Best Local Coffee Roasters in Illinois

Illinois coffee culture has exploded. Here are the local roasters worth seeking out.

Chicago Roasters

The Icons

Intelligentsia The pioneer that helped launch third-wave coffee. Multiple locations.

• Known for: Direct trade, flagship on Randolph

• Try: Black Cat espresso blend

Metric Coffee Fulton Market roastery with exceptional single origins.

• Known for: Small batch, unique origins

• Try: Their seasonal offerings

Dark Matter Coffee Creative, bold, Wicker Park vibes.

• Known for: Unique packaging, strong flavors

• Try: Unicorn Blood blend

Big Shoulders Coffee Working-class roots, excellent quality.

• Known for: Chicago character

• Try: Cold brew

Growing Names

Passion House Coffee Logan Square roaster with devoted following.

Sparrow Coffee Naperville-born, Chicago presence.

Gaslight Coffee Roasters Logan Square original.

Bow Truss Multiple locations, quality focused.

Suburban Roasters

Sparrow Coffee Roasters (Naperville) Started suburban, now influential statewide.

Brewpoint Coffee (Elmhurst) Community-focused, excellent quality.

Rivers Edge Coffee (Aurora) Downtown Aurora revitalization anchor.

Peet's - While a chain, local presence strong

Downstate Roasters

Central Illinois

• Brickhouse Coffee (Champaign)

• Custom Cup Coffee (Champaign)

• Café Kopi (Champaign) - Institution

• Grab-a-Java (Springfield)

Southern Illinois

• Neighborhood Co-op Grocery cafe (Carbondale)

• Local roasters at farmers markets

Coffee Shop Culture

What to Look For

• Beans roasted recently (check date)

• Baristas who know their product

• Single origin options

• Pour-over availability

Chicago Coffee Neighborhoods

• West Loop - High concentration of quality

• Wicker Park/Bucktown - Creative scene

• Logan Square - Third-wave central

• Lincoln Square - European influence

Beyond the Cup

Home Brewing

Most roasters sell:

• Whole beans (recommended)

• Ground to order

• Brewing equipment

• Subscriptions available

Coffee Events

• Cuppings (tastings) at roasteries

• Latte art throwdowns

• Coffee festivals

• Barista competitions

Supporting Local

Why It Matters

• Local roasters create local jobs

• Better coffee (fresher, more care)

• Community spaces

• Money stays local

How to Support

• Buy beans to brew at home

• Gift coffee subscriptions

• Spread the word on social media

• Become a regular