Top 10 Cold Brew Spots in Downtown Chicago

Looking for the best cold brew in downtown Chicago? Here's a quick rundown of the top 10 cafés that deliver exceptional cold brew experiences:

• La Colombe: Known for their Nitro Cold Brew with Lemon and Oat Milk Draft Latte. Prices start at $3.75.
• Metric Coffee: Offers a smooth, caramel-flavored cold brew made from Honduran beans. Cold brew beans available for $19.95.
• Dark Matter Coffee: Unique flavors like "Devil's Lettuce" and "Wild Jesus." Variety 8-packs start at $30.00.
• Hexe Coffee Co.: Features the premium Boneshaker Bourbon Barrel Aged Cold Brew for $15.99.
• Caffe Umbria: Uses a Yama Tower for a smooth, sweet cold brew. Signature concentrate available for $25.00.
• Mojo Coffee: Highlights include Dr Mojo's Cold Brew Coffee ($17.99) with hints of milk chocolate and citrus.
• Good Ambler: Spacious, cozy café with a quiet atmosphere and quality cold brew.
• Fairgrounds Coffee and Tea: Lively space with both indoor and outdoor seating, ideal for socializing or relaxing.
• The Wormhole: Retro 1980s vibe with creative cold brews like the Ecto Cooler Cold Brew.
• Espresso and Milk: Sleek café offering a rich, chocolatey "Classic Cold Steep" cold brew.

Quick Comparison

Each location offers a unique take on cold brew, blending quality coffee with creative brewing techniques and inviting atmospheres. Whether you prefer a bold flavor, a cozy café, or a lively space, Chicago's cold brew scene has something for everyone.

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1. La Colombe

Located near the Damen Blue Line station, La Colombe has carved out a prominent spot in Chicago’s cold brew scene. With five locations spread across the city, this café brings its Philadelphia origins together with a local twist, especially through its "On Tap" cold brew offerings. It’s a place where inventive drinks meet a welcoming community vibe.

Their cold brew menu has something for everyone. Highlights include the citrusy Nitro Cold Brew with Lemon, a bold and classic cold brew, and a creamy, dairy-free Oat Milk Draft Latte. The café itself is cozy, with limited seating that encourages conversation. On weekends, they even have policies that promote a sense of community among visitors.

During the week, La Colombe strikes a perfect balance between being a great spot to work and a social hub. The music is just the right volume, so there’s no need for headphones, and the quieter mornings after the rush are perfect for sampling their cold brew options.

For those who want to enjoy their signature blends at home, La Colombe offers convenient canned versions of their drinks. It’s just another way they’re shaping Chicago’s cold brew culture, both in their cafés and beyond.

2. Metric Coffee

Metric Coffee, nestled in West Town's Kinzie Corridor, is home to a standout cold brew experience. Their Classic Cold Brew is a perfect blend of smooth caramel flavors with subtle fruity hints, offering a well-balanced and refreshing taste.

What sets Metric's cold brew apart is their choice of medium-blend beans grown in the highlands of Honduras. These beans, cultivated at an altitude of 1,600 meters and processed using the washed method, bring out flavors of nut, ripe fruit, and brown sugar. This attention to detail carries through every step at their Fulton Street roastery.

Opened on October 10, 2016, the Fulton Street location features a cozy 400-square-foot walk-up café attached to the roastery. Visitors can enjoy their coffee while getting a behind-the-scenes look at the production process.

"Our space reflects a harmonious blend of modern industrial and Scandinavian-inspired design. From blonde and pink wall and ceiling slats to walnut countertops, glass dividers, and exposed brick, every detail was curated to create a warm, inviting, and creative atmosphere." - Metric Coffee

Beyond cold brew, Metric Coffee offers a diverse menu of freshly roasted single-origin coffees, Spirit Tea selections, and expertly crafted espresso drinks. For those who want to bring the experience home, their packaged cold brew beans are available for purchase, making it easy to enjoy Metric Coffee wherever you are.

3. Dark Matter Coffee

Dark Matter Coffee stands out in Chicago's cold brew scene with its bold and artistic approach. Their Coffee Cold Portfolio features a variety of cold brews, each with a unique flavor and a creative name that reflects the brand's vibrant personality.

Known as "Interplanetary Dealers of Funky Coffee", Dark Matter Coffee offers standout cold brews like Devil's Lettuce, Wild Jesus, Nectar Gadget, and Get the Fuck Out of Bed. These are available in 8-packs priced at $40.00. If you'd rather sample a mix of flavors, the Coffee Cold Portfolio 8-Pack is available for $30.00.

The design and vibe of their cafés are just as creative as their coffee. Each of their eight Chicago locations - Mothership, Star Lounge, Osmium, Electric Mud, Meddle, Soft Parade, Caravanserai, and Sleep Walk Chocolateria - feels like a new chapter in the brand's artistic journey.

"Musical and artistic expression form the bedrock of our culture. Naturally, when building the Dark Matter universe we let the tenets of artistic creation guide us. So it follows, if Dark Matter Coffee is our Band, then our coffee shops are the albums. Each concept representing a new era of creation. Even further, every coffee release a track in our anthology." - Dark Matter Coffee

Dark Matter Coffee blends creativity with a strong connection to the community, resulting in cold brews that are both imaginative and consistent. With every sip, visitors experience the perfect mix of artistry and craftsmanship, solidifying Chicago's reputation as a hub for exceptional cold brew.

4. Hexe Coffee Co.

Hexe Coffee Co., at 2000 W. Diversey Pkwy in Chicago, offers a standout cold brew experience, featuring beans roasted in-house and a carefully refined brewing process. One of their highlights is the Boneshaker Bourbon Barrel Aged Cold Brew, a premium option aged in bourbon barrels for a richer, more complex flavor. It’s available in an 8 fl. oz. bottle for $15.99.

For those looking for something more traditional, Hexe also serves a standard cold brew at regular menu prices, crafted with the same attention to detail and house-roasted beans.

Beyond their cold brew, Hexe Coffee Co. also features a bakery offering freshly made treats that pair perfectly with their coffee. Their dedication to in-house roasting and the unique barrel-aging process has made Hexe a favorite spot for cold brew lovers in Chicago.

5. Caffe Umbria

Located in a transformed 9,000-square-foot Car Barn on Armitage Avenue, Caffe Umbria highlights the artistry of Italian coffee-making. Their cold brew is a standout, prepared using a Yama Tower. This method allows ice water to drip slowly through coffee grounds, creating a smooth, sweet coffee concentrate.

The café's signature cold brew is made with the Bizzarri Blend, a medium-dark roast crafted from 100% Arabica beans. This blend offers layered flavors of molasses, pecan, and a hint of banana. The cold brew concentrate is mixed with water in a precise 1:3 ratio, ensuring a perfectly balanced drink every time.

"Compared to standard iced coffee, the brew at Caffè Umbria is notably sweeter and gentler on the stomach. The body is incredibly smooth and almost like drinking a fine scotch. There's none of that graininess that comes with iced coffee and it's not bitter at all." - Chicago Traveler

For something different, try their signature mocktail, "The Madison." Here's what goes into it:

The café itself is a mix of modern design and European charm, featuring repurposed shipping containers and an open floor plan. The 2,000-square-foot space feels both stylish and welcoming, blending European café culture with a local, approachable vibe.

For those who want to enjoy Caffe Umbria's cold brew at home, their signature concentrate is available for $25.00 per 32-oz bottle. When diluted as recommended, one bottle makes a gallon of high-quality cold brew.

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6. Mojo Coffee

Founded in Wellington in 2003, Mojo Coffee has made its mark, now thriving in downtown locations. Their rich history influences every brew they craft.

One standout is Dr Mojo's Cold Brew Coffee ($17.99), made from single-origin Guatemalan beans. This small-batch roasted brew offers a vibrant flavor profile with hints of milk chocolate, caramel, apple, and citrus. Ethically sourced and roasted in Chicago, it’s a coffee experience that stands out.

If you're curious about their cold brew options, here’s a look at their menu:

Each drink reflects Mojo Coffee's dedication to crafting a personal and artistic coffee experience. Their café spaces are thoughtfully designed to blend with their surroundings, creating a welcoming haven for coffee lovers.

"Excellent coffee is never a rational thing; it's a drink imbued with inspiration, freedom, celebration, history, dreams. It's about experience as much as refreshment. It's about personal space, about the pursuit of perfection, about the meeting of minds, about escape and reward. That's the Mojo and it's to treasure." - Mojo Coffee USA

7. Good Ambler

Good Ambler, nestled in downtown Chicago, stands out for its spacious interior and highly praised cold brew. The café feels like a blend of cozy living rooms, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

The seating is thoughtfully arranged to offer distinct areas for work or relaxation, while still maintaining an open and welcoming vibe. Here's what makes it special:

This carefully designed space enhances the overall experience, whether you're sipping on cold brew or enjoying a pastry.

"Love the space and how big and airy and cozy it is -- feels like the perfect place to coop up and work from home." - Insia Z.

The café's quiet and comfortable setting makes it a favorite for working or studying. However, it does get busy during peak hours. Arriving early ensures you can grab a spot and enjoy all that Good Ambler has to offer. With its peaceful vibe and attention to detail, it's easy to see why it's a go-to spot for locals and visitors alike.

8. Fairgrounds Coffee and Tea

Located in downtown Chicago, Fairgrounds Coffee and Tea offers a welcoming space that goes beyond just serving cold brew. This café combines stylish indoor and outdoor seating to create an atmosphere that’s both lively and comfortable, making it a go-to spot for coffee lovers.

The layout strikes a balance between areas for socializing and quieter nooks for those seeking a more relaxed experience. Here’s a closer look at what makes the space special:

"FAIRGROUNDS IS A FEEL-GOOD PLACE... For its bright, energetic indoor/outdoor spaces that are vibrant and joyful - always a pleasure to sit in to socialize or simply watch the world go by".

The thoughtful design encourages both community connections and individual relaxation. Whether you’re meeting up with friends or just enjoying some alone time, the café’s vibrant setting enhances the experience. Pair that with their standout cold brews, and you’ve got a spot where coffee isn’t just a drink - it’s an experience.

9. The Wormhole

Step into The Wormhole Coffee and get transported back to the 1980s. This café combines retro vibes with expertly brewed cold coffee, making it a must-visit spot for fans of nostalgia and great drinks.

Inside, you'll find vintage decor, retro furniture, and quirky memorabilia. The centerpiece? A full-size DeLorean that instantly sets the tone. Add in classic arcade games, and you've got a space that's as fun as it is inviting.

Whether you're looking to catch up with friends or enjoy some quiet time, The Wormhole offers seating options for every mood. Its mix of retro charm and expertly crafted drinks makes it a standout in Chicago's coffee scene.

10. Espresso and Milk

Espresso and Milk, located in downtown Chicago, stands out with its sleek, modern vibe and straightforward approach to cold brew. Their standout offering, the "Classic Cold Steep", features single-origin Brazilian beans steeped for 18 hours, delivering a rich, smooth flavor with a hint of chocolate. Guests can enjoy their coffee in a bright, airy space with communal tables and cozy window seating - perfect for soaking in the city’s energy. This café is a refreshing addition to Chicago's bustling coffee scene.

Chicago's Local Coffee Scene

Chicago's coffee culture has undergone a major shift, with cold brew taking center stage in its dynamic coffee scene. Local roasters, drawing inspiration from national trends, are leading the charge with fresh approaches that focus on quality and responsibility. This shift has changed how roasters and independent cafés operate, creating a thriving cold brew culture unique to Chicago.

Local roasters are key players in shaping the city’s cold brew offerings. Intelligentsia Coffee, recognized as the world’s first certified organic coffee roastery, set the bar high for quality and responsible sourcing. Building on these foundations, other roasters like Dark Matter Coffee have continued to push the envelope. Now a certified B Corporation, Dark Matter Coffee encapsulates its mission in this statement:

"Committed to social justice and environmental sustainability, every cup you savor makes a positive impact." - Dark Matter Coffee

The independent coffee scene in Chicago thrives on a mix of tradition and experimentation. For example, Dark Matter’s Mothership location in West Town ages coffee beans in whiskey barrels to create unique cold brew flavors. Beyond coffee, the space doubles as a cultural hub, showcasing local art and hosting community gatherings.

Chicago’s roasters are also known for their strong ethical practices, which directly influence the quality of their cold brews. Here’s a quick look at what some of them are doing:

These efforts not only enhance the taste of their cold brews but also reinforce the city’s focus on responsible coffee production.

Craftsmanship goes hand in hand with sustainability in Chicago’s coffee community. Metric Coffee highlights this philosophy:

"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." - Metric Coffee

This dedication reflects in the pricing of specialty cold brew beans. For instance, Metropolis Coffee’s Cold Brew Blend is priced at $12.50, while Metric Coffee’s Classic Cold Brew offerings go up to $18.00. These prices represent more than just coffee - they reflect an investment in quality and ethical sourcing.

Cold brew has become a year-round staple in Chicago, accounting for a significant portion of coffee sales. Cafés like Sip of Hope in Logan Square take their role further, blending great coffee with a sense of community, which is at the heart of Chicago’s coffee culture.

Conclusion

Chicago's downtown cold brew scene is a testament to exceptional coffee, skilled craftsmanship, and a sense of community. The top 10 spots in the city showcase a commitment to quality while offering inviting spaces where coffee lovers can come together.

Take Caffè Umbria, for example. They bring a modern touch to traditional techniques, focusing on the essentials:

"At Caffè Umbria it's about the preparation, presentation, and the flavor of the beans, not pumping in a bunch of squirts of mystery juice to boost the flavor."

This focus on quality and authenticity has helped shape a coffee culture that values both taste and social responsibility.

Beyond great coffee, these cafés make a difference. Sip of Hope donates 100% of its profits to mental health education and support, while Hero Coffee Bar has turned Pickwick Lane into a cozy downtown gathering spot.

These cafés combine expertly brewed cold coffee with meaningful community contributions. Whether you're seeking a bold cold brew or a space that uplifts the local community, downtown Chicago offers plenty of options to satisfy both.

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