Metropolis Coffee on the city’s North Side may not be the most convenient destination for Loopers seeking beans for a smart cup of joe, but it’s the best. Father and son proprietors Jeff and Tony Dreyfuss run their shop with all the pride you’d expect of a family-run business and it shows. It’s coffee with a conscience too: for all pound purchases of their “bean of the month,” two dollars gets donated to Oxfam for Tsunami relief (yes, they still need your support). And the coffee? Whammo. It’s strong, microbrewed stuff, made from imported beans. Hardcore Chicagoans will dig the Redline blend, while those of a literary persuasion will appreciate the reference of their Schweik’s Ottoman Adventure blend. Want a little culture with your kaffee? Music, art and poetry readings take place at the shop on a regular basis, so visit www.metropoliscoffee.net for updates.
1039 W. Granville (773)764-0400
Readers Choice Intelligentsia
3123 N. Broadway (773)348-8058; 53 W. Jackson, (312)253-0594
Best of Chicago 2005 was written by Dave Chamberlain, Brian Hieggelke, Melissa Lane, Tom Lynch, Ray Pride, David Witter, Michael Workman
With additional contributions by Mike Barr, Ted C. Fishman, Jessica Herman, Adrienne Hill, Mary Susan Littlepage, Nina Metz, Kathy O¹Neill, Trish Smith