I've got a friend who has never had had a perfect shot of espresso. Every single shot hes ever had is bitter. He's looking for the shot that will set the standard for a perfect shot of espresso. A perfect, non-bitter shot.

I told him to go to Metropolis in Chicago (I've never been). Can anyone recommend a for sure place in Chicago area for him to get his first perfect shot?

I'm sure Jim can comment better than I since I've only visited Chicago once but Caffe Streets would get my vote. I got not one but two "God Shots" in a row from them.

I've no idea where he's been for his espresso, but espresso may just not be his cup of, er, coffee. Intelligentsia any location and the new wave of espresso bars in Wicker Park and probably the CC training lab are where I would go were I headed to Chicago.

Any word on Stumptown opening in Chi-town?

Streets is great if the owner (Pavel?) is pulling; otherwise Ipsento, both only if you like bright. Metropolis if you like laid back. Intelly is now in the bright camp, and can be great when they are on their game. IMO, they've become so radically seasonal in their blends, it makes my head spin.

Even at their most consistent, cafes bat around 800, moreover, their are real and legitimate differences in preferences for body, comfort food caramels and chocolates, and more challenging acids and bitters. So be prepared to visit multiple places to find your god shot.

haunce: a quick search of HB using the keywords "Chicago" and "cafe" will bring up several threads, including In Defense Of The New.

IIRC, Darko is the owner at Streets.

Been to Caffe Streets 3 times. Each time I've had shots of espresso from a different roaster. All three shots were excellent and above my expectations. There's a handful of shops I haven't made it to yet, but Caffe Streets has my #1 vote for straight espresso so far.

Ipsento has my #2 slot for straight espresso. Not my favorite, but their wildfire always has a nice note of caramel a minute or two after finishing a shot. They look at me like I'm crazy when I mention it, but it keeps me coming back for more (not to mention that it makes a great iced americano).

Metropolis has been my #3 as of late. Hard to place them for sure, though. Hardly ever make it that far north in the City.

I've chatted with the owner of Buzz. That guy means serious business and only ever drinks espresso. I'll file them under honorable mention until I get a chance to check them out with a more objective eye.

When I'm in Chicago, I take the blue line from O'hare to the Damen exit. I'm not sure what that neighborhood is called, but it's pretty eclectic. An easy walk from the Damen stop is http://www.thewormhole.us/. It has a Back to the Future'esque Delorean in the window. I won't dwell too much on the espresso there, because the taste is so very subjective. But I will say that, at least the times I've been there, which has been primarily on weekday evenings, the barista in charge was doing what I like... weighing BOTH the dose AND the extraction. I like that in a barista. I do that myself. I know opinions vary about this technique, but I am in Jim Schulman's camp on the matter. Further, since there aren't many third-wave joints that do weigh both the dose and the extraction, IF you are a believer, and you are in Chicago, the Wormhole is a place to look. I go there pretty much every time I visit Chicago now.

-Peter

pcrussell50 wrote:When I'm in Chicago, I take the blue line from O'hare to the Damen exit. I'm not sure what that neighborhood is called, but it's pretty eclectic. An easy walk from the Damen stop is http://www.thewormhole.us/. It has a Back to the Future'esque Delorean in the window. I won't dwell too much on the espresso there, because the taste is so very subjective. But I will say that, at least the times I've been there, which has been primarily on weekday evenings, the barista in charge was doing what I like... weighing BOTH the dose AND the extraction. I like that in a barista. I do that myself. I know opinions vary about this technique, but I am in Jim Schulman's camp on the matter. Further, since there aren't many third-wave joints that do weigh both the dose and the extraction, IF you are a believer, and you are in Chicago, the Wormhole is a place to look. I go there pretty much every time I visit Chicago now.

I was hanging out reading there a couple weeks back. Just killing time until I had to leave for work. Overheard the barista talking to a customer about how they log all their shots as well. I had always wondered why it took a little extra time to get a drink there. I should also add that last I knew, they were doing renovations (including suspending the DeLorean). Don't know if they're done yet. Should still swing by, though. You can always turn around and hit up Buzz on Damen ave instead.

pcrussell50 wrote:But I will say that, at least the times I've been there, which has been primarily on weekday evenings, the barista in charge was doing what I like... weighing BOTH the dose AND the extraction.

You should add Ch'ava Cafe to that list. They're an Intelly shop and pull some pretty fantastic shots.

When it comes to weighing extraction, I think machine and waste is more of a consideration. If you don't have a programmable machine and the luxury of pulling multiple shots/making adjustments on the fly, there would be more value in weighing a shot.

I was at Caffe Streets recently and had the barista pull a shot of Idido, taste it, updose, pull a second shot, taste it, then pull the third shot for me. It was quite tasty - chocolate-covered strawberries and rounded floral notes.


Ch'ava Cafe
4656 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60640

All I want to say is you guys are so lucky to have so many top flight cafes! The best shot in my town is in my house (and I can't compete with the likes of Caffe Streets or Jim's kitchen!!)