Dayglow Coffee Chicago: A Deep Dive Into One of the Best Coffee Shops in Chicago
If you’re a coffee enthusiast in Chicago, you’ve likely heard the buzz about Dayglow Coffee. Tucked inside the Kimball Arts Center, Dayglow has quickly become a destination for those seeking the best coffee Chicago has to offer. I recently visited their Chicago location, picked up a bag of Tanat beans, and had an experience that left me eager to share every detail with my fellow coffee lovers.
A Minimalist Haven for Coffee Exploration
Dayglow’s space is intentionally minimalist-think bare bones but beautifully executed. The café is bright, open, and warm, with a counter optimized for espresso and pour-overs, and a moderate amount of seating perfect for lingering over a cup. While you won’t find an extensive menu of pastries, you will discover shelves lined with an ever-changing selection of beans from some of the world’s most celebrated roasters1,9.
[Dayglow Chicago Exterior, credit: Yelp]9
[Dayglow Chicago Exterior, credit: Yelp]The Dayglow Difference: Curated Coffees from Around the Globe
What sets Dayglow apart is its role as a multi-roaster café. Rather than roasting all their beans in-house, Dayglow curates a rotating collection from top-tier roasters worldwide. This means every visit is a new opportunity to expand your palate, guided by staff who are both passionate and deeply knowledgeable. Shoutout to Zach and Caleb, who went above and beyond to help me choose the perfect bag and even offered a sample pour-over of the Tanat beans!
Spotlight on Tanat: Thai Beans, French Roasting, Unique Process
The bag that caught my eye was from Tanat, a Paris-based roaster renowned for their competition-level coffees and commitment to honoring the unique qualities of each bean2. The Tanat beans I purchased were sourced from Thailand and processed using the anaerobic honey washed method-a combination that promised complexity and sweetness.
[Tanat Coffee Beans, credit: Dayglow Coffee]2
What Is Honey Washed Coffee?
If you’re curious about honey processing, it’s a method that falls between washed and natural processing. The skin and fruit are removed from the coffee cherry, but a sticky layer of mucilage is left on the bean during drying, imparting balanced acidity and fruit sweetness3,5. You can read more about the honey washed process here.
Tasting Notes: Caramel, Fig, and a Taste of Home
I brewed the Tanat beans two ways: first as a pour-over, then as a latte. The pour-over was a revelation-caramel and sweet fig notes shone through, but what truly surprised me was how the flavor reminded me of Indian gooseberries (amla) pickled in turmeric. It was a nostalgic, tangy-sweet sensation that took me right back to flavors from home. The honey-washed process was evident in the cup, giving the coffee a layered, lingering sweetness.
The latte, meanwhile, brought out the natural sweetness even more, with the milk enhancing the caramel and fig notes. Both methods showcased the bean’s versatility and quality.
For the Curious Coffee Drinker
Dayglow isn’t just a place to grab a great cup-it’s a launchpad for your coffee journey. If you’ve moved beyond chain coffee and want to truly taste the difference between origins, processes, and roasters, this is the spot for you. Their ever-changing lineup means there’s always something new to try, and the staff are eager to guide you, no matter how deep your questions go. Even if they don’t have the answer on hand, someone in their in-house packaging and roasting operations likely will.
Price & Value
The Tanat beans were priced moderately, reflecting the quality and care that goes into their selection. For the level of craftsmanship and the opportunity to taste rare beans from international roasters, the value is exceptional2,6.
How Dayglow Stands Out
Compared to other specialty coffee shops, Dayglow is less about providing a workspace and more about broadening your coffee horizons. It’s a place to learn, taste, and discover. If you’re ready to move beyond your usual brew and explore the world of specialty coffee, Dayglow is a must-visit.
Plan Your Visit to Dayglow Coffee
Address: 1757 N Kimball Ave Suite 114, Chicago, IL 60647
Website: [Dayglow Coffee]
Instagram: [@dayglowcoffee]
Want to Experience Unique Coffees at Home?
If you’re inspired to try coffees like Tanat or explore other unique beans, check out my curated selection at rajscoffee.com/shop. I source and review exceptional coffees so you can continue your journey from home.
Useful Links
Final Thoughts
Dayglow Coffee is a haven for the adventurous coffee drinker-a place where every cup tells a story, and every bag on the shelf is an invitation to explore. My experience with the Tanat beans was memorable not just for the flavors, but for the way it connected me to both new and familiar tastes. If you’re searching for the best coffee in Chicago, make Dayglow your next stop-and don’t forget to bring a bag home.
Images used are credited to their respective sources as noted above. For more photos of Dayglow, check out their [Instagram] and [Yelp] pages.