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Dark Matter Coffee (Star Lounge Coffee Bar)

Coffee Shop, Tea Room, and Lounge$$$$

West Town, Chicago

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8.9^/10

368

ratings

Ranked #9 for tea rooms in Chicago
The experts at Food & Wine and Time Out Chicago recommend this place
"Definitely the best coffee and coffee bar in town!"(4 Tips)
"The Agave Latte is amazing, but the Mayan Mocha leaves a kick."(2 Tips)
"Dolor de oro is awesome !"(2 Tips)
"The mayan mocha is amazing for an extra kick :-)"(3 Tips)

96 Tips and reviews

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C ReyJuly 6, 2017
Been here 10+ times
The O-G Dark Matter lounge w/ incredible coffee, brewing gear, and patio. Try a cortado or their infamous Chocolate City iced coffee. Be sure to get a Do-Rite donut or croissant and hang for awhile.
JenKuduJune 2, 2015
I opted for a pot of Assam black tea. Delicious and clean. The ginger snap latte is where it's at though. Not too sweet, just like a ginger snap cookie :)
Michael MorganMay 20, 2021
Love this location in particular. The outdoor space is spacious and cozy. The inside and outside of the building is decorated in usual Dark Matter style of art. Even the restroom is cute!
Elijah OlsonOctober 5, 2016
Coffee and Espresso is seriously good and totally affordable. There's plenty of room inside and it's open late. I've had trouble with the wifi, but if you aren't dependent upon it, this place is great
JenKuduSeptember 21, 2016
Iced coffee is always good. The bagels and donuts are pretty awesome. The croissants are meh and abnormally large.... No one needs to eat that much croissant.
Time Out ChicagoJanuary 20, 2012
"Sidle up to the 'bar' for a taste of Dark Matter coffee, which is roasted in eight-pound batches above the café in unusual flavor profiles that have caught the attention of area restaurants." Read more
Diana ReyesFebruary 2, 2013
The Mayan Mocha was delicious. I'm not a fan of mixing flavors (sweet & spicy don't go together in my book) but I'm really glad I tried it. Seating is tight, so hopefully you really like other people.
It's A Major PlusFebruary 1, 2015
Been here 50+ times
Fantastic coffee concoctions, Dolor de Oro if you feel brave, Gingersnap Trainwreck for attitude. There's a plethora of choices if you're hungry, from Do-Rite donuts to gourmet-ish deli sandwiches.
ben mApril 24, 2017
Been here 5+ times
It's Dark Matter so you know the coffee is good. Head to backyard on a nice day.
Chris VanisonNovember 16, 2014
Upstairs is super quiet and it's a good place to get some work done with your coffee. Downstairs is pretty loud, but they play good tunes.
Carrie goughAugust 12, 2013
Been here 5+ times
Definitely the best coffee and coffee bar in town! I always have so much fun when I stop in. :) the staff always has fantastic recommendations!
Carmen GuzmanApril 8, 2016
Love this place. Not pretentious. Strong coffee and they serve Do Rite donuts and have these supper yummy ham and cheese croissants
ShariApril 10, 2014
Skip the Chai Tea Latte! Get the Agave Latte and sit at the bar for conversation, upstairs to get work done, or on the patio to enjoy the day :)
WillMcDSeptember 18, 2015
Solid pour over coffee, nice patio space, and good place to work from
Meg McGuaneJanuary 7, 2017
Been here 25+ times
Awesome hipster coffee bar with great coffee. Serving Do-Rite donuts too!
Noah ManionAugust 6, 2014
Been here 5+ times
Iced coffee and donuts from donut vault make this my favorite place to get work done.
Adam SteinMarch 25, 2015
The upstairs is a fantastic place to work. It's like a library for most of the day.
Mary FarrellyMay 18, 2015
I love their selections of coffees. Compared to other shops that offer too much, theirs are just right. I guess I'm trying each one in the future.
Jace ColeJanuary 8, 2011
Been here 100+ times
Ask one of the baristas to make you a pour over. Great way to get intimate with the Dark Matter delicious blends and single origin coffees.
Chris SteeleSeptember 18, 2014
Try the cold brewed coffee on tap. It's the only setup of its kind that I've seen in Chicago.
John S.April 19, 2013
I like to toss a spot of honey in my traditional macchiato for dessert. With a black coffee from Ecuador, of course.
MikeSeptember 7, 2015
Been here 5+ times
The mothership's coffee bar. Great patio to sit outside. Best coffee in Chicago.
My Social OneSeptember 29, 2011
All organic,straight from the farmer coffee, hand roasted by a small crew of people who take the love of coffee brewing to a whole new level
Lucille FisherJuly 4, 2022
Great atmosphere, excellent coffee!
Chandler CollinsAugust 21, 2014
Been here 5+ times
Coffee dive. Love the space, and the iced coffee is money. Wifi is spotty at best, so if you're looking to get work done go elsewhere.
Lizzie HinemanFebruary 16, 2017
Recommended: Wake & bake espresso drink
Guillaume BeaulieuNovember 5, 2014
Excellent lattes abd fresh pastries
L KJune 1, 2018
Love this place to study and hang out. $1 iced coffee refills!
Athena CeeJuly 15, 2015
Yummy! Love the design of this place set up like a bar.
Brian MacQueenFebruary 8, 2010
Been here 25+ times
A great coffee shop, er bar, run by some serious coffee geeks. Love the vibe of the place as much as the drinks.
Laura LastnameAugust 27, 2013
Been here 5+ times
More seating upstairs (and it is quieter up there too)
Prentiss BoriMarch 24, 2013
Yep, every cup of coffee is Professionally dripped or pressed!
Kellen TerrettAugust 8, 2014
I'm my humble opinion, Dark Matter is roasting the best coffee in Chicago.
RachelNovember 20, 2012
Been here 50+ times
best espresso around & personal,fabulous service! awesome, eclectic music always.
Time Out ChicagoFebruary 11, 2011
Thought you'd want to know: Dark Matter has been nominated for Best Local Coffee Roaster in Time Out Chicago’s 2011 Eat Out Awards. Vote now! Read more
D JJuly 31, 2016
Love the coffee choices and awesome pastries!!
Lorenzo SoriceNovember 14, 2014
Been here 10+ times
The Agave Latte is amazing, but the Mayan Mocha leaves a kick.
Omar AlsubaghAugust 28, 2014
Been here 25+ times
Cortado ,and every other coffee drink .
Jillian BurnickasFebruary 5, 2015
Cool atmosphere, love their espresso drinks
Ryan HillDecember 28, 2011
Been here 100+ times
Order a Ryan Hill, trust me they'll know what mean ;)
@hillda70September 20, 2019
chill out outside in the back with local artists, community eccentrics and businesspeople or get computer work done and read a book upstairs. also, ask about Sean’s nunchuck skills
Katie McCormickJanuary 30, 2017
Nice & Cozy; busy; and Starbuck prices.
Steven SepulvedaApril 8, 2015
One of the best coffee shops in the city
Victor SegellAugust 23, 2014
Awesome coffee and nice backyard.
Carrie JeanJune 10, 2015
Great coffee, friendly staff, pastries.
iSapien 1956672July 5, 2018
Been here 5+ times
Great backyard. Used to be grass.
Noah ManionJune 13, 2014
Been here 5+ times
I don't know where the donuts come from but they're insanely good.
Food & WineApril 21, 2011
One big fan: superstar chef Grant Achatz, who uses Star Lounge's beans at his Chicago restaurant, Alinea.
SatishOctober 23, 2014
espresso! pullin' triples. bzzzz!
Michael ForsytheMay 15, 2017
Been here 5+ times
Great coffee and patio!

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