Naomi needed to get back from Bourbonnais, IL and the MadCap team needed to check out some great shops for inspiration in their pursuit to find a perfect shop layout/design. The result: A field trip to Chicago to “pick Naomi up” (honestly, an excuse to do research and get great espresso for the first time in weeks). Here’s a quick review of our coffee shop visits.

Intelligentsia — Randolph
We started the day at the Randolph Intelli where we got what ended up ranking as the best capps of the day, thanks to Deanna. We then passed a cup of Edelweiss Finagro Estate Tanzania brewed on Clover, which was a beautiful cup. Very clean with a nice sweet tart-like cherry flavor at the end. We all agree Randolph location is too sterile and commercial looking for our taste. It almost feels like a cool Starbucks with better colors. However we understand and respect that it is a fitting atmosphere for the surrounding area.

Before leaving, we bumped into the owner, Doug Zell. We talked a bit and he convinced us we needed to stick around as he was being interviewed by Fox local news. Intelligentsia recently decided to nix all 20oz drinks and only offer the “true” cappuccinos (6.5oz). Although this news excites us, evidently it pisses off a great number of Chicagoans so much that it made the Tribune and is going to be on Fox. After a short interview with the cameramen and encouragement from Doug we were on our way.

Coffee Studio
After lunch, the Coffee Studio was our next stop. The shop recently opened on the north side where the owner Lee greeted us kindly. Out of all coffee bars I’ve seen in Chicago, I am most impressed with the Studio’s design inside and out…all around, it’s beautiful. The bar’s finest touch is the 3-group Synesso, a rare machine here in the Midwest, yet quite the looker. All of our drinks were good (they’re serving Intelligentsia), as we were able to draw ideas from the space.

Metropolis
Metropolis welcomed us with the lovely fragerance of coffee being roasted on site. We got espressos, which was definitely Trevor’s favorite beverage of the day. The Redline espresso captured strong berry notes, with sweetness throughout, and a presentation of reddish dark crema. As the ‘spro was great and it was fun to peak in at Tony roasting on the Diedrich, we didn’t care too much for the atmosphere. The space was very eclectic, crammed and sporting different colored walls with random furniture. As this is comfort for some, especially if you dig the Bohemian feel, it didn’t seem to hit home for us.

Intelligentsia – Broadway
Broadway Street was our last stop of the day. Trevor and Naomi got caps that were just ok and I finished off with an espresso that I was quite pleased with. We enjoyed the feel, which seemed comfortable; It wasn’t too sterile looking like Randolph, yet not too messy/eclectic like Metropolis. On our way back to the vehicle we randomly bumped into reigning GLBC champ Mike Phillips. We chatted for a bit and called it a day.

Final Thoughts
Each shop had something great to teach us as we take things forward on our layout and design. It’s exciting compiling all the great things we’ve seen while adding our peronal touches for a shop we can call our own. We are close to closing on a location…I think. When it’s finalized we’ll report. Also, the Diedrich IR-12 is being built…ah yeah!