Blackberry Market (Chicago)

Do you remember the scenery on the TV show, “Leave it to Beaver?” As I got out of my car it seemed as if I had traveled back in time. I was in that TV show! Or maybe just a city modeled around it.

Back to Basics in the Burbs

This is what downtown Glen Ellyn feels like: quaint. With boutique shops on both sides of the road, and friendly pedestrians saying, “hello” as I walked by. Then there’s the front door of Blackberry Market.

It just exudes that feel of simpler times. The interior is filled with handmade wooden shelving and weathered table cloths adorned with local products. That’s what makes this coffee shop the perfect place to just chill and reminisce. I can really see how this is a true throwback marketplace.

I began the adventure by window-shopping. The amazing products they offer made me wonder what I should do that day?

Maybe some Paleo food? Although they tend to favor the vegan/vegetarian crowd, there are tons of awesome salads on the menu! Man, I felt like I was settling by having some Java.

My main purpose that day was to really focus on finding some awesome coffee places and I almost found myself shopping for goodies instead. Although they only carry Intelligentsia, and their baristas are not as good as you’d get if you walked into an Intelligentsia-owned cafe, they do know more than most of the Starbucks baristas. So if you want a Chemex pourover, they can do that. A well-made espresso shot? Done. A dry cappuccino? They can do that too!

My Suggested Order

One coffee blend that has always set itself apart from the rest is the Persephone from Intelligentsia, which I decided would be my first foray for this morning. Although it’s a blend, it’s done right. Wonderful roasts from two distinct regions that can only be experienced to the fullest when ordered with the Chemex pourover method.

The sweet aroma is just a pleasant reminder of what you are about to enjoy, even though this is a darker roast with a toffee & caramel body, the finish is clean and has promises of pomegranate (which I didn’t get this time around). It was an awesome start to an awesome day.

Next up was the El Salvador single-origin made in an Aero-press.

I think they charge a bit too much for this method, as it uses less coffee grounds, but I was a little more enthused that they offer this method. The thing that got me over my disappointment entirely was the rich aroma. Comforting, yet in-your-face bold, full body. Sip after sip kept me taking deep breaths to enjoy that aroma.

Then there’s the caramelized honey you get as the coffee rides down your tongue. All of which came to a bright but sweet & crisp finish. Ahhhh! Delish.

Blackberry Market is an excellent place to hangout for a meeting, relax with a cup of coffee or pick up some locally made products.