Sawada Coffee

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: Sawada Coffee
Location: Chicago, IL
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

With the various business developments currently happening in the specialty coffee realm, it always peaks my interest when I find a unique collaboration. Take Hogsalt Hospitality, a restaurant powerhouse responsible for some of Chicago's snazziest venues, and Japanese coffee champion and Steamer Coffee Company originator Hiroshi Sawada. Thanks to a chance meeting in Japan and some clever teamwork, the two entities put together a splendid coffeehouse in the West Loop of the Windy City that definitely catches a discerning eye.

Houndstooth Coffee

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: Houndstooth Coffee
Location: Dallas, TX
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

As a young lad growing up a Philadelphia Eagles fan, Dallas always seemed like a place I wasn't supposed to like, especially in the autumn. Naturally as I aged I learned to confine my disdain purely to the Cowboys, and the more I discovered distantly of Dallas' blossoming coffee scene, the more I began to yearn for a lengthy visit. 

Drip N Scoop

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: Drip N Scoop
Location: Ocean City, NJ
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

I have seen many attempts to bring good coffee to the NJ coast and sadly, only a few enterprises have succeeded. Whether it's an affinity for over-roasted beans, cutting corners, a disregard for training/quality, or any combination of the three, I've seen it all at the Jersey shore. Thus, when a shop does things right, they deserve their praise due. 

Big Shoulders Coffee

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: Big Shoulders Coffee
Location: Chicago, IL
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 5+ [see key]

In the oppressive heat of summer, I like to look back to the chilly adventures of winter past. One of my recent favorites was to Chicago's River West section of town, over to a corner coffee roaster named Big Shoulders Coffee.

Coldwave

Iced coffee has always been easier for those adept at planning. Whether it's cold brew with it's overnight brew time of around 12 hours or regular hot coffee chilled in the freezer for an hour, making iced coffee takes time. For those of us wanting it done fast and/or fresh, that usually only leaves the option of flash brewing your coffee, basically brewing a double-strength pourover straight over the correct volume of ice so that the finished iced coffee results in the correct brew ratio.