- Georgina D'Angelo
The 14 Best Cafes in Chicago
Updated: Jul 13
Our top recommendations for the best coffee and the best cafes to work in Chicago.
Great coffee in Chicago? You got that right! If you're a coffee or tea lover, you definitely need to visit this city. Chicago boasts a fantastic coffee scene. You can visit the city simply to try all the best coffee shops and their specialties; or stop by one of the best coffee shops in Chicago for a killer caffeine recharge.
With a plethora of coffee shops to choose from in Chicago, it can be overwhelming and difficult to find authentically delicious cafes. There's a Starbucks on every corner, and there are many places that look cute but lack quality coffee. You want to avoid both of these and stick to these tried and trusted coffee shops.
Now for the good stuff, let's dive into the best cafes in Chicago so you can start planning your coffee breaks! If you need help preparing for a trip to this fantastic city, you should also check out our Chicago travel guide so you can make the most of your time here!
The best coffee shops in Chicago:
Coffee Lab & Roasters
The Avondale Coffee Club
Caravanserai
Hexe Coffee Co.
Firecakes
Dollop
Colectivo
Sawada Coffee
Kapej Coffee
Gathers Tea Bar
Two Hearted Queen
HERO Coffee Bar
Spoken Cafe
Bourgeois Pig
La Colombe
1. Coffee Lab & Roasters
Looking for trendy, modern vibes? Head to Coffee Lab & Roasters. If you're a chai lover, this is a must-visit because their iced chai lattes are to die for. They also have delicious pastries, coffee, and specialty drinks like a honey mango latte. If you have a sweet tooth, you should definitely grab a pastel de nata here!
2. The Avondale Coffee Club
The decor here is my favorite, it's like you're enjoying a great cup of coffee while sitting in your insanely cooly and quirky aunt's living room. You can work from a table, couch, or funky chair. And when the weather is nice, their patio is so cute you'll definitely want to enjoy it.
3. Caravanserai
If you're looking for more unique drinks, then you should definitely head to Caravanserai. The atmosphere is vibrant and cheerful, and the live plants really add a nice touch. Make sure you try a baked good as they're locally sourced!
4. Hexe Coffee Co.
With spooky vibes, unique baked goods, and a great vibe for remote working, Hexe Coffee Co. is another one of the best coffee shops in Chicago. Along with delicious coffees and fun baked goods like their spooky cakes, you can find breakfast sandwiches here.
5. Firecakes
Start your day off right with a delicious donut and coffee from Firecakes! This small donut shop sure packs a punch; its donut selection is unbeatable. Their staple flavors, like Tahitian Vanilla, are always amazing, but they always have new flavors to try as well. Pair a donut with your favorite coffee or tea drink, like a cappuccino, and you’re set for the day!
6. Dollop
Stop for a pick-me-up coffee and a bite to eat at Dollop. They offer unique coffee and tea specialties along with a sandwich and pastry selection. This is a Chicago chain so there are several locations around the city making it very accessible. Dollop is a great choice of a coffee shop for a unique drink and filling snack, and a great place to get some remote work done with their generous seating areas.
7. Colectivo
Enjoy a nice latte, tea, or smoothie and a healthy meal at Colectivo. This is a beloved Midwest company with cafes and roasteries in Illinois and Wisconsin. The drinks at Colectivo are delicious and there are lots of non-coffee options as well. The food menu is also fantastic with delicious vegetarian options, so you can get a full breakfast or lunch with your coffee.
8. Sawada Coffee
A chill, hip spot to grab a delicious latte. Rumor has it, Sawada Coffee has the best matcha latte in Chicago! This is a great place to have a midday break and regroup, chat to friends, and enjoy great coffee. The vibe is rustic-chic with fun decor and even ping-pong!
9. Kapej Coffee
Enjoy a great drink from this fantastic owner-run and operated cafe. Kapej Coffee offers a homey vibe to relax and enjoy coffee in. They have many different latte flavors, and iced coffees to choose from. They also have killer breakfast sandwiches. If you want a great drink in a place that treats its customers like family, look no further. You won't regret visiting Kapej Coffee!
10. Gathers Tea Bar
While this isn't a traditional coffee shop, Gathers Tea Bar needs to be on your radar. This bubble tea store offers some of the best boba in Chicago. Grab a fan favorite like brown sugar milk tea, try a Japanese matcha latte, or stick to a classic like Jasmine green tea. It's delicious and you'll still get your caffeine fix in.
11. Two Hearted Queen
With great service, delicious drinks, and a relaxed atmosphere, Two Hearted Queen is much more exciting than your average Starbucks. Along with great coffee, this is a wonderful coffee shop to work at with awesome wi-fi. Everyone is respectful of other's working, so it's not a very noisy place. They also have a decent food menu with good vegetarian options!
12. HERO Coffee Bar
With three locations in Chicago, HERO is loved by many locals. If you're exploring downtown head to the Jackson Blvd. location; this is a cute, tiny hideaway spot with outdoor seating which is perfect if you're visiting Chicago in summer. This location is also within walking distance of many famous Chicago attractions, like the Art Institute of Chicago and Cloud Gate (famously known as the Bean).
13. Spoken Cafe
The perfect place to chat with friends or work on that remote to-do list. Spoken Cafe offers a nice place to take a break with a warm atmosphere. Many people come to work here. This coffee shop also offers breakfast and lunch making it a great place to grab lunch or have a midday break. Their bagels are amazing, and they have some really cool merch to buy as well!
14. Bourgeois Pig Cafe
This is a Lincoln Park favorite! With sandwiches upon sandwiches to choose from, you’re bound to find a nice, light breakfast or lunch meal for yourself! And pair it with a coffee or fresh smoothie. This is a well-known place to work, so if you're needing a co-working space, look no further than Bourgeois Pig Cafe!
15. La Colombe
With 5 locations in Chicago, you have to stop by this coffee shop while exploring the city. La Colombe coffee is so delicious, and you can even get draft coffee! I highly recommend trying an oat milk draft latte. While this is a chain, it's only found in a handful of cities around the US and they really strive for equity and caring for Earth.
Enjoy your time in the Windy City and recharge at one or multiple of the best coffee shops in Chicago! The coffee here is some of the best, and the cafes themselves are some of the best places to work in.
If you haven't been to Chicago yet, you definitely need to visit and enjoy a delicious coffee while in town! There is such a great coffee scene in Chicago, this is a must-visit US city for coffee and tea lovers. Head to our Chicago travel planner and start booking this city getaway.
If you're a fellow travel and coffee addict, check out these cities that also boast incredible coffee shops!
Have a great time exploring Chicago and reach out with any questions about visiting this awesome city. And most importantly enjoy all the awesome coffee options at the best coffee shops in Chicago!
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