexico, Ethiopia, Peru | 12 oz. bag | $13.25 |
| La Cordillera | Medium-bodied breakfast brew is easy-drinking and smooth straight up | 12 oz. bag | $13.25 |
| Spice Island Blend | Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Ethiopia | 12 oz. bag | $13.25 |
Website metropoliscoffee.com
Opening Hours
- Cafe: 7am-6pm daily
- Retail Store: 8am-6pm daily
Sparrow Coffee Roastery
Sparrow Coffee Roastery, established in 2012 in Chicago, is where coffee becomes an art form. As a specialty coffee roaster and retailer, Sparrow is renowned for its unwavering dedication to quality and sustainability.
Their journey begins by sourcing beans from ethical farmers and roasting them in small, artisanal batches, ensuring each cup delivers an extraordinary burst of freshness and flavor.
Sparrow’s presence extends beyond the cafe. With a welcoming Chicago cafe and a retail store where you can take their exquisite beans home, it’s more than just coffee; it’s a canvas of possibilities.
But there’s more to this story. Sparrow Coffee Roastery is deeply committed to environmental sustainability and community support. Your coffee journey isn’t just about savoring; it’s about making a positive impact.
Here are some of the key things to know about Sparrow Coffee Roastery:
- It was founded by Chris Chacko, a coffee enthusiast who was passionate about bringing high-quality coffee to Chicago.
- Sparrow Coffee Roastery is a certified B Corporation, which means that it meets rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.
- The company sources its beans from ethical farmers, and it pays them a fair price for their beans.
- Sparrow Coffee Roastery roasts its beans in small batches to ensure freshness.
- The company has a cafe in Chicago’s West Loop, as well as a retail store in Naperville.
- Sparrow Coffee Roastery is committed to environmental sustainability and giving back to the community. The company has partnered with several organizations to support environmental causes, such as the Chicago Coffee Growers Network and the Sustainable Food Center.
Sustainability Initiatives
- Direct Trade: Sparrow Coffee Roastery sources its beans directly from farmers, which helps to build relationships between farmers and roasters. This can lead to more sustainable practices, such as the use of shade-grown coffee and the reduction of waste.
- Shade-Grown Coffee: Sparrow Coffee Roastery sources shade-grown coffee beans, which means that the coffee plants are grown under the shade of trees. This helps to conserve water and protect biodiversity.
- Recycling and Composting: Sparrow Coffee Roastery recycles and composts all of its waste, which helps to reduce its environmental impact.
Pricing Options
| Product Name | Origins | Package Bag Size | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| El Salvador Santa Ana | El Salvador | 12 oz. bag | $18.00 |
| Ethiopia Guji Natural | Ethiopia | 12 oz. bag | $18.00 |
| Guatemala Huehuetenango | Guatemala | 12 oz. bag | $18.00 |
| Honduras Marcala | Honduras | 12 oz. bag | $18.00 |
| Kenya Nyeri | Kenya | 12 oz. bag | $18.00 |
| Peru La Merced | Peru | 12 oz. bag | $18.00 |
| Rwanda Gishwati | Rwanda | 12 oz. bag | $18.00 |
| Single Origin Espresso | Various origins | 8 oz. bag | $14.00 |
| Single Origin Pour Over | Various origins | 8 oz. bag | $14.00 |
| Sparrow Blend | Blend of beans from Central and South America | 12 oz. bag | $18.00 |
Website sparrowcoffee.com
Opening Hours
- Cafe: 7am-6pm daily
- Retail Store: 10am-5pm daily
Best Coffee Roasters in Chicago Final Words
Chicago is a city with a rich coffee culture, and there are many great places to get a cup of joe. From small, independent roasters to big-name chains, there’s something for everyone.
In this article, we’ve highlighted ten of the best coffee shops in Chicago. Whether you’re looking for a quick caffeine fix or a place to relax and enjoy a leisurely cup of coffee, you’re sure to find something to your liking.
We hope you enjoyed this article and that it inspired you to explore the coffee scene in Chicago. If you have any thoughts or comments, please feel free to leave them below. We love hearing from our readers!
- What is your favorite coffee shop in Chicago?
- What is your favorite type of coffee?
- What do you think makes Chicago’s coffee scene so special?
- What are some other coffee shops in Chicago that you would recommend?
