Today, "coffee" is too synonymous with "Starbucks." And nothing against the Seattle java giant, but my belief is that the very best coffeehouse experiences are to be had in the local coffeehouses, where the atmosphere can be stylish but eclectic, the staff takes a genuine interest in getting to know the regulars, and the quality is consistent without being cookie-cutter. Metropolis captures this perfectly, making itself a welcome oasis in the heart of an up-and-coming neighborhood.

Metropolis consists of two large rooms. The left room and the back of the space are primarily filled with their main counter for drinks and food, retail area, and tea--and coffee-roasting equipment. The walls are painted a soothing shade of yellow; local artwork and photography hangs on the walls. Seating of a wide variety of comfortable couches, chairs, and desk areas fill the rest (limited sidewalk seating is available); it’s common to see patrons busy over their laptops or homework. If you become enough of a regular, you just might find your face appearing on their website "Regulars" page!

While Metropolis has only been open a year or two, it’s proven itself very popular, both with locals and the nearby university population. They host a variety of activities that help bond the local community. Poetry slams, movie nights, a writer’s group, Stitch-n-Bitch, live music, and more help round out their monthly calendar. If you're lucky, you'll catch them on a roasting day: Metropolis is one of the few coffee houses in the city that roasts its own coffee on-site and in view of its customers – and it’s outstanding, absolutely delicious. They keep roasted beans no longer than a week, and their staff is well-trained not only in the care and brewing of a quality cup of coffee, but in their many varietals as well. Metropolis carries coffee-lover favorites, such as Kenya and Sumatra, as well as varieties you may never have experienced, such as Old Brown Java.

The father and son team of Jeff and Tony Dreyfuss set out to make a coffeehouse in the tradition of the great local coffeehouses of revolutionary centers like Boston, Paris, and Russia. As their website states, "A coffee house should be a showcase for artists, a forum for ideas, and a catalyst for conversation. It should be a place to meet and to reflect, to pause before, in the midst, or at the end of the day." It’s easy to see that they’ve succeeded.

If you just want a cup of coffee, head to one of the chain stores in town. If you want a truly enjoyable coffeehouse experience, head to Metropolis.

Access: Red Line "L" to Granville and walk 1 block east (towards lake). Bus line no. 147 from Michigan Avenue to Granville and walk 1 block west. There is limited on-street parking.