For A Day Of Metropolitan Exploration, Nothing Else Satisfies Quite Like A Good Cup Of Coffee.
In a large city like Chicago, coffee can be found almost anywhere. However, sometimes satisfaction doesn’t come from the cup of coffee itself, but the shop that serves it! Whether you’re searching for a cozy cafe or an inspirational locale in which to tackle work, Chicago has a coffee shop for you! Here are just a few of the amazing places to sip a latte or two around the city.
* Being mindful of COVID, many businesses and coffee shops have modified indoor dining options, so be sure to check out their current practices! *
Great To Grab A Bite
Maison Parisienne
3307 N CLARK ST
Having a craving for flaky croissants and sugary sweet macaroons? Then Maison Parisienne is the perfect place to settle in for some elegant European fare!
This boutique cafe serves authentic French food and pastries, including baguettes, quiche Lorraine, and croque-monsieurs.
Their recipes all originated in Paris and they achieve their authentic flavors using European Butter, Artisan Unbleached Flour and French Chocolate.
The owners insist this is is the best place to visit when you can’t fly to France!
Brew Brew Coffee
3832 WEST DIVERSEY AVENUE
Featuring a signature ram’s head logo, Brew Brew Coffee is a brightly lit and minimally decorated spot ideal for a meal and coffee with a friend.
The owner/sibling trio moved together to Chicago from Tijuana, Mexico and were immediately inspired by the city’s coffee scene.
Their desire with Brew Brew Coffee was to create a space that reminded people of home and offered guests a comfortable, inclusive energy.
The menu includes one-of-a-kind tortas, seasonal drinks, and different Mexican coffee variations.
Collectivo Coffee
2261 N MILWAUKEE AVE
Since 1993, Collectivo Coffee has been sourcing coffees from origin and roasting every batch by hand.
Alongside classic coffee favorites, Collectivo creates and serves experimental drinks like Blue Moon Tea lattes and Spring Fling Matcha Cappuccinos.
The extensive menu includes baked goods, sandwiches, and all-day breakfast items with vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free, and gluten-free options.
They also prepare their own baked goods and savory food daily from scratch!
Great To Study + Work
Sawada Coffee
112 N GREEN ST
Sawada is a neighborhood favorite for studying, reading, and spending time with friends. Hanging string lights set a cozy vibe and the big windows let in plenty of natural light.
Their unique decor includes skateboards along the walls, a Supreme boxing bag, and an arcade game. They also have a ping pong table that doubles as a work space!
Sawada’s military matcha, a combination of matcha, espresso, vanilla, and cocoa, is a signature menu item that visitors rave about!
The co-owner is renowned barista Hiroshi Sawada, who won the 2008 Free Pour Latté Art Championship. He is the highest scoring latté art champion to date!
Dark Matter Coffee
2521 W CHICAGO AVE
Photo courtesy of Dark Matter Coffee
For coffee-lovers wanting an alternative vibe, Dark Matter is the perfect place to go! This local Chicago chain has several locations around the city, but Star Lounge and Osmium Coffee are both great for sitting down and hanging out for a while.
All of Dark Matter’s shops feature plenty of funky, eclectic decor and many of their coffee drinks feature memorable names such as, the Chocolate City and Gingersnap Trainwreck.
Metropolis Coffee
1039 W. GRANVILLE AVE
At Metropolis Coffee, the owners believe that great coffee should improve the life of everyone who touches it. To serve this mission, Metropolis Coffee sources quality beans while working to ensure sustainable practices and fair prices for farmers.
The inside of the shop provides a relaxing atmosphere for a study session, an idea forum, or in-depth conversations. They also offer tours of their roastery!
Great To Hang + Chat
Intelligentsia Coffee
53 EAST RANDOLPH ST
Intelligentsia Coffee strives to create a memorable coffee experience from preparation up to the final sip for all of their guests.
With sourced beans grown in Central + South America, East Africa, and Ethiopia and coffee brewed in-store, Intelligentsia brings guaranteed flavor and freshness.
They currently have five locations across Chicago, with other branches in New York and Los Angeles!
On their website, Intelligentsia offers a quiz to help coffee-lovers find their own personal coffee flavor profile!
Sip And Savor
5301 S HYDE PARK BLVD
This roomy coffeehouse offers a wide selection of teas, mochas, frappes, lattes and blended drinks as well as snacks and pastries.
Their coffee is certified fair trade, which ensures that the farmers who harvest the beans are taken care of with fair wages and accommodations.
The ambiance inside their shops is ideal for long, relaxing conversations over robust brews.
Sip and Savor has locations in Bronzeville, Hyde Park, Rosenwald and South Loop!
Damn Fine Coffee Bar
3317 W ARMITAGE AVE
Damn Fine Coffee Bar serves espresso drinks, drip and pour-over coffees, plus tea and locally baked goods in a modern industrial space.
Their ongoing mission is to serve guests “the best coffee the country has to offer.” They also feature different roasters from around the U.S. every month for their manual brews and retail beans.
Featured daily on the menu are pastries from Floriole Bakery and fan-favorite vegan donuts from Do Rite Donuts!
Map
Click here to find all the coffee shop locations mentioned in this blog!
Looking for more to snack on in Chicago? Check out the best places to eat in the Windy City!
Bonus: Book a Peerspace! If you want to travel off the beaten path and escape the Chicago crowds, consider booking a private Peerspace to enjoy that java peacefully. Peerspace offers unique venues all over Chicago, from sun-filled lofts to creative galleries, hidden rooftops, and beyond. Book a space by the hour and enjoy a working session with your teammates or a small social gathering with your group.
