Chicago hustles hard.
It’s no surprise that there’s always a need to refuel with a cup of coffee. But which are the best? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with a list of our go-to places. Place your order to go and move through your day charged up.
Image via Facebook / Hero Coffee Bar
22 E. Jackson Ave. - The Loop
221 N. Wells St. - The Loop
439 S. Dearborn St. - South Loop
2950 N. Sheridan Rd. - Lakeview
There’s something heroic about how good the coffee is at Hero Coffee Bar. The signature Jackson Avenue location is tucked away in the Loop with the perfect aesthetic for artsy Instagram shots, and their Lakeview location offers a larger space to chill indoors.
Image via Facebook / Dark Matter Coffee
601 W. Jackson Blvd - Loop
738 N. Western Ave. - Ukrainian Village
2521 W. Chicago Ave. - Ukrainian Village
1117 W. Belmont Ave. - Lakeview
1856 N. Western Ave. - Bucktown
2015 W. Grand Ave. - West Town
2901 W. Belmont Ave. - Avondale
1844 S. Blue Island Ave. - Pilsen
With eight locations all over Chicago, Dark Matter Coffee is one of our go-to spots to get our caffeine fix. Dark Matter Coffee is so good, you can get it all over.
Image via Facebook / Colectivo Coffee Co.
2530 N. Clark St. - Lincoln Park
2261 N. Milwaukee Ave. - Logan Square
1211 N. Damen Ave. - Wicker Park
5425 N. Clark St. - Andersonville
716 Church St. - Evanston
Not only is Colectivo Coffee Co. home to some of the most delicious coffee in the city, but all five of their Chicago locations also feature a wonderful outdoor patio.
Image via Facebook / Intelligentsia
53 E. Randolph St. - The Loop
3123 N. Broadway St. - Lakeview
53 W. Jackson Blvd. - The Loop
A staple of the Chicago coffee scene since the '90s, Intelligentsia is a must-stop for coffee addicts.
Image via Facebook / The Wormhole
1462 N. Milwaukee Ave. - Wicker Park
The Wormhole will take you back to the future—a model of Marty McFly’s DeLorean is literally in the shop. This ‘80s themed coffee shop has a menu full of delicious coffee options and is one of the coziest spots in Wicker Park.
Image via Facebook / The Coffee Studio
5628 N. Clark St. - Andersonville
The Coffee Studio is the perfect place to get your creative juices flowing while sipping on an espresso—or enjoying some of the shop’s homemade ice cream!
Image Via Facebook / Damn Fine Chicago
3317 W. Armitage Ave. - Logan Square
Not just good coffee, but damn fine coffee! That’s what you’ll find at Damn Fine Coffee Bar in Logan Square. You’ll also find a selection of vegan donuts from Do Rite Donuts, pastries from Floriole Bakery, and tea from SpiritTea.
Image via Facebook / Bourgeois Pig
738 W. Fullerton Ave. - Lincoln Park
Bourgeois Pig Cafe may just be the coziest spot in Chicago. This coffee shop has a menu full of delicious coffee and tea with a variety of inventive literary-inspired sandwiches.
Image via Facebook / Ipsento 606
1813 N. Milwaukee Ave. - Bucktown
Right off the 606 trail, Ipsento is one of Chicago’s hidden gems offering an exquisite espresso menu and in-house mini-donuts handmade each morning. Swing by in the evening to try their full bar with locally sourced beer, craft cocktails, and delicious wine.
Image via Facebook / Metric Coffee
2021 W. Fulton St - Fulton Market
Metric Coffee thrives off an ethos of equity, transparency, and sustainability when it comes to sourcing its product. In addition to visiting farms routinely, Metric also has a podcast and publication called Source Code that delves into sustainability and sourcing in the industry.
Photo via Facebook/Cafe Mustache
2313 N. Milwaukee Ave. - Logan Square
Cafe Mustache has some of the best coffee around town—trust us. Not only that but the soups and chili are seriously tasty. Live events are finally back at the space, too! Stop in and enjoy DJs and more. (Did we mention there's a bar?)
Image via Facebook / Elaine's Coffee Call
1816 N. Clark St. - Lincoln Park
Attached to Hotel Lincoln, Elaine’s Coffee Call has some tasty coffee and a pretty legit selection of coffee cakes, muffins, and scones. Plus, the vintage vibes of this shop make it the perfect nook to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Image via Facebook / Sawada Coffee
112 N. Green St. - West Loop
What makes Sawada Coffee so special? Not only is everything on the menu delicious, but it’s also the first U.S.-based shop of world-renowned latte artist and barista Hiroshi Sawada.
Image via Facebook / Bridgeport Coffee
3101 S. Morgan St. - Bridgeport
Bridgeport Coffee has a homey feel, roasting coffee in-house from around the world. This original corner shop in Bridgeport is a South Side must for coffee lovers – as well as their newer locations in the Hyde Park Art Center and South Loop.
Photo via Facebook/Oromo Cafe
4703 N. Lincoln Ave. - Lincoln Square
1912 N. Western Ave. - Bucktown
Pair a delicious cup of coffee at Oromo Cafe with one of its many mouth-watering food options. The hip atmosphere is productive yet chill, so you can get work done or catch up with friends. The Hazelnut Horchata Latte steals the show for sure – you haven’t lived until you’ve tried it!
Photo via Facebook/Back Of The Yards Coffee
2059 W. 47th St. - Back of the Yards
Back of the Yards Coffeehouse & Roastery may be a newer spot, but it’s quickly making a name for itself with all the delicious coffee options it has to offer. This South Side business also offers pre-packaged cold brews and Coffee Club that delivers your favorite blends right to your doorstep.
Photo via Facebook/Cafe Jumping Bean
1439 W. 18th St. - Pilsen
L'Cafecito - 2010 S Damen Ave - Pilsen
Cafe Jumping Bean is another Pilsen classic. A staple of the neighborhood for the last 25 years, the shop is always jumping with coffee enthusiasts. As Pilsen’s first coffeehouse/gallery, it brings together a mix of local residents, workers, students, and the occasional tourists who come to enjoy coffee, good food, conversation, and art.
Image via Facebook / Sip of Hope
3039 W. Fullerton Ave. - Logan Square
Coffee with a cause. One hundred percent of the proceeds from Sip of Hope's coffee bar go to support suicide prevention and mental health education. We can definitely sip to that.
Photo via Infuse Hospitality
1620 N. Milwaukee Ave. - Bucktown
1330 W. Fulton Market St. - Fulton Market
12 S. Michigan Ave. - The Loop
306 W. Erie St. - River North
702 Lake St. - Oak Park
Fairgrounds has found the perfect intersection of quality coffee fans and busy urbanites by expanding its menu to teas, quick cafe-style food, and an all-day breakfast menu. Combine this with locations in high foot-traffic areas like Bucktown and you've got a recipe for success. It's a good thing too because Chicago's breakfast taco game needs all the help it can get!
Photo via Facebook/Metropolis Coffee Company
1039 W. Granville Ave. - Edgewater
This father and son team's coffee has grown to be one of the most popular with locals. Find their brews carried by restaurants and bars around town but visit the café in Edgewater to see where it all started.
PHOTO VIA MONDAY COFFEE CO.
Pop-up locations throughout Chicago
Not many people love Mondays, but the first coffee of the week should make the day better. Monday Coffee is black-owned and has pop-ups in Chicago. Currently they're at the Soho House and Garfield Park Conservatory but you can follow Monday Coffee to receive their current activation schedule.
Sputnik Coffee Company2057 W. 51st - Back of the Yards
Savor the pure pleasure of freshly roasted coffee at an affordable price with Sputnik Coffee Company. Their straightforward medium roast blend, derived from beans in Brazil, Colombia, and Indonesia, embodies smoothness with a hint of chocolate. Born from a passion for quality and accessibility, Sputnik stands as one of Chicago's notable roasters, grounded in simplicity and exceptional taste.
Afro Joes Coffee & Tea1818 W 99th St - Beverly
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Afro Joe's Coffee and Tea. With each sip, journey through a blend of cultures and tastes carefully crafted to perfection. From rich coffee to soothing teas, their selection embodies the spirit of diversity and unity.
1057 W. Argyle St. - Uptown
Discover the alluring charm of First Sip Cafe in Uptown, where unique menus, cozy vibes, and strong community ties await your visit. It is also owned by lifetime local sisters Gigi and Erin (whose parents own the Vietnamese restaurant across the street).
Sip & Savor Coffee528 E 43rd St. - Bronzeville
5301 S Hyde Park Blvd - Hyde Park
78 E 47th St. - Bronzeville
31 East Roosevelt Rd - South Loop
1070 West Bryn Mawr - Edgewater
Experience the Exceptional: Sip & Savor Coffee is a local Black-owned chain with delicious drinks, friendly faces, good vibes, and transparent pricing! The business is all about being a coffeehouse on the forefront of bringing people together.
3185 N Elston Ave - Avondale
710 Main Street - Evanston
Make sure to swing by The Avondale Coffee Club by Reprise Roasters. Discover their groovy place, relax on the covered patio, and indulge in their wonderful coffee. It's a coffee shop experience that will leave you wanting more.
2800 N Clark Street - Lake View East
1301 W Lake Street - West Loop
181 N Michigan Avenue - The Loop
750 N Rush - River North
15 W Washington Street - The Loop
1800 W Lawrence Avenue - Ravenswood
40 S Halsted Street - West Loop
3857 S Martin Luther King Dr - Bronzeville
Whether you're in Chicago or elsewhere, you can enjoy their delicious coffee and donuts, and indulge in style. Don't miss out on the opportunity to indulge in the flavors that have made Stan's an iconic brand in the Windy City and beyond.
858 N. State St. - Gold Coast
213 W. Lake St - The Loop
141 Jackson Blvd in the CBOT: Chicago Board of Trade - The Loop
311 S. Wacker - The Loop
5700 S. Cicero Ave Airport Terminal A - Midway Airport
When you taste their coffee, you'll experience the chef's attention to detail in every cup. They source their beans from farmers they have built relationships with, ensuring the integrity and essence of the coffee are preserved. With down-to-the-second precision, they brew their coffee to perfection, allowing you to truly taste the difference. So come and experience Big Shoulders Coffee, where passion for people, food, and culture is poured into every cup.
825 West 69th St - Englewood.
Discover Kusanya Cafe, a vibrant community hub serving up delicious coffee, breakfast, and lunch, all while fostering a sense of togetherness through art and community events. More than just a cafe, Kunsaya is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, so every purchase you make supports job training and apprenticeship opportunities in their community. Step inside to experience their warm and welcoming atmosphere, where casual interactions lead to meaningful connections. Join Kusanya Cafe to savor great food, support their community, and be a part of something truly special.
755 W 32nd Street - Armour Square
Jackalope Coffee is a cozy and inviting coffee shop. They offer a convenient online pick-up ordering system, as well as delivery. Their drink and food menu is sure to satisfy your cravings, with a range of options to choose from.
6032 W Irving Park Rd - Portage Park
Experience coffee perfection at Perkolator Cafe! Discover a delightful selection of single-origin and blended coffees, along with an array of teas. From scratch-made soups to sandwiches and pastries, their menu satisfies every craving. Join their coffee subscription for savings and exclusive perks like free local delivery. Visit their cozy cafe today and savor the deliciousness we bring to your everyday life.
313 W Wolf Point Plaza - River North
Discover Blue Bottle Coffee, where each cup is an extraordinary journey and their cafes are designed to elevate your coffee experience, whether you're seeking solitude or connection. Delight with their exceedingly rare coffees, pushing the boundaries of flavor and brewing methods. At Blue Bottle, they see coffee as a ritual that anchors you in the present, and their cafe environments enhance this journey.
714 N Wells St - River North
Indulgence meets craftsmanship; this is what Fabcakes is all about. A delightful coffee shop is your passport to a world of delicious memories. From candle-ready cakes to irresistible cookies, they've mastered the art of creating sweet moments. Visit them, and let pleasure and taste unite in one extraordinary place.
1449 S Michigan Ave.
Where creativity flourishes and connections Thrive. Step into a world where social stigmas are left behind and artists, visionaries, and entrepreneurs are welcomed with open arms. With a seat at the table, a cup of coffee, and a vibrant space to simply be, Overflow Coffee invites you to belong, prosper, and have a whole lot of fun along the way.
1501 W. Morse Ave - Roger Parks
Serving a cup of joy and a vibrant community for over 12 years. The Common Coffee offers not just nourishing meals but also distinctive and bold coffee for the neighborhoods of Chicago. Their down-to-earth baristas will serve you high-quality drinks with a welcoming smile.
3063 N Milwaukee Ave - Avondale
Join Magnifico in celebrating connection, culture, and community with each perfectly roasted bean. Where the spirit of our passionate and independent-spirited abuelita, Viri, comes alive in every sip As a family-owned, Colombian-owned, and independently-owned coffee shop. They've created something deeply personal that everyone can enjoy. where the spirit of our passionate and independent-spirited abuelita, Viri, comes alive in every sip. As a family-owned, Colombian-owned, and independently-owned coffee shop. They not only serve specialty coffee but also their favorite pastries and Colombian treats and showcase local art. Come hang out, indulge in their delicious offerings, and experience the vibrant energy of Magnífico Coffee Roasters. It's more than just a coffee shop; it's a place where fun and community thrive.
2943 W Belmont Ave
Superior service and personalized attention are at the heart of everything they do. Their journey began with a simple idea: "to bring the best of us to you." From their passionate founder to their dedicated front-line workers, they pour love and careful thought into every aspect of your experience. They want you to not only enjoy all that they have to offer but also share the joy with others. So come on in, hang out with Cultura CCafe, and let the fun and warmth envelop you. Together, "let's create unforgettable moments over a cup of our exceptional coffee."
Photo Via Backlot Coffee
3982 N. Avondale Ave - Chicago
2006 Central Street - Evanston
Discover the vibrant community of Backlot Coffee, where laughter, creativity, and connection thrive. Join them for a memorable experience, whether catching up with friends, working, or simply enjoying a moment of relaxation. You are the heart of Backlot, making it the perfect place to hang out and create lasting memories.
2119 S. State Street - South Loop
Fuel your inspiration where cutting-edge technology meets your daily grind. Immerse yourself in the vibrant café, which doubles as a dynamic coworking space. From open collaboration zones to private havens and sleek conference rooms, they've crafted the perfect blend for your work and play. Elevate your daily routine with them—your hub for innovation, coffee, and community.
Did we miss your favorite spot? Let us know at [email protected]!