Dark Matter Coffee - Meddle Coffee Bar

The US often has terrible coffee. Meddle Coffee is one of the best coffee shops I have been to in the US. Fantastic coffee, great service and overall great place. Highly recommend

This spot has turned into my go-to guilty pleasure whenever I’m craving a seriously bold cup of coffee—it’s earned a permanent place on my must-visit list. The staff are genuinely friendly, and I couldn’t help but notice how spotless they keep everything. Clean vibes, great brew, and solid service—what more could you ask for?

So grateful this is my neighborhood coffee shop! As an Ethiopian, I'm a bit particular about my coffee, and this place absolutely nails it—fantastic coffee and an amazing staff. John, who's been there for years, feels like a friend and always brings such great energy. Incredibly lucky to have this spot less than a block away—it's my go-to for coffee every day, and I can't think of a better coffee shop in the city.

An Exceptional Coffee Shop Experience This coffee shop is an absolute gem! From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted by a vibrant atmosphere and stylish design that immediately sets a relaxed and welcoming tone. The decor is thoughtfully done, making it the perfect spot to sit back and enjoy your coffee in style. The coffee here is next level—craft brewed and packed with flavor. With a wide variety of options to choose from, there’s something to suit every taste, whether you’re into bold espresso, smooth lattes, or unique seasonal blends. The snacks are also worth mentioning—delicious and perfectly paired with any drink. From savory bites to sweet treats, there’s plenty to satisfy your cravings. What truly sets this place apart, though, is the friendly staff. The team is always upbeat, attentive, and passionate about coffee, making the experience even more enjoyable. If you’re a coffee lover, this is a must-visit spot. Great coffee, an amazing selection of snacks, and an unbeatable vibe make this place stand out.

Went out looking for a place to grab a coffee and found the perfect place. The vibe of this place is very chill and friendly. The person who made our coffee had such a positive attitude!! Certainly will be checking out the other locations. Their patio is so cool!

Ambrose the barista made the cutest bunny design on my delicious latte! Highly recommend!

I grabbed a Chocolate City iced coffee for 3.75 and a warm cinnamon roll from West Town Bakery for about 5.75. The vibe is straight-up psychedelic, with wild murals and neon lights that'll make you feel like you're in another dimension. The staff is chill and knows their beans. Definitely a must-visit for any coffee lover looking for a unique experience.

Is Dark Matter Chicago’s BEST? I humbly think so. Why? Quality! Their espresso is a rich, robust, concentrate unlike most places. Their espresso is superior (they will have single origin options as well), and earns the name dark matter. I do like to add some simple syrup to a double shot for my flavor preference. BE. CAREFUL. Their shots are concentrated. I would avoid more than 2 double shots (I believe that equals 6 shots - so you really even need that many? ) Consistency! This is why there is a solid argument to why Dark Matter is Chicago’s BEST. I have ordered coffee from multiple locations, many times over the years. Was every latte drink and/or shot exceptional? No. But a MAJORITY were exceptional. Most places that I really enjoy, deliver consistent exceptional quality 5-6 out of 10 times, while Dark matter is at about an 8.5/10. Cost! For the cost they deliver fantastic quality. All coffee drinks are expensive in my opinion, especially if you include a non diary option. Most places are over priced in my opinion because their coffee is mediocre. Dark matter quality is worth the cost as they charge similar to most places with inferior quality. They often offer barrel aged coffee! Vibes! Their locations are all different and dope. I’ve been to every location at least twice. They each have a unique funky/fun vibe. With the vibes, a majority of the time people are welcoming and helpful. Over the years I have run into some disgruntled baristas, yet few and far between. Hot tips: *Their iced coffee is a cold brew alternative and is fantastic! They will let you get a taste as they always have 3 options. Get a 32oz growler to go. Their cans are pricey yet they have unique offerings like barrel aged versions that make a great gift. *Their cans Meddle location is a quick walk to the Sears Tower (we don’t call it the Willis Tower) and Greek Town. (10mins or less) *19mins walk you can get to the West Loop and Fulton Market. Cruz Blanca is great, Time Out Market is solid and family friendly, Recess is unique, the new Guinness location is worth a visit and you would never guess they sell amazing local ice cream to go, and Professor pizza has expensive yet amazing Tavern style pizza. Enjoy!