Star Lounge Coffee Bar (Chicago)

Today’s adventure began 20,001 leagues under the sea, during a Chicago thunderstorm that is. The world here seemed just like ours above sea level, only wetter. My submarine struggled to navigate through these cloudy waters and settled at a place deep down the concrete rivers of Chicago during a typical summer here. It was hot, humid and sticky, but I was determined.

I walked into this place, which was laid out like a local pub, but for morning people. Lively music filled the air.

Soaked and exhausted from the deep water battle to get there, I felt the need for rejuvenation. Something quick but delicious.

The Number One

I walked up to this seafarer and asked for his recommendation, and like the sirens of Greek mythology, two others harmoniously said, “The number one.” I said, “What’s the number one?”

The number one was awesomeness.

The number one was a standard drip. I couldn’t believe that it was just drip. The coffee was full of flavors that are usually lost in a drip.

The start had a slight tartness, usually reserved for an espresso, but that quickly faded into the black and it became a full bodied café with notes of malt, chocolate and apricots. I was feeling a strange sense, despite being under water. It was that feeling of satisfaction.

Cold Coffee for a Hot Day

Soon, though, it turned to a bad idea. Who orders a hot coffee in the middle of a hot, humid and sticky summer? Unless, you are from the Caribbean and used to Havana Nights, I suggest something iced on a day like this.

I got blitzkrieged with mocha bombs.

After much contemplation, I noticed some bottles of beer. Wait, no, these were not bottles of beer, they were bottles of coffee concentrate. They called it the Chocolate City Coffee Bomber. I was intrigued and ordered one without hesitation.

A Sweet Treat

To my surprise, this was exactly what the bottle said it was: just like a bar of 85% chocolate. Dark, pleasantly bitter, and smooth throughout. Exactly what iced coffee should be.

Oh so refreshing. So much so, that I was looking forward to that next sip, and the next one, and the next one. Before I knew it, I had drunk the entire bottle.

After all that caffeine had coursed through my veins, I really noticed that clean and crisp finish on my tongue. That’s exactly what a hot summer day in Chicago calls for. A great place to have coffee and make new friends.

Buy a bag to take home with you or sit and enjoy at the coffee bar. They provide amazing options that are literally roasted around the corner and fresh to your cup upon ordering.

If you’re looking for locally roasted beans in Chicago step into Star Lounge Coffee Bar and don’t forget to try the Chocolate City Bomber. Then let us know what you think.