Popular 80s-Themed Coffeeshop the Wormhole to Open Second Location in Bucktown

Adored Wicker Park coffeeshop Wormhole Coffee, noted for its 80s pop culture decor, is getting a sequel in Bucktown this fall. Owner Dan Weiss (Dollop Coffee) said Wormhole 2 will keep the dream of the 90s alive at 1953 N. Milwaukee Avenue just beside storied Chicago confectionary Margie’s Candies. It’s slated to open in mid-September, according to Weiss.

Wormhole fans are acquainted with the shop’s replica Back to the Future-style DeLorean time machine, and a car will also serve as the new 2,000 square-foot space’s centerpiece as well. Weiss is mounting a full-size “Mirth Mobile” (a 1976 AMC Pacer of Wayne’s World fame) upside-down above the bar, and noted that the shop would probably be open now if it weren’t for the sizable design detail. Weiss is also working on finding a mannequin to replicate the titular character in 1991 cinematic flop Mannequin Two: On the Move.

The space will seat about 50. He’s hoping to set up a patio on the Armitage side of the building, but acknowledged that may not happen until next summer.

Wormhole 2 will depart from the original by offering coffee-themed cocktails. Weiss is still developing the list, which includes drinks like a bourbon sweet tea sour and something called the “Sideways Elevator.” He’s also working on a light menu of toasts and breakfast pastries, as well as a cereal selection in keeping with the original shop. The space includes a small kitchen, and Weiss is interested in playing it by ear to see what neighborhood residents want. “It’s the kind of place we hope people will come and hang out during the day and study, and cocktails can give more of a night vibe for neighborhood,” he said.

Weiss, who owns Dollop Coffee, Dollop Diner, and Caffe Streets, acquired Wormhole and Halfwit Coffee from former owner Travis Schaffner two years ago. Schaffner stayed on as a partner and moved away from operations to the creative side of the business. The pair have percolated the idea of a second Wormhole for years, and were delighted to find a Bucktown location. “We wanted it to be a corner of a really interesting building in the right neighborhood for it,” Weiss said. “We take coffee seriously but want to avoid pretension. This is the right place for people to do that.”

Stay tuned for more news on Wormhole 2 as the opening date grows closer.