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Drink Wed Jul 22 2015
Five Places to Get Cold Brew in Chicago That Aren't Starbucks
Starbucks recently announced that it is expanding its cold brew menu item to participating stores across the country. Chicagoans have been able to purchase Starbucks cold brew since March, as the city was part of the company's soft introduction to stores in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Midwest.
I'm glad Starbucks has introduced cold brew--a far superior method of producing chilled coffee than pouring ice into a cup of hot, double-strength brew--to the masses, but specialty shops in Chicago have been serving cold brew for years. The next time you're craving the smooth, concentrated flavor of cold brew, consider trying one of these shops.
1. Metropolis (5545 N. Clark St.)
Justin Doggett of Metropolis was recently on WBEZ to talk about cold brew, and this shop pours a pretty good cup (and I hear they are going to start selling it in bottles soon). It's fairly roasty with strong notes of chocolate. They even sell special cold brew blends so you can make yourself a cup at home.
2. Scone City (1632 W. Division St.)
There is nothing better to pair with your Cherry Almond scone (or Maple Bacon scone or Cinnamon Chip scone) than a delicious cup of cold brew.
3. Groundswell Café (4839 N. Damen Ave.)
This place just opened a few weeks ago, and its cold brew is perhaps the best I've had. I sampled the Rwanda, and it was rich, earthy, with hints of an unexpected (but fantastic--I can't stress this enough) tomato flavor.
4. Heritage Bicycles General Store (2959 N. Lincoln Ave.)
Not only can this place fulfill your bike-related needs, it also sells refreshing cold brew...by the growler!
5. Ipsento (2035 N Western)
Don't talk to me about cold brew trends unless you've tried nitro cold brew, which is coffee mixed with nitrogen. People say that the nitrogen gives the coffee a thicker, creamier texture, something akin to a dark beer. Go ahead. Try it. Ipsento has this one on lock.
Of course, this list is just a start. Where do you go for your cold brew?
Steve / July 22, 2015 9:29 PM
Bowtruss has an amazing cold brew!