Craft Coffee in Chicago

Many Americans drink coffee, though usually for a caffeine jolt, and not for pleasure.  Coffee is rich in polyphenol antioxidants, but its disease-fighting potential is negated by the packets of sugar, pumps of flavored syrup, and dollops of whipped cream used to mask its bitter taste.  

All the add-ins may be necessary for run-of-the-mill coffee, but not quality coffee.  When beans are the focus, you can enjoy fruity, floral, grassy, or nutty nuances.  Several cream-and-sugar friends were extremely surprised by how much they enjoyed a cup of pure, Ethiopian coffee.  Skipping the extra sugar is also a significant change for promoting better heart health.   

Everyone has different flavor preferences, so after visiting your local Peet's or a coffee shop whose focus is on the beans, you can then make an informed decision when buying your own beans for an affordable cup of home-brew.  Click here for a brief overview of regional flavor difference and here for more flavor details. 

Chicago is made up of many unique neighborhoods with diverse architecture, ethnic populations, and local attractions. By seeking out craft coffee, I have been able to better appreciate these differences en route from my Union Station starting point.

 Lincoln Park is a beautiful area north of the popular, downtown Loop area, and is primarily associated with the Lincoln Park Zoo.  Within walking distance from the zoo is The Bagelers Coffeehouse, an inviting place featuring seasonal, single origin coffee from the local coffee roaster, Ipsento.  This coffeehouse gets its name from its scratch-made, boiled bagels, which can be topped with various flavors of homemade cream cheese.

Coffee of the day: Guatemala by Ipsento

Profile: bright, fruit forward, clean finish

Verdict: Thoroughly enjoyable, especially on a 20º day. I also appreciated the shape of the cup.

Nutrition Alert: Added Sugar

—Black is Best—

Learning to appreciate coffee in its pure, black state makes a significant difference for your health.  When coffee is loaded with added sugar, it increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in America.  According to the 2015-2020 guidelines, the average American's diet includes about 13% of calories from added sugar.  To help prevent disease, it's recommended to have less than 10% of your daily calories coming from added sugar.

—Changing Habits for Your Heart—

There is a significant relationship between high sugar consumption and increased risk of heart disease.  Thus, targeting the common sources of added sugar in your diet is an important step for better health.  If adding sugar is a common part of your coffee-routine, consider stopping at Peet's to try a cup of coffee from Ethiopia or Kenya to experience what it means for coffee to be "berry-like." You may be surprised by how good this tastes all on its own.  Any step toward changing a habit is a good step.

—Maximum Daily Added Sugar Recommendation—

Women: 6 tsp (or 24 grams)

Men: 9 tsp (or 36 grams)

2461 North Lincoln Avenue, Lincoln Park 

Monday - Friday:  7am - 5pm
Saturday - Sunday:   8am - 5pm

Take the brown line to Fullerton (~ 20 minute ride). Afterwards, walk about 10 minutes to see an assortment of animals and reptiles at the Lincoln Park Zoo.