Best Cafes in Chicago | Gaslight Coffee Roasters

What do you get when you mix science and tech with fresh-roasted beans and one of the best cafes in Chicago? Gaslight Coffee Roasters!

Process

Gaslight is really easy to access. If you’re in the city already, you can swing by on foot or bike. If you fancy a train ride, there are stops right here at Fullerton and Milwaukee. There is also a relatively good amount of paid parking along the street! Each time I have been to Gaslight I have been able to find a spot. Pay through the ParkChicago app and head to the door which is situated on the triangular point at the end of the block.

As you walk straight in, you can take a look at the menu above the bar. You’re going to find their specialty beverages on the right and the classic coffee and espresso options on the left. They also have a handful of tea for you to choose from, which I intend to try out on my next trip. Himalayan snow curls white tea? Yes, please!

To the left of the register, you’ll see the pastry case. Get the Samoa cake. Just. Do. It.

Pay for your goods and have a seat.

When you’re done, you can drop your dishes on the coffee bar in between the espresso machine and ultra-fancy coffee brewing machine.

Bathrooms are down the little hallway in the back. If you’re lucky, maybe you can get a glimpse of the roasting action while you’re back there!

Things could not get any more simple than this, and that’s one of the reasons I have really enjoyed Gaslight. They pride themselves on the quality of the cup rather than an endless sea of options.

Coffee and Treats

I have now been to Gaslight several times over the last few months. I have tried the coffee from the Ground Control system - a special batch brewing system seemingly from outer space. I have tried their Miel, where their in-house espresso shines.

I also tried the Samoa cake. Oh my goodness, that thing is crazy good! It is unique to anything I have ever experienced. It’s a piece of chocolate cake frosted in a dulce de leche buttercream, covered in toasted coconut, and drizzled with more chocolate. If you’re into that sort of thing, which you should be, it is the best $5 you could spend!

Gaslight offers other pastries, too. They come from a local bakery called Aya Pastry, and they all look incredible. Check out Aya's website or Instagram for more photos of those delicious baked goods!

All right, back to Gaslight. For the drip coffee, they use the Ground Control brewing system, and it is something you certainly need to witness in action. It, via some perfect blend of science and sorcery, extracts the ideal flavors from each type of coffee. It does this while creating a smoother and effectively sweeter cup of coffee and leaves behind the bitterness introduced by other brewing methods. It also looks and sounds super cool while it works its magic!

Looking for a splash of water? Just ask. The barista will pour you a glass.

Everything that I have tried from Gaslight has been awesome. I cannot wait to get here during the hours that they still have their food menu available. I believe it is only available Thursday through Sunday from 8:30-2:30. The photos from their Instagram look amazing. Swing by and let me know how it is!

Seating

Gaslight has a good amount of seating. They have been busy each time I have been in, but I have had no issue finding either a table or a stool at the counter. In total, they have four stools along the window and about six more along the left side of the bar. They also have around eight small tables that can fit two people or less, and lastly, one larger community table that can fit six or so.

Each time I have been in the cafe, it has been full of laptops cranking out the final tasks of the their work day - a hybrid worker’s haven. But Gaslight would also be a good spot to stop for a wonderful cup of coffee with a friend.

Atmosphere

Triangle-shaped cafes automatically get extra points in the atmosphere category!

The music seems to change from soothing jazz to funk music depending on the day - both are fine with me!

There is the comforting sound of the espresso machine, and then there's the terrifying roar of the trains passing overhead.

The combination of wide plank wood flooring and exposed brick along the walls simply adds to that industrial modern vibe. The wallpaper lining the back wall provides a certain chicness to the aesthetic.

The juxtapositions within these three walls creates a wonderful, laid-back atmosphere that is conducive to getting work done, having a friendly conversation, or just relaxing after a long day.

It screams “Chicago.”

Service

The first trip I took to Gaslight the service was great. It was what you expect from a great coffee shop. It was easy. It was kind. It was quick.

The second trip added a layer. The guy behind the bar provided another level of personality with his sense of humor and his customer service skills. The shop was busy as it entered its final hour of service, but he greeted every customer that came through and answered all the questions that made their way across the bar, and he did all of this while cleaning up. He didn’t skip a beat.

When it was closing time, he politely made his way around the cafe and gently informed everyone that there was no rush but they were getting ready to close up.

Time to go.

Summary

There is something special going on at Gaslight Coffee. The folks behind the operation are truly passionate about their craft, and they have created a wonderful little shop to showcase it.

If you’re in the Logan Square neighborhood, I would highly recommend you swing by and check them out.

Good vibes, delicious treats, and great coffee.

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