Crema's Take
“Dark Matter's Soft Parade location offers the same reliably excellent espresso-focused coffee as the flagship, but in a genuinely quiet, intimate setting that actually makes you want to linger—a rare find for a Chicago coffee shop. The space just reopened in spring 2025 after a long hiatus, so it still feels fresh and undiscovered, with cozy two-tops and reasonable pricing that won't drain your wallet on a regular basis. Hit this if you want solid specialty drinks and pastries without the crowded cafe energy, though service consistency seems to vary depending on who's behind the counter.”
What to expect
Espresso-focused, good cold brew. A slow-sit, laptop-friendly spot, quick-grab. Pastries on the menu. Parking available.
Google Reviews
See all on Google →Cool little shop, friendly barista (doesn't always happen), plenty of seating for a small place, stuff to take away as well
Coffee was ok, but person at the register was rude to us, pls get training or pick a different job
Juicy. Way west of Wood this location used to be called Chocolate City Coffee Palace and Bodega. They closed the storefront in like 2019 and JUST REOPENED spring 2025. So new bike lanes on Grand you can still smell the paint. The usual Dark Matter flash and eye cotton…
Cute smaller, quiet Dark Matter location with the same standard of coffee you are used to. Ambiance inside is cozy, 10 or so two people tables. Pricing is reasonable, however i'd say this location is a bit too out of the way compared to the offerings on Chicago.
Another solid dark matter location, though is a bit out of the way which makes for a nice quiet experience. Coffee and pastries are always solid and I think this location does some of their canned coffee, which you can see being made in the back. Decor is nice and staff were…
Crema Reviews
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