Showing posts with label Knockbox Cafe. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Knockbox Cafe. Show all posts

Sunday, June 06, 2010

CC: Knockbox Cafe

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What's does "CC" mean? Location visited: Chicago, IL
Free WiFi ? : yes
Rating:
5+ [
see key]


Of the many things I've seen in quality Chicago coffee, the one thing that impresses me is the loyalty to local roasters. I've been to a number of coffeehouses in the Windy City and thus far, I only see a dire love for the likes of Intelligentsia and Metropolis.

Adding to my repertoire of such establishments was a place in Humboldt Park called Knockbox Cafe. In my travels around the city, the streets leading me to Knockbox definitely didn't strike me as a place a random tourist would happen upon but more a space where locals enjoy their daily coffee (i.e. it was largely residential). Upon arriving, I also noticed the exterior of the cafe was under a bit of construction, with a big piece of plywood over one side of the corner, though the remainder of the exterior looked spiffy. Inside, the cafe trumpeted a huge counter area, a high brown metal ceiling and large colorful walls surrounding a spread out sea of seating.

Knockbox is a Metropolis Coffee purveyor, proudly toting the roaster not only in their cafe but quite visibly on their website (a refreshing sight, given the ridiculous trend amongst some cafes of either masquerading a roaster's coffee as the cafe's own or withholding the roaster because its a "trade secret").

I purchased a cup of medium roasted Peru as well as an espresso. The Peru displayed some asian pear, a bit of almond, some pepper, a molasses-like sweetness and a tingle of grain; a good, pretty balanced cup though I felt the brew was a bit off. The espresso, pulled short with a nice crema, held a strong dark peppery flavor as well as some nice notes of bright acidity, cocoa and a little bit of celery. A decent pull though I can't say I was in love with the blend (I believe it was Metropolis' Redline Espresso, a blend better marketed for its performance in milk). The tea is free leaf.

After ingesting my coffee and a quick boardgame with friends (they had a nice selection), I was on my way, pleased with my Knockbox interaction.

Whether you live local or you're passing close by, give Knockbox Cafe a visit.