Chicago Coffee Shop Scene Sees 3 New Entrants

We reported two new roasters last time we checked in with the local coffee world. Now there are three more new shops, and another roasting newcomer, too.

Big Shoulders: The new West Town storefront of this roaster caters to commuters hopping on the train outside its front door. There's "fast-drip coffee" ($2) and "iced white," a bottle of double-strength coffee with half-and-half, sugar and a touch of orange ($4). For those with more time, "slow coffee" ($3) is brewed with a Clever.

Heritage Bicycles General Store: Though it opened in January, this Lakeview bicycle maker-cum-coffee shop merits a nod for its excellent coffee program and cool summer drinks. Go for iced Stumptown coffee on tap ($4) or as cinnamon-topped Thai iced coffee, made with espresso, cardamom and sweetened condensed milk ($4.50). The counter is stocked with Southport Grocery cookies and sandwiches, Mast Brothers chocolate and Salted Caramel sweets, too.

BowTruss: A handful of coffee veterans are behind this new Lakeview roaster and café; Intelligentsia and La Colombe are two names on the collective résumé. Seven existing roasts will soon be supplemented by a collaborative roast with Dark Matter. The loft-like space is sparse, and there's no food (yet), but small pop-ups, like last weekend's with Rustic Tart, are planned.

Want two bags of BowTruss beans to call your own? Follow us on Twitter at @TastingTableCHI for a chance to win.