Starbucks Reserve Roastery Chicago

In the heart of Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, where luxury meets architecture and every corner buzzes with energy, there’s a five-story temple devoted entirely to coffee. But calling the Starbucks Reserve Roastery Chicago just a coffee shop would be like calling the Grand Canyon a hole in the ground—it misses the point entirely. This is where coffee craft, innovation, and curated discovery collide to create a sensory playground that pulls you in from the very first aroma.

 

It’s not just about the caffeine hit. It’s about the story behind the coffee beans, the meticulous brewing methods, the layered flavors of the menu of coffee cocktails, and the gravity-defying design of a spiral escalator that wraps its way around a coffee silo. Welcome to the largest of all Starbucks Reserve locations in the world—a spectacular destination where Starbucks Reserve coffee comes to life in a way that’s uniquely memorable.

 

What to Know

The Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Chicago isn’t your average neighborhood café. It’s a 35,000-square-foot showcase of coffee innovation spread across five immersive floors. Each level has its own personality and purpose, with a different menu, experience, and vibe.

 

From the roastery menu on the main floor, where beans are roasted in-house daily, to the coffee and tea bar upstairs offering rare infusions, every level is an invitation to linger. You’ll find a full menu of coffee cocktails and food, an on-site bakery, and even an area to book experiences, tours, or bring your event to life in one of the event-ready spaces.

This isn’t just a spot to grab a latte—it’s a space that invites you to bring your passion for craft innovation into a full-sensory, unforgettable experience.

 

 

How to Get There

The Chicago Roastery is located at 646 N Michigan Avenue, nestled between Erie and Ontario Streets. It’s easy to reach whether you’re staying in downtown Chicago or visiting from a nearby neighborhood.

 

By Transit:

The closest ‘L’ stop is the Red Line at Grand, just a short walk away. Multiple bus routes also serve Michigan Avenue.

 

By Car:

Street parking can be competitive, but there are parking garages nearby on Rush Street and Ontario Street.

 

By Foot:

If you’re strolling the Magnificent Mile, the roastery will practically pull you in with its golden façade and the aroma of freshly roasted coffee drifting through the air.

 

Best Time to Visit

Weekday mornings are the quietest time to visit if you want to explore without crowds. Afternoons and weekends, especially during tourist season, can be lively and buzzing. That said, part of the joy is soaking in the bustle of this coffee theater.

 

For a more elevated experience, aim for sunset. The warm light floods through the floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating the copper details and casting a golden glow on your Starbucks Reserve coffee. It’s the kind of lighting Instagram dreams are made of.

 

Highlights & Features

 

Five Stunning Floors:

Each with its own bar, menu, and experience.

 

In-House Roastery:

Watch beans being roasted in real time by master roasters.

 

Arriviamo Bar:

Serving signature coffee cocktails and food with Italian flair.

 

Princi Bakery:

Fresh pastries, pizza al taglio, focaccia, and desserts baked on-site daily.

 

Experiential Bars:

Featuring siphon brewing, pour-over, cold brew, and more.

 

Spiraling Escalator:

A visual centerpiece unlike any other Starbucks locations in the world.

 

Retail Shop:

Curated gear, drinkware, and a collection of rare coffees to take home.

 

Event Spaces:

You can book an event or tasting experience for groups or private parties.

 

Coffee Library:

Learn about brewing methods, bean origins, and coffee craft from baristas.

 

Highlights / Fun Facts

- It’s the largest Starbucks in the world. At 35,000 square feet, this Chicago Roastery dwarfs the flagship Seattle Roastery and others across the globe.

- It houses one of only a few Arriviamo Bars in the U.S. where mixologists craft elegant coffee cocktails like the Espresso Martini and Whiskey Barrel-Aged Cold Brew.

- The building used to be a Crate & Barrel. Its stunning glass architecture has been reimagined while keeping nods to the past.

- The curved escalator is the first of its kind in Chicago. It’s not just transport it’s a ride worth watching.

- You can find exclusive, small-batch Starbucks Reserve coffee here. These beans are often sourced from microlots and unavailable at regular Starbucks locations.

 

A Short but Rich History

Opened in November 2019, the Chicago Roastery became the crown jewel among Starbucks Reserve Roasteries a concept designed to highlight the art, science, and drama behind every cup of coffee.

 

It’s the third Reserve Roastery in the U.S., following Seattle and New York, and reflects the city’s bold architecture and no-nonsense love for craftsmanship.

 

From the get-go, it wasn’t about just more coffee. It was about bringing discovery to life, creating a space where coffee lovers could nerd out over single-origin brews while newcomers could simply marvel at the design and indulge in something new.

 

Final Sip

Whether you’re a longtime devotee of Starbucks Reserve, a curious traveler on the Magnificent Mile, or someone who simply wants to understand how coffee can be art, the Starbucks Reserve Roastery Chicago delivers. This isn’t just a café—it’s an experience, a statement, and a sensory wonderland rolled into one.

 

So, plan your visit, slow down, and let discovery come to life—one brew, one bite, one unexpected moment at a time.

 

FAQs: 

 

Q: Can I visit the Roastery without a reservation?

Yes, walk-ins are always welcome, though certain experiences or tastings may require pre-booking.

 

Q: Is the Roastery different from a regular Starbucks?

Absolutely. The Chicago Roastery is a multi-floor experience featuring Starbucks Reserve coffee, rare brewing methods, a cocktail bar, and fresh baking—all unavailable at standard Starbucks locations.

 

Q: Can I book an event or private experience?

Yes, you can bring your event to the Roastery with tailored packages. Private tastings and space rentals are available through their website.

 

Q: Are there vegetarian or gluten-free options at the Princi Bakery?

Yes, the menu includes a range of options that cater to various dietary needs.

 

Q: Do they sell exclusive merchandise?

Yes! The retail section includes coffee craft gear, Chicago-exclusive drinkware, and rare beans to take home.