Roasters and cafes are exploring different varieties and species of coffee from lesser-known regions in Asia, offering both new flavor profiles and sources that are potentially more climate-resilient.
Playlist Coffee
Coffee
Spoken Cafe Serves the Community with Pay-What-You-Can Meals, a Sustainable Ethos, and Louisiana Specialties
Daniel HautzingerThe Ravenswood cafe hosts community suppers where donations go to a food pantry while embracing sustainability through making nearly everything in house for its large menu, which includes Louisiana specialties and a line of gluten-free baked goods.
Kedzie Avenue in Albany Park Becomes a Hub for Middle Eastern-Style Cafes, as Four Open Within a Mile in a Year
Daniel HautzingerTwo Yemeni coffee chains from Dearborn, Michigan have opened their first Chicago outposts along Kedzie, while two other new cafes also spotlight Turkish and Kurdish coffee and pastries.
A Cafe and Brunch Spot Opens in East Garfield Park Next to the Expansive Park
Daniel HautzingerSemaphore Cafe aims to be a community gathering space in East Garfield Park. "I've never felt more welcome anywhere in the city," says the owner, a new resident.
Haibayô Is Much More Than a Cafe Located in the Changing Asia on Argyle in Uptown
Daniel HautzingerHaibayô is both a cafe serving Southeast Asian-inspired beverages and a nonprofit with community programming meant to keep the neighborhood vital and accessible.
Luckycat Opens with Coffee Sourced from China and Asian-Inspired Espresso and Matcha Drinks
Daniel HautzingerIn addition to coffee beans sourced from China, Luckycat offers drinks such as a matcha latte with honey and osmanthus and a black sesame espresso latte.
Metric Coffee Opens an All-Day Cafe in Avondale That's Full of Possibilities
Daniel HautzingerMilli by Metric, located in a century-old warehouse with a large patio, just offers coffee and ambitious pastries for now. But it will eventually expand into dinner service and more.
Brekkie Is Served! Australia Comes to Streeterville with New Easygoing Café
Daniel HautzingerAustralian cafés are often cited as responsible for the rise of avocado toast, the flat white, and the refined all-day café. Now Chicago has one in Chapel Street Café.
More Than a Latte: Momentum Coffee Tries to Contribute to Development in Underserved Neighborhoods
Daniel Hautzinger“We want to be a catalyst for development in these neighborhoods that have been abandoned for over 60 years now,” says the owner of Momentum Coffee, which has locations in under-resourced neighborhoods and offers training and mentorship programs.
Coffee, Pizza, Pastries, Pins: Francis Almeda Does It All, Uplifting Other Artists and Artisans Along the Way
Daniel HautzingerA few years ago, Francis Almeda opened a coffee shop dedicated to showcasing people's creative pursuits. Now he's a partner in everything from another coffee shop to a pizza business.
You Can Try Coffee from Its Birthplace at New Chicago Area Yemeni Coffee Shops
Daniel HautzingerCoffee as a beverage similar to what we drink today is first noted in Yemen. Now, a new wave of entrepreneurs from Dearborn, Michigan are spreading unique Yemeni coffee across the United States, including to the suburbs of Chicago.
The Owners of Monday Coffee Co. Want to Change the Way People Experience Mondays
Meredith FrancisAmanda Christine Harth and Felton Kizer love Mondays. They want their coffee company to be about high-quality beans, the experience of coffee, and making a safe space for others.
A Little Village Couple Celebrates Their Heritage By Selling Mexican Coffee
Alma and Cristóbal Mora founded Bueno Days to use their love of coffee to explore their Mexican heritage, selling beans sourced from Mexico and providing education alongside their coffee and inspired drinks such as horchata cold brew and a mole latte.
