Dark Matter Coffee - Star Lounge Coffee Bar

Cortado on the menu? Yes Correct size/ratio? Yes Temp(start/finish): Just right Foam: not a big head of foam, but very frothy all the way through. Very good Flavor: very good flavor Cup: really cool cup. The texture on the rim felt cool on my lips Extras: none

Arrived as third person in line maybe five or six more came in line behind us. Guy who was mixing drinks was also running the register while his assistant( girl) was looking at her phone . Myself and other customers couldn't help but notice she was looking at social media because she was faced back to the counter. Kudos to the gentleman he was working at a rapid pace. The cappuccino was delicious It was made just as I ordered. The backyard was inviting It could just use some type of shade we visited on a 90 plus day direct sun beating down. So maybe a couple umbrellas would be in order. Ourselves and a couple other customers huddled against the garage wall out of the sun , shade made a nice social moment out of sun anyway. The clientele seemed pleasant and friendly. Multiple friendly dogs in the backyard we enjoyed that very much. Will give it another chance when in town.

Loved everything. It was my go to coffee place when I lived in Chicago back then 6-7 years ago. It was chocolate donuts & drip coffee, sitting outdoors enjoying the calm before the show of the day started. I have a very good remembrance of a friendly staff, and their community oriented values are top notch, with great collabs helping people from the town with non profit around depression and suicide, organizing bbq in the hood or nurturing diversity and inclusion over the social networks. Great job !

First time at this location and they made me a cortado. Coffee and milk tasted great without a burnt taste and service was great.

I love coffee and chocolate, and they have many mocha options. I love the coffee, the art, the music, the spaces and that it’s open until 9pm. I come here and work for hours. It’s an inspiring place to be at and perfect in every sense.

Impressive taste and unique blends is what drives me there., Different barista every visit, yet the taste is on point every time! Absolutely enjoy…. In need coffee product and merchandise plenty to choose from, and you can actually sit outside to enjoy your hot/cold beverage.

I really liked the dolor de Oro. The spiciness from the habanero was very prominent compared to some of the other lattes with peppers that I've tried. For me, a spice enjoyer, that's a plus.

The barrel aged mocha does not miss. Great music, vibes and of course, drinks and food. The turkey Swiss hit the spot and the staff was very knowledgable and helpful. Worth the trip outside of the “city” to experience coffee done right.

This place is very cute! Great decor, open late, and lots of open tables which is very nice for working remotely. The coffee was good and had cute latte art :) I will definitely be back! I like to see art from local artists! Store was a bit cold but that's my only complaint.

Great coffee shop! I had the Mayan mocha and it was strong with an interesting kick to it, and not too sweet. I like that they don't use syrups to flavor their drinks. The baristas were really friendly, love the patio in the back, and very cool decor with alternative vibes. Overall a great spot.

Staff were nice and chill. I liked the colorful art and atmosphere. Came in to work for a bit and quite a few others were also working. I got a rooibos tea and liked it a lot. Was tempted to get a doughnut but didnt go for it. Maybe another time. Neat lil place. Wasn't super special, just good relaxed vibes.

Dark Matter Coffee has some of the coolest cafes and this one is no exception. The art is a mind bending trip around the walls and the coffee is no different. We asked the staff what their favorite drink is and were directed to the mocha where the chocolate is made in house. It was definitely a different experience than other mochas, as this is more balanced and not as sweet. If you're in Ukrainian Village then you should definitely stop by.

Super fun spot with friendly baristas. Free parking is pretty available on side streets. The lounge is really funky looking with beautiful murals. The lounge is on the second floor, they also have outdoor seating during those nice Chicago days. The latte I got was really good. I got standard latte without anything added and I really enjoyed it. Picked up a bag of beans to go too. PS. If you buy a bag of beans you get a free drip coffee or take some money off a latte.

I love Dark Matter coffee and not specifically I love Mayan Mocha. If it is technically possible I would have that everyday. It was my first time going to Star lounge, this location is much larger than the other dark matter locations. We didn't get to go upstairs seating area which I heard is really nice. Would go there in a heartbeat.

I give it a 10!!!!! Best coffee on the planet, nitro coffee, dirty chai scone. Welcome to the mothership. Time to get your caffenation on!

I came here on a Friday afternoon around 3 p.m. to catch up with a friend. I ordered a medium sized soy latte and the guy was really nice. I will definitely return here because of how spacious and quiet the café was. It's definitely a good place to work while sipping on a cup of coffee. This is my first time going to this café. I originally went to the dark matter coffee shop that was around the block then realized that one is takeout only so I told my friend let's go to this one instead. The location is definitely not the most convenient to get to depending on where in the city you live, but the coffee makes it worth the trip if you just want to be spontaneous.

This place is gteat too good to be true, the nicest people anyone could possibly imagine

In my humble opinion, this is the best coffee Chi has to offer. My personal favorite! I always stock up on bags when I can. Everyone I have introduced them to has even loved them! Drip coffee here is always on point. They also have some cool merch. Check out their cute little back patio area. The artwork is pretty sweet. Long live DM!

Great and not priced too high which sends to be a growing tender in Chicago. Awesome ambiance too with friendly baristas , I recommend checking it out, just west of Western on Chicago. Open till 9pm, which is great, especially since many closes way too early. I'd give this place a 5/5 star rating, but the past few times I visited, I was unable to access a BUNCH of websites I needed to use to learn all the things and stack skillz, which I thought was strange, because I couldn't get anything done and had to leave. One can use their phone's internet as a hotspot to bypass this issue, but... c'mon. I confirmed that a large Blacklist prevents people from accessing websites, but very normal websites. My understanding is that they're preventing people from spending too much time there, but I've never seen it packed.. so, it's interesting, and I won't visit them when I need to do work on my laptop and need internet access, but maybe if I need to read a book.

Friendly staff, good coffee and ample space upstairs to hang out. Love their loyalty punch cards too- we go here enough that we have gotten a few free coffees. It's open later than most coffee shops so of you need someplace to get homework or work done in the evenings, this is your spot!

This is arguably the best latte I've ever had. I only regret not getting a bigger size (it's 2pm so I'm trying to drink responsibly lol). It's so good! I got the Mayan Mocha and boy oh boy, it's amazing. I usually don't go for mocha flavored drinks because they are ridiculously sweet but this one isn't too sweet. It has a little kick and the quality of the chocolate is divine. The barista is also a vibe. So kind and chill!

Definitely my favorite Dark Matter location! I love that there is seating both indoor and on the patio are when the weather is good. They have some unique drink options and staff was helpful in explaining about them when asked.

We were in the neighborhood looking for a coffee shop and did a quick google search. I have always wanted to try Dark Matter and was thrilled to find out this was the original spot. The staff was friendly and helped us to order. I got an oat milk latte and was happy to see they had many plant based milks as options. It was a little bit dark and grungy but I think that goes with the overall aesthetic of Dark Matter. Lots of places to sit and work and a cute back patio but with the rain we sat inside.

I'm a fan of Dark Matter Coffee and have been for years. I no longer live in Chicago but always look for an excuse to visit when I'm in town. The cafe vibe is always fun, there is seating inside and out at this location, and there is plenty of fun merch available. Most importantly - the coffee is really good! Almond & oat milk are available for beverages.

Cool coffee shop overall, great for meeting with friends, studying, or just reading a good book. I ordered an iced barrel-aged mocha which was tasted rich and like a liquid dark chocolate bar and my boyfriend appreciated the multiple options for cold brews that they offered. Baristas were kind and efficient. Definitely not your average coffee shop. Great vibes overall. Only reason i couldn't give them a 5 star review was because their wifi didn't work for me. I asked the baristas and was told the wifi is usually pretty in and out. Made it hard to get work done, but would come again just to try their other coffee options!

Cool baristas, very informative and friendly. Good vibes, come here for a nice pick me up and a great unique tasting beverage. There is a patio area in the back too. First time here, felt very welcome.

This is definitely not your typical coffee shop. They have really great coffee, super friendly and helpful staff, variety of breakfast options from your classic coffee shop donuts and bagels to tacos/empanadas (at least on the Saturday morning I was there). But! The coffee shop is decked out in disco balls, so it was weird trying to find a seat where it wouldn't reflect off the paper I was reading. The music is definitely more eclectic and loud than you would expect, so more of a social space than study space.

Great barrel aged latte and a nice selection of canned coffee to go..I love the label art and wall art and 2 story space.

the people working there could not have been more kind! as a student it was a great place to study with so many seating options! i will say as an amateur coffee drinker, the drinks are a little more advanced and quirky but if that's your style, this is a good place for you!

Dark Matter's Mayan Mocha? The best cup of coffee I've ever had in this city-no joke. It was a rich mocha that hit me with a little cayenne kick and the spice definitely sticks to your tongue. This makes every sip very flavorful. The coffee shop itself is a little bigger than their storefront on Damen so it's a nice spot to sit for a while-especially considering the big patio they've got outside. Baristas were very friendly and they work behind a full bar. Love the artwork in the space-it's got a very mellow divey feel to it.

Great coffee, nice baristas and dog friendly patio. I enjoy the cool artwork. Love starting the day here!

This place is perfect for spending an hour or two between work and evening plans. Great coffee, good vibes, and I can generally find a seat in the late afternoon. I also love the patio area with the murals.

Great little local find and only place that seems to be open on a Monday morning so thank goodness for that! Solid Mocha - strong but silky.

Staff not the best , I used to go there all ears ago , when they had great staff , courteous, professionals , they loved to make coffee .

They are open during COVID19 closures of many restaurants, possibly with reduced hours at some locations. Funky little coffee shop that expands outside, so don't be deceived by the small space. A good place for a grab and go coffee and a donut. Their coffee is roasted local and in small batches, sure to elevate the flavor and keep the flavor profiles on point. The creativity in their brew names holds true to the unique elements in and around the coffee shop. They also have nitro and grabs and go cans.

This is such a cool spot. As an out of towner, I really wish I had a place like this on my block. We went for their specialty lattes. As a strong coffee lover, I love how their coffee still comes through with the addition of milk and flavor. The backyard area was closed off due to COVID which was unfortunate since it was such a beautiful day we visited! But staff was following all precautions including limiting capacity, which they were monitoring with each customer who walked in and asked some to wait outside.

Back in person and better than ever. New interior but same great coffee, I go for the iced agave latte for a sweet treat. Love that they honor the Humboldt park heritage in the new design as well.

Love this cozy and cool place. Great coffee, also bakery options. Outdoor seating was our choice and loved it

I don't often write a review, but this time I felt like it was needed. I have been a regular customer of Dark Matter coffee (this specific location) for over two years. I have even recommended it to coworkers (I am a healthcare professional in the neighborhood). However, on my last visit, I did not feel welcome and I was treated poorly. I ordered a coffee to go, and while sipping on my coffee, I realized they had quite a few pastries. I called up a coworker, and asked if they wanted something, to which they replied yes. The coworker asked me to verify if one of those pastries had blueberries, so I walked over to the counter and asked one of the barista's (while still on the phone with my coworker who is placing the order). The barista, then went ahead and started taking other customers, completely ignoring me. At this point, I ended the phone call because I knew what my coworker wanted and patiently waited to make the order. Once the barista was done with the other clients however, the barista's response was " I don't take orders from or listen to customers that are on the phone". I went ahead and explained that I was taking an order from the person on the phone. To which he replied " it doesn't matter, I will not take your order if you're on the phone". This is an odd situation to be in, it does not state that you cannot take orders from friends on the phone at the counter. I felt embarrassed, the coffee shop had about 10 customers present when I was spoken to this way. I work with the public daily, and I treat people with respect. It's unacceptable to treat anyone in this manor and I sure hope this behavior is corrected going forward. By the way, I said thank you at the end of my visit and the barista did not respond. This is just rude behavior!

The cafe has a wonderful atmosphere, though there is no indoor seething at this time because of COVID-19. Dark Matter coffee isn't my favorite in terms of flavor... I tend to find it a little more bitter--but I personally prefer a more smooth, bold roast. I feel like the quality of the drinks really depend on who makes them. I have had some great coffee drinks here, but I have also had some lattes that were really sub par. So for me it is hit or miss, but I think that this spot is worth the chance. The printer on site is quite convenient too...

Great coffee, but appalling employee behavior. Getting cursed at and ridiculed by the person making the drink is not my idea of a good time, but to each his own. I'm not sure what this gentleman is going through in life that would make him want to publicly mock a customer for not hearing the order (I have a hearing deficit), but perhaps he would be best suited for a non-interactive role. Sorry DM, love your coffee but can't do it.

Okay coffee, unfriendly staff-- I've given this coffee shop so many tries since it's super close to my apartment but every time I am let down by how unfriendly most of the staff are (not all). Asked for cinnamon to top my latte and it was like I was asking for the worst thing from him.. just numerous instances like that. The usual great energy and friendliness that's makes coffee shops, this shop lacks. I usually don't harp on places but I was a barista all through college and it's a blast, but the staff here make it seem like the biggest inconvenience of their life and just want to talk to one another..

Best Coffee Lounge on Chicago Avenue and in West Town. Great coffee, friendly customer service, and they roast their own, which is ethically sourced. You can't go wrong here.

They hype is real. This place is really good and soooo cozy. I have heard good things about this cafe for a while and when my friend wanted to meet here I was excited. There is so much a seating here and the decor is really cozy. They have a bar you can sit at and work it chill at. The staff are really friendly and super helpful. I wanted tot try something new and was recommended the Ginger Snap Train Wreck with almond milk. It was lightly sweetened, full bodied with espresso. I think I tasted light flavors of ginger and spice but I could be wrong. Really good place but the parking is kind of hard to find.

Any coffee shop that automatically adds 3 shots of espresso in a medium-sized latte is definitely speaking my language. I mean, my love for Dark Matter is no secret at all, and honestly at this point they can do no wrong in my eyes. I just love how unapologetically obsessed and passionate they are with coffee. They take pride in delivering a strong cup of joe every time. Every latte I've tried here has been satisfying, although not all have delivered on taste. For example, the Wake & Bake has sage, maple syrup and black pepper. The espresso dominates, and besides the cracked black pepper that they sprinkle on top, the sage and maple syrup gets lost in the mix. Plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. If you want to be inspired, sit on the 2nd level, where works by local artists are displayed on the walls. You'll also find a PrintWithMe wireless printer that costs .99 for black & white.

Super nice baristas, and so much space to sit especially in the back when the weather is nice. The vibes are sick and the lounge upstairs is cool and never too full. They had some nice pastries on display as well.

Love the coffee, food, and service. The coffee is dark matter and is delicious. The donuts are delicious and the service is ! Everyone is so nice and it's the perfect place to have coffee with a friend or sit and do work.

Trendy coffeeshop with a neighborhood vibe serving Dark Matter coffee that will wake you right up. Great background jams make the atmosphere even more appealing. There's even an outdoor patio for extra seating during the warmer times of the year. I wish I lived in Chicago, because I'd be here every day - You'll leave happy and highly caffeinated!

Always solid. Sometimes hard to find a spot to sit. Classic Chicago coffee neighborhood spot.

My go to coffee shop. Good reliably well brewed coffeee. This is not one of those "were trying to be like Starbucks" coffee shops. Great for hanging out and doing work, studying or playing a game.with friends. Love the funky artwork on the walls. Not sure why some reviewers have claimed service lacking. Ive never had an issue. Street parking can usually be found somewhere on Chicago which is a plus.

If you are into the anti-stereotypical coffee house vibe, then this place will probably be great for you. The coffee is the same as all the other Dark Matter locations (AKA very good). The music isn't your typical playlist. Most of the time it's some kind of metal/rock or intense alternative. Like many of the other comments, I have to agree that the music is so loud. I thought that if I brought headphones, I could drown out the music with my own or even just play white noise. In my attempts to do so, I felt like I was experiencing sensory overload with all the sounds competing with each other. Needless to say, this is an absolute horrible place to study or have a conversation. A lot of tables with couples or groups were trying to talk over the music, making their conversation very public to everyone surrounding them. I would come here to grab a coffee or donut, and then move right along to wherever I'm going. I can't bring myself to actually sit down at a table and endure the noise level. But hey! Maybe it's just not a good fit for me personally.

Dang this is always my go to spot for coffee in the morning. So much so that I typically refill a growler of the cold brew and always appreciated the to go coffee on the house when getting a refill. Super bummed to see today that not only has a refill gone up 5.00 but the business is no longer giving a cup of coffee to go when refilling. Hope they don't lose the punch cards soon, no perks of supporting local business as a regular to be left.

Roasted: I had been here before but this is my first time here to review the place. I love the concept of it being an old bar turned coffee shop. It was plenty of seating and a nice outdoor area for the summer. It's not the cleanest coffee shop by any means but it has a nice vibe to it. Service was ok - she was friendly but not engaging and told me the wrong syrups that they offered. She did offer for here and we got our lattes in small glass cups. Sadly the lattes were awful. The espresso was so bitter we couldn't drink them and the latte with vanilla was actually worse. No latte art - they attempted but it was a sad attempt. Disappointed as this place is rated highly in the city but it surely doesn't hit the mark for me. Unroasted: this place has a great feel. Very busy when we walked in with tons of regulars. This is one of those hipster vibes spots that can be hit or miss. The staff was friendly and made you feel welcomed. They lacked sugar free flavors for our lattes. The lattes were done in a short time and was excited to try. First I noticed no latte art. For a place that get written up as one of the best in the city I would expect latte art. The taste test was horrible. Mine was completely undrinkable. The over extracted shot taste burnt and no amount of sugar could help it. I was highly disappointed for this place. I read so many good things and then to get served a terrible coffee is not acceptable.

Favorite coffee bar in the world. Not kidding. Was in Thailand at a coffee shop- liked it- but felt it was trying to be Star, but not quite there. Amazing drinks, very chill environs, great music.

undoubtedly among my favorite places in Chicago. A really nice spot to grab a cup of dark matter deliciousness and unwind. They've got a patio with some cool art, a bar, regular inside seating, and on top of it (literally) and upstairs sitting area. The coffee keeps flowing and what more can you really ask for?

My kind of coffee shop - neighborhood feel, casual but trendy, patio with plenty of seatings, strong and customizable coffee, reasonably price, friendly staffs. Will definitely return to try out more flavors.

This place was great!! Came here to do some homework I loved the environment. The staff were really friendly they helped me choose a drink since it was my first time. It wasn't crowded I was able to sit in the back and relax while I did some homework. I highly suggest you check this place out even if it's just for coffee it was really good!