Metropolis Coffee Chicago isn’t just a café; it’s a community hub, a haven for coffee lovers, and a symbol of Chicago’s growing independent coffee culture. Since its founding in 2003, Metropolis Coffee has carved out a unique identity in the city’s diverse coffee scene. Whether you’re a local student, an artist, a freelancer, or simply someone looking for a great cup of coffee, Metropolis is the place to be.
Located in the Edgewater neighborhood, this humble coffee shop has grown into a well-respected roastery and café that still holds on to its local roots. With ethically sourced beans, in-house roasting, and a welcoming environment, Metropolis Coffee Chicago continues to draw people in and keep them coming back.
The Origins of Metropolis Coffee Chicago
Metropolis Coffee was founded by father-son duo Jeff and Tony Dreyfuss in 2003. With a shared passion for specialty coffee, they opened their first café on Granville Avenue, aiming to create a space that served more than just drinks—it would serve people, ideas, and culture.
The vision was simple: roast high-quality beans with care and intention, serve delicious coffee with heart, and create a community space where everyone feels welcome.
The name “Metropolis” reflects the founders’ love for cities, diversity, and energy—a fitting title for a café nestled in the heart of Chicago, one of the most vibrant cities in the U.S.
What Makes Metropolis Coffee Chicago Special?
Ethical and Sustainable Sourcing
One of the strongest pillars of Metropolis Coffee Chicago is its commitment to ethical sourcing. They partner with farms and cooperatives across the globe, ensuring fair trade and long-term sustainability. This not only guarantees the best quality beans but also supports the farmers and their communities.
Their team regularly visits origin countries such as Ethiopia, Colombia, and Guatemala to build relationships and understand the growing conditions. These trips also ensure that each batch of beans tells a story—from the soil it grew in to the cup it ends up in.
In-House Roasting with Precision
All of Metropolis’ coffee is roasted in-house at their Chicago roastery. This allows them to control every step of the process and craft a product that meets their high standards. Whether it’s a rich single-origin or a signature blend, each roast is treated with care.
They even offer seasonal blends and limited-edition microlots that rotate throughout the year, giving customers something new to look forward to.
A Welcoming Café Space
The Metropolis café on Granville Avenue is cozy, artsy, and inviting. Natural light floods the space, local art decorates the walls, and the smell of fresh coffee fills the air. There’s Wi-Fi for those who want to work, board games for the relaxed crowd, and friendly baristas who always greet you with a smile.
It’s not uncommon to find students from nearby Loyola University typing away on laptops or friends catching up over a cappuccino. The vibe is peaceful yet lively—a perfect balance.
The Menu: More Than Just Great Coffee

Coffee Offerings
- Espresso-Based Drinks – Lattes, cappuccinos, Americanos, flat whites, and more
- Pour-Overs – Featuring rotating single-origin beans for those who love nuance
- Cold Brews & Iced Coffees – Perfect for Chicago’s warmer months
- Seasonal Specials – Think maple lattes, spicy mochas, and holiday-themed drinks
Non-Coffee Beverages
- Matcha and chai lattes
- Herbal and black teas
- Hot chocolate with real cocoa
Fresh Pastries & Snacks
Metropolis also features a rotating menu of pastries from local Chicago bakeries. From buttery croissants to vegan muffins and savory quiches, there’s always something fresh to pair with your drink.
Community Impact: More Than a Coffee Shop
Supporting Local Artists
Metropolis Coffee Chicago supports local artists by offering their café walls as gallery space. Artists are welcome to display their work for free, and many end up selling pieces directly through the café.
Hosting Events
The café has been known to host poetry readings, acoustic music sessions, and open mic nights—making it a true cultural space rather than just a coffee spot.
Giving Back
Metropolis Coffee also gives back to the community through partnerships with local nonprofits. Whether it’s donating coffee to shelters or contributing to food drives, they understand the power of local impact.
Metropolis Coffee’s Roastery: Behind the Scenes
Located in the Avondale neighborhood, the Metropolis roastery is where the magic happens. This space isn’t open to the public daily, but they occasionally host tours and cuppings for those interested in the roasting process.
The roastery supplies beans not only to their own café but also to dozens of restaurants, offices, and coffee shops across Chicago and the Midwest. They also ship nationwide through their website.
Sustainability Efforts at Metropolis Coffee Chicago
Metropolis takes sustainability seriously. From compostable cups and eco-friendly packaging to using energy-efficient roasting machines, they constantly look for ways to reduce their environmental footprint.
They’ve also encouraged customers to bring their own reusable mugs by offering discounts—a small initiative that makes a big difference.
Awards and Recognition
Metropolis Coffee Chicago has earned praise from many corners of the coffee world:
- Chicago Reader’s Best Coffee Shop (multiple years)
- Featured in The New York Times, Food & Wine, and Sprudge
- Awarded Good Food Award for excellence in ethical sourcing and taste
These recognitions reflect not just great coffee but great values.
How to Visit Metropolis Coffee Chicago
Main Café Location:
1039 W. Granville Ave, Chicago, IL 60660
Hours:
Monday to Friday – 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Saturday & Sunday – 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Nearest L Train:
Red Line – Granville Stop (just a short walk away)
Roastery Location (for tours and wholesale inquiries):
Avondale neighborhood – Contact via website for appointments
Website: www.metropoliscoffee.com
Instagram: @metropoliscoffee
Metropolis Coffee and the Future

As coffee culture evolves, so does Metropolis. They’re exploring more cold brew variations, new brewing methods, and expanding their reach through wholesale and online retail. Yet, what remains constant is their commitment to quality, people, and place.
In a world filled with fast-paced coffee chains, Metropolis Coffee Chicago stands out by staying small in the best way—thoughtful, rooted, and full of soul.
Why Metropolis Coffee Chicago Should Be on Your Radar
- Locally loved and ethically run
- Roasts some of the best coffee in Chicago
- A welcoming café space with a community spirit
- Great for students, freelancers, or casual coffee lovers
- Online shop for nationwide delivery
Whether you’re a Chicagoan or just visiting, a stop at Metropolis Coffee Chicago is a must. You’ll leave with more than just caffeine—you’ll leave with warmth, inspiration, and a taste of what a truly local café should be.
Final Thoughts
Metropolis Coffee Chicago isn’t just about the beans; it’s about the people, the process, and the purpose behind every cup. It captures what every great café should strive for: high-quality coffee made with care and served with love.
If you haven’t been yet, now’s the time. And if you’re already a fan, then you know—Metropolis isn’t just coffee, it’s home.
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