Dark Matter Coffee Opening New Lake View Cafe

The coffee scene in Lake View is hot, and according to Dark Matter Coffee representatives, they want in on the action.

The Ukrainian Village-based coffee company plans to open a new coffee bar at the corner of Belmont and Clifton avenues, just three blocks from the Belmont “L” station. The new café would join Dark Matter Coffee’s flagship store Star Lounge Coffee Bar at 2521 W. Chicago Ave.

Shira Ballon, Dark Matter’s director of operations, says the company’s owner Jesse Diaz chose the new location for sentimental reasons, and because of Lake View’s cool vibe.

“Jesse [who owns the company] lived about a block away from the spot when he first moved to Chicago so the neighborhood has a dear place in his heart,” Ballon told Patch in an email. “It's got a good rock n roll vibe and we're excited to be a part of it.” 

Diaz opened Star Lounge Coffee Bar in August of 2007 as a neighborhood café, but soon realized he only wanted to sell coffee he roasted. Dark Matter Coffee was born just six months later, roasting up blends for the coffee bar on Chicago’s West Side.

Specific details regarding the new Lake View location, however, are being kept under wraps. While Ballon confirmed the new location will be at the Belmont and Clifton avenues intersection, Dark Matter representative Kyle Hodges says he wants to wait to reveal the exact storefront until “the location is up to Dark Matter standards.”

Three neighboring businesses between 1117-1123 W. Belmont Ave. are currently vacant, including the former Galactic Force Toys & Games and Suburban Secrets vintage clothing.

Hodges added they’re several months away from opening, and more details about the store will become available soon.

And if it’s any indication of what costs in Lake View might be, coffee at Star Lounge costs $2, with a bottomless cup costing $3.50. The location also has specialty drinks like the Gingersnap Trainwreck starting at $4.50.