If you are exhausted by the “sad beige” aesthetic taking over every coffee shop in Chicago, we have the antidote.
Forget the sterile white walls, the uncomfortable metal stools, and the pretentious silence.
You need to head to The Wormhole Coffee in Wicker Park, a place that grabs the concept of minimalism and throws it directly into a flux capacitor.
Here is why you need to visit this time-traveling landmark.
The “Back to the Future” Centerpiece
Let’s start with the reason everyone pulls out their phone the second they walk in.
Suspended on a lofted ledge at the back of the shop is a full-scale replica of the DeLorean from Back to the Future.
We aren’t talking about a cardboard cutout or a mural. This is the car. It features the gull-wing doors, the “OUTATIME” license plate, and the Mr. Fusion energy reactor on the back. It looks like Doc Brown just crash-landed through the ceiling and left the engine running.
But the obsession with the ’80s goes way deeper than the car. The owners have curated a collection of memorabilia that rivals a museum.
The Counter: The milk and sugar station is a replica of Janine Melnitz’s reception desk from Ghostbusters.
The Shelves: Look closely at the walls. You will spot vintage Star Wars action figures, Gremlins dolls, old Nintendo setups, and movie posters that will unlock memories you forgot you had.
It feels less like a business and more like the basement of the coolest kid you knew in 1985.
The Menu Is A Sugar-Fueled Throwback
A place like this could easily coast on its looks and serve terrible drinks, but The Wormhole actually cares about the product.
They serve beans from Halfwit Coffee Roasters, a local outfit known for serious quality.
However, if you order a plain black coffee here, you are missing the point. The menu is designed to make you feel like a kid again, just with more caffeine.
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Must-Try Drinks:
The Koopa-Troopa: This is a fan favorite. It’s a peanut butter and chocolate latte that tastes exactly like a melted candy bar. It’s rich, creamy, and distinctively nutty.
The Cereal Lattes: Yes, they went there. You can order drinks infused with the flavor of Cocoa Puffs. They top it off with the actual cereal, so you get that specific “Saturday morning cartoon” nostalgia in a cup.
The Honey Bear: For something less sugary but still comforting, this latte uses local wildflower honey and cinnamon. It’s simple and perfect for a cold Chicago day.
The Vibe
Despite the heavy theme, The Wormhole manages to avoid feeling like a tourist trap. It is still very much a neighborhood hangout.
On any given Tuesday, you will see Wicker Park locals typing furiously on laptops, friends catching up on the worn-in couches, and people playing old-school video games in the back. The playlist is usually a solid rotation of synth-pop and indie tracks that fit the retro atmosphere without being annoying.
It is cozy, slightly dim, and incredibly relaxed. The staff are known for being a bit “cool kid” aloof at times, but they know their coffee, and they keep the line moving.
Helpful tips
If you want to secure a table—especially one with a good view of the DeLorean—you need to be strategic.
Weekends are packed with visitors, so aim for a weekday morning or late afternoon if you want to soak in the atmosphere without fighting for a chair.
Location: 1462 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL
The aesthetic: ’80s basement meets serious roastery.
Best for: A casual date, a heavy dose of nostalgia, or just escaping reality for 45 minutes.
