There's a good reason Chicago Magazine voted Metropolis as the best latte in the city -- this coffee shop rules! Not only is this a great place to go and drink coffee and hang out ...

I moved into an apartment building right around the corner from Metropolis in September of 07. I had never been there before, and waited about a month or two before checking it out for the first time.

I've been back almost every day since then.

The espresso and coffee beans are all roasted on site, and the finished product drinks are phenomenal. I hadn't had a cappucino that even compares to their work since my last trip to Paris. There is lots of room and the space is comfortable and well-decorated. The customer service is neighborly and quick - only ever suffering when they are understaffed, which happens so infrequently, it's hardly worth mentioning. Even the tea list is great.
It you live in the neighboorhood - make this place a part of your life. If you're not from around here, make a point to come up and visit. You most surely will not be disappointed.

I have been a regular ever since I discovered it. The coffee is amazing- better than Intelligensia for sure. And it's strong. Great study atmosphere, lots of tables and free wireless is always a plus. My bones to pick are- even when it's like 90 outside, I have to wear a jacket inside because it is often pretty cold inside. I see other people in short sleeve shirts though, so maybe it's just me. Secondly, I'm convinced one barista hates me. She forgot to add flavoring once- at least it tasted that way- so I went up and politely asked if I could have more. Ever since, she glares at me and my drinks made by her have had an amazingly overpowering taste of flavoring syrup, or none at all. I haven't said anything about it since and just deal with it. I guess that's a testament to how much I love this place.

In just about any other city on the planet, Metropolis would be the #1 cafe in town by a wide margin. Unfortunately, Chicago is also home to Intelligentsia and their three retail locations. And while there's no argument about the quality of Metropolis' espresso and coffee offerings and skills, Intelly wins head-to-head because it's as good on those levels and has better service top to bottom, in my opinion.

I'll qualify by noting I'm just an occasional visitor to town, and have only been here twice so maybe it's just my bad luck. It's not the easiest place to get to if you're in town for events at Navy Pier or McCormick... so by the time I actually get all the way up there, I'm anticipating something supremely awesome and just didn't feel I got a warm welcome on either trip.

Because I'm usually downtown when visiting Chicago, I naturally spend more time at Intelly.

I've been going to Metropolis since I moved to Chicago. Was a time I would hang out late at night at Standee's Diner. Loved their coffee. "What kind is it?" I asked. "Metropolis," the guy behind the counter said. Turned out it was Samba blend, still my favorite. The lattes and iced mochas are wonderful, although the hot mochas are often not as chocolaty as I would prefer.

The staff are always very nice, and try to remember your name.

When not completely jammed with Loyola students and little kids running around, the dining area is very relaxed. With the demise of the bookstore next door, now there is more seating, which is very nice.

Advice: If you want a small drink, like just espresso or a con panna, drink it there. Even if you are in a hurry. It'll just take a moment to gulp down, and you won't waste a paper cup or two. I learned my lesson when I got a con panna to do. Walking to my car, a sudden gust of wind blew my lightweight drink away, which was resting inside another paper cup. I stood there, shocked, and holding an empty paper cup.

My only solace was that none of the baristas saw it, as they would have laughed and sneered. And they would have every right to.