Coffee is not just simply a drink. For some having a cup of coffee every morning is a ritual. As for others, it might be a lifestyle. In either case, coffee has become an integral part of our lives. That is why we bring you a list of the best coffee shops in Chicago.
Different cafes have their way of making coffee. It is because the process itself is dynamic and changes as per the techniques involved. The flavor varies depending on the roasting process, the beans’ source, and how you press it.
Coffee, indeed, is an affordable luxury.
Damn Fine Coffee Bar
“Best Vintage Coffee Shop in Chicago”
The talk of the town, Damn Fine Coffee Bar, replaced the old-timer Atomix Coffee Shop. Also, the coffee shop resumed its business shortly after the said transition. The coffee shop did not change the vintage space setup. It includes a portrayal depiction of the astronaut, Yuri Gagarin.
The coffee bar, while maintaining its original theme, has an industrial feel to it. It serves espresso and tea with other locally produced baked items.
Damn Fine uses the fragrant Halfwit Coffee Roasters beans. It is one of the reasons why it is among the best coffee shops in Chicago. Besides, you can also order for yourself a slice of its famous cherry pie. Thus, it is a great hangout spot for people who are interested in science fiction.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CL9uQ11FOIT/
Starbucks Reserve Roastery Chicago
“Coffee Wonderland in Chicagoland”
The Chicago Roastery is the company’s sixth in the world. And at four stories and 35000 sq feet, it’s also the biggest. The centerpiece of the store is a 56 ft steel cask. Also, it serves as a Willy Wonka-esque chute for roasted beans. It transports the beans around the store.
As you move up the cafe’s curved escalator, you will find something new on each floor. On the second floor is an Italian bakery. It sends freshly baked treats around the store on a conveyor. On the third floor, there is an experiential coffee bar. It serves elevated brews and pairings. Finally, on the fourth floor, there is barrel-aged coffee. The cafe also serves cocktails and spirits.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CHf4NY2AyLP/
Bourgeois Pig Cafe
“Best Coffee Shop in Chicago for Hot Chocolate”
Do not let the name throw you off. It is indeed a famous joint for food and dining. But not many are aware that it serves excellent caffeinated drinks as well.
The menu has everything that a good coffee shop does. Its hot chocolate is a beverage to die for. Also, the cafe has tasty desserts such as muffins to pair with the drink. Other than that, it serves the regular americano, cappuccino, and so on. Although, Café Latte is a fan favorite in this part of the town. No wonder, for its customers, it is among the best coffee shops in Chicago.
https://www.instagram.com/p/6vBWz9vpbA/
HERO Coffee Bar
“Best Local Coffee Shop in Chicago”
HERO Coffee Bar’s mission is to give back to its community. Naturally, the cafe serves a variety of beverages, the most popular drink is the Maple Brulee. It is a latte with maple syrup and a blow-torched sugar top.
The owner of the cafe, Melanie Martinez, wanted to create a menu that everyone could enjoy. So, there are also plant-based options on the menu. Such as their delicious house-made pumpkin pie.
The menu also has specialty breakfast sandwiches and fresh bagels. Besides, the most popular being the smooth criminal. A bagel sandwich with goat cheese, fig jam, sriracha, and egg on top of melted Monterey jack cheese.
The cafe also works with non-profit organizations and the staff volunteers in beautifying a school on the south side of Chicago.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CLNhLjShYkL/
2950 N Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60657
22 E Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 6060
439 S Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60605
Ipsento 606
“The Coffee Shop with the Mural”
Right as you are about to enter, a beautiful street mural greets you warmly. The indoor decor makes you feel as if you are inside a spaceship. The cabinets and the machine and the whole vibe of the place are unique. Also, it has high ceilings that give way to a spacious atmosphere filled with roasted beans’ smell.
Bustling with students and people with MacBooks, it is indeed among the best coffee shops in Chicago. Naturally, the coffee outlet takes much pride in the coffee it serves. It also holds classes related to coffee. Also, public tastings sessions are a usual event at this place.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_5JmGzlx4f/
Dark Matter Coffee
“Art Meets Coffee in Chicago”
Dark Matters is one of Chicago’s leading coffee importers and roasters. With half a dozen stores around the city, they are among the best coffee shops in Chicago. Thus, they dedicate their products to the artisan approach to coffee.
The store creates blends by combining different coffee each month. Each mix features various artists and musicians. Therefore, all these elements are combined to create a superb package.
Every year they pick a strain of cannabis for the blend. The store uses this to match it with natural process coffee. Dark matter also places particular emphasis on art. Indeed, the art, music, and packaging have to check their unique blends.
The store also serves hot chocolate and mocha with a twist.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CMrw_JXH6Yf/
1117 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
738 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60612
2521 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Metric Coffee
“Best Roasted Coffee Shop in Chicago”
Considered a fantastic place to hangout by its usuals, Metric indeed sets a bar in terms of coffee. Besides, the location itself is pretty subtle and perfect for a quiet dose of caffeine. It serves its version of in-house roasted coffee. Metric Coffee is also known for its fresh sandwiches and juices.
Its owner, Xavier, is a veteran when it comes to roasting coffee. With 14 years of experience under his belt, it is no surprise that Metric Coffee is so famous. The exciting thing about it is that Metric follows the ‘made by humans’ policy. It stresses the importance it places on the beans it uses.
It holds weekly classes for its customers on Fridays. For example, the “Intro to Expresso” is one of the lessons it has to make its guests aware of.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CMZ62XbguJ2/
Colectivo Coffee
“Best Historic Coffee Shop in Chicago”
Colectivo Coffee was known as Alterra Coffee for decades. The name is from Guatemala. It is also where they get their coffee. The coffee store also has a bakery brand called Troubadour Bakery.
The store has high windows, outdoor seating, and murals by Milwaukee artist Kevin Callahan. Therefore, it truly is the perfect neighborhood coffee shop.
Also, the coffee store has a fantastic atmosphere. There’s a good range of sandwiches as well as hot and cold beverages. Also, the menu is reasonably priced.
So, if you want to smell freshly baked bread in the morning, nitro cold brew, or a hot expresso, this is the place for you.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CK2C0nolM2W/
2530 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
2261 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
1211 N Damen Ave., Chicago, IL 60622
5425 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640
Elaine’s Coffee Call
“The Attractive Coffee Shop in Chicago”
The coffee shop has become one of the many attractions of downtown Chicago. It is a part of the Hotel Lincoln. Therefore, for the guests staying in the hotel, it provides a delightful treat. It is not to say others cannot stop by and have a cup of delicious coffee and snacks. Also, the hotel’s glamour adds to the aesthetics of the coffee place. Located near many attractions such as the Lincoln Park Zoo, it makes for a great starting spot.
Elaine’s Coffee Call serves refreshing coffee alongside a morning breakfast menu. It closes by one o’clock in the afternoon. Therefore, ensure to plan before you go. For many of its regulars, it is among the best coffee shops in Chicago.
Indeed, it is the perfect place for an early morning reading session.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CHqL3xvhr2C/
Julius Meinl
“Best Coffee Shop in Chicago”
Julius Meinl is a family-owned coffee roaster. They’ve been roasting since 1862. Because it’s a European-style coffee house, it’s all table service. They serve your drinks on a small silver tray with a glass of water, a spoon, a cookie, and sugar.
The servers will integrate all your needs. So, take a seat and read your paper or work on your computer. The servers at Julius Meinl will take care of you.
Julius Meinl focuses on coffee blends for a consistent flavor profile. Also, the coffee roaster has been roasting for 150 years. And they have long-standing relationships with coffee farms and farmers.
The store serves all kinds of espresso drinks with a full espresso bar. Additionally, they also have cafe menus for you to come in and have breakfast.
So, if you want an iced cafe melange to beat the summer heat, make sure to visit Julius Meinl at Southport Madison.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bvm6D4Bnvii/
Sawada Coffee
“Best Coffee Shop in Chicago for Latte”
The coffee shop itself is an unusual blend of cultures. Situated amidst restaurants, it provides for delightful coffee after a hearty meal. Sawada Coffee’s Military Latte is the fan-favorite. The latte is quite appealing to the eyes and pretty strong in taste. Indeed, you are sure to get a kick out of this drink. Other varieties include their spiked beverages such as ice tea and Shochu. It is among the best coffee shops in Chicago.
Besides, it also serves a variety of pastries. To keep its customers occupied, the coffee shop has pinball machines. The indoor vibe is subtle with good lighting.
Sawada closes its operations in the evening, around 4 pm. Thus, for people out for a walk, do grab for yourselves one of those Military Lattes.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CMxAXvhh89r/
Intelligentsia Coffee
“Mastery in Coffee in Chicago”
To different people, coffee means other things. Therefore, Intelligentsia takes a thoughtful approach to how to make coffee. They embrace the principle of “slow coffee as an experience.”
The store defines quality as clean and sweet with clear flavor notes. At Intelligentsia, each employee learns the art and science of their craft.
They do not miss any step in the chain. From seed to cup, the baristas pour passion into making every coffee. And that manifests itself in a great cup of coffee. A different kind of coffee than what most people are used to experiencing.
The staff, the chill environment, and the great coffee make Intelligentsia the best coffee shop in Chicago.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CLR4q2mMccN/
3123 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60657
53 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601
1609 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622
2642 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
1233 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60610
1850 W Fulton St, Chicago, IL 60612
Sip of Hope Community Coffee Bar
“Having Coffee is Happiness”
What sets apart this coffee bar is its belief. Sip of Hope strongly values making its customers aware regarding mental health. It is probably the only coffee bar that donates all of its proceeds towards the said cause.
Also, the bar works together with organizations for suicide prevention. It also focuses on educating people about mental health issues. Moreover, workshops for the cause and drives are everyday events at this bar.
Dark Matter coffee is the signature coffee of Sip of Hope. It is a blend of sweetness and elegance. Using coffee beans imported from select farmers in Mexico, Sip of Hope provides more than a cup of coffee. Thus, it believes in building a relationship with its customers.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CMmqFLVLQMb/
The Wormhole Coffee
“Best Retro Coffee Shop in Chicago”
If you have an unhealthy obsession with the movie “Back to the future,” this is the store for you. The Wormhole is a trip back in time to circa 1984.
The whole coffee shop is an homage to pop culture from the 1980s.
Therefore, you can easily spend an hour scrolling through the ideal mix of Java and Jawas.
The team knows that DeLorean will get customers in the door, but it’s good coffee to keep them coming back.
The store features beans from their company, the halfwit coffee roaster.
Thus, it is the perfect store to enjoy your coffee most casual manner.
Also, the staff encourages their guest to play games and have fun. Hence, Wormhole’s mix of fun with quality coffee is what makes it among the best coffee shops in Chicago.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CLrUYqrFp5q/
Fairgrounds Coffee and Tea
“Best Local Coffee Shop in Chicago”
It is probably the only spot that is famous not only for its coffee but also for tea. The coffee spot is near Wicker Park. Also, the interior is cozy and chic. The ceiling is high, which adds to the elegance. It is usually buzzing with locals and tourists alike. Naturally, it is among the best coffee shops in Chicago.
Fairgrounds has a wide variety of coffee selections. From local to international assortments of coffee in its arsenal, it indeed sets itself apart. Besides, it looks more like a bar than a café.
It also provides a delicious breakfast menu and a matcha bar.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CLreAWjsk4w/
1620 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
1330 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607
The Coffee Studio
“Best Coffee Shop in Chicago for Flavor”
Starting with the name of the café itself sets the tone of what is to come. The Coffee Studio means business with all things coffee-related. It produces esteemed coffee by sourcing the best available coffee beans locally instead of importing them. The studio boasts numerous awards for the quality of its coffee.
Especially, The Coffee Studio makes use of green coffee beans. It is because the coffee bean has a great potential in providing flavor. Also, the studio has the best team of baristas in the entire town.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CK9byqVFukS/
