50 Best Cafes in Chicago

“Food was delicious. Everything we had was amazing.“

“We stopped in today on a tip and what a delicious treat! Highly recommend!“

“First timers and now we will be regulars! The hospitality, atmosphere and fare were outstanding! From the knowledgeable staff, the welcoming management and the hostess that went WAY above and beyond to be sure my disabled husband was accommodated from when we booked our reservation to the end of our dining experience - we couldn’t have been more delighted! See you again soon, Lardon!“

“My God, this sangwich will make you feel that things might just be ok and forget for a moment what a dumpster fire of a time we live in. The lamination! Look at these luscious layers of pastry hugging eggs and some crispy plancha sausage! Look at them! Few things are perfect or capable of changing your life. This sandwich and these brothers just might be the thing. 10/10 and I’ll definitely be back for more.“

“If you’re looking for cozy vibes, killer food, and a board game collection that could humble even the most confident strategist, this café is your new happy place. The real MVP? Matt, our waitress, who somehow juggled food orders, game rule explanations, and emotional support like a seasoned dungeon master. She’s basically the Gandalf of good service. The food was shockingly excellent. The grilled cheese healed us. The fries may have unlocked a new level of consciousness. Come for the games, stay for the food, worship Matt. Would trade all my victory points to come back!“

“Delish coffee, superfriendly staff 💜☕️

I ordered a capp with an extra shot of espresso, oat milk, and their seasonal apple spice syrup. Perfectly balanced (I even forgot to ask for it half-sweet, like I usually do, but my coffee still tasted like coffee, not like straight sugar 🙌🏼 - much appreciated!!)

Coffee was quick to come up, and there’s plenty of street parking in this sparse industrial neighborhood.
Love it!“

“Intimate setting with great staff who are always welcoming and warm. Their cocktails aren’t just thrown together; they take weeks to perfect their recipes with the final product being works of art. Their Old Fashioned is my favorite so far and the mango shrimp is my favorite entree. Their lavender/mint tea latte is unique, luscious and calming. Save room for Diego’s homemade desserts, they are luscious! Great food, great cocktails, great staff, great ambiance.“

“Brunch at the 3 Arts Club Café at RH Chicago is a truly elevated experience. As expected from RH, the ambiance is beautiful —an effortlessly elegant space filled with natural light, greenery, and that signature timeless design. It's not just a beautiful venue—it delivers on food and service as well. The brunch dishes are delicious, thoughtfully prepared, and made with high-quality ingredients. Each plate feels refined yet comforting, striking the right balance for a weekend brunch. The service is warm, attentive, and professional, enhancing the overall experience without ever feeling rushed.“

“I thought the Olive Oil Cake would be weird, turns out it is delicious. i will definitely come back for it. We have a great breakfast. Everything just so delicious..“

“loved everything about it!“

“I have no doubt his place is going to be amazing.“

“We had lunch here today, and loved everything! Roberto, our server, was the best! Super friendly. Brisket sandwich was fab! Best potato salad I've ever had! Can't wait to go back!“

“good coffee and great service!“

“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ If you’re looking for a little slice of New Orleans, Junebug Cafe is the place to be! From the moment you walk in, the aroma of rich, smooth coffee fills the air, and the first bite of their Louisiana hand pies or fluffy, powdered-sugar-dusted beignets will transport you straight to the French Quarter. The flavors are authentic, the atmosphere is warm, and every sip and bite feels like a celebration. Don’t miss out on this hidden gem—your taste buds will thank you! ☕✨ Start your morning with a little taste of New Orleans right here at Junebug Cafe! #JunebugCafe #TasteOfNOLA #BeignetsAndCoffee #CafeVibes“

“It's amazing to see a chai place right across the street from the millennium Park Bean. I never would have thought in a million years. That Ginger cardamom tea really hit the spot on a freezing cold day. I make my own at home And this definitely passed the test. It was nice and packed a punch.“

“Fabulous food and service! Andrii was a fantastic server! Recommend the Pan Con Tomate and Croquettas!“

“Luxury and meticulousness are perfectly integrated, and every detail is a persistent pursuit of quality. From warm smiles to comfy bedding, everything is there to make your stay perfect. Here, it is not only a place to stay, but also an excellent choice for you to enjoy luxury and tranquility“

“Cute little place. Big portions. Not a fan of the matcha.“

“Amazing dine-in pizza spot. Unique pizzas by the slice means everyone can try something different. Their pulled pork pizza is the best slice I've ever eaten, bar none. Cheese curds are delicious too!“

“They have the best staff as a whole customer service top-tier. The thicc Sando breakfast sandwich has entered towards the top of my list. I am pleasantly surprised, but the sweet potato latte get it iced for the cold foam layer on top…very very crowded. The line move fast and workers working like a well oil machine. They were restocking the donuts while I was waiting. That’s what I love to see .This is my first time coming here, but it will not be my last..“

“Everything is delicious.“

“The atmosphere is relaxed. The service is pleasant. The Parisienne sandwich makes me realize how wonderful simple can be. I crave that sandwich. I ate it for lunch today and already can’t wait for the next time.“

“Owners were kind and patient when we placed an order at the wrong Kristoffer’s by accident. I had been to this bakery before and meant to order from here, but didn’t realize there was a very similarly named place in Bridgeport. They explained the difference to me and gave us some free goodies. We also ordered chilaquiles and a sandwich + soup, which were delicious.“

“It’s cute little coffee shop on a great spot on the corner. It has a small menu of the classic coffee options like latte and cortado, and they have 3 syrup options of lavender, vanilla, or mocha (nope, no caramel!). I forget how small the 8oz is it fits so cutely in my hand but it was a good amount of coffee for my walk home. A bit higher prices but it’s a small business supporting our community! Plenty of seating and space to study, work, or chill!“

“Good musical acts, good drinks.“

“Hexe is a Chicago based roaster offering a unique gothic aesthetic and inspired food and pastry options. The 'Evil Friends' roast is a staple in my home espresso setup, and the Lanthrop Homes based location is an excellent spot to check out, especially in the fall.“

“The food here never disappoints, as evidenced by the crowds waiting outside. You can get on the waitlist, but on the computer outside the restaurant, not on your phone, they want to see your whole party before seating you. Everything we got was delicious, even the orange juice tasted freshly squeezed. We visit every time we are in town!“

“Atmospheric spot located in a large high rise. Features coffee, breakfast, lunch, cocktails, and a small pantry with drinks and small bites.

Food was decent, but was all reheated on site, leading to the center being a bit cold. Coffee too tasted a bit off, it wasn't burnt but it fell a bit flat.“

“The overall environment is so relaxing, I could literally spend the whole day there“

“Very clean place. A gem.“

“Get the lavender Hazel coffee iced , it will put you in a great mood for the rest of the day. This is a great place with a great mission“

“Amazing food and great customer service“

“Great food for the whole family!“

“I had a lovely todo italiano sandwich. The bread was had a great crust giving it a good contrast to the fluffy but chewy body. Prices are affordable, and they have a selection of baked goods along with their breads. They do take tap to pay and cards.“

“I'm kicking myself for having slept on this place for too long. I've been coming in semi-regularly for the last few months for coffee, bagels, and sometimes donuts before my morning commute. Always delicious, staff is always friendly, and I enjoy the atmosphere. I recommend bringing your own mug if you're getting coffee to-go because they're actively trying to minimize waste. Love that this place is in my neighborhood.“

“Very well thought out menu, great service, welcoming and pleasant ambience!“

“Delicious, sparkling, clean, very friendly owner and staff! This place is a gem.“

“great cookies, stellar coffee, incredible staff. consistently high quality environment to meet friends and colleagues alike.“

“A bright and airy cafe with a lovely wall display of fresh breads and sourdoughs. We tried the cardamom bun, banana crumble, coffee, and picked up a day-old sourdough loaf. The cardamom bun leaned a bit mild in flavor, while the banana crumble was moist, fragrant, and the standout of the visit. The sourdough was slightly stiff but probably made sense given it was day old. Overall, it’s a pleasant stop for baked goods and a casual coffee break.“

“Best pie I have had in Chicago“

“Great selection of empanadas and tacos along with coffee drinks. The interior is very small but there's a patio on the sidewalk and next to the café to sit at.

The empanadas were great, crust and fillings were both superb. Absolutely worth your time to go here.“

“If you’re a match lover, RUN, don’t walk here. Every drink is handcrafted with so much care and flavor that you can taste the difference. The cozy, modern vibe makes it the perfect spot to unwind or do some work. Stephanie and her team are the sweetest; they always suggest something new and delicious. Forget Starbucks or Stan’s Donuts, this place blows them out of the water. And don’t skip the breakfast sandwich, it’s filling, flavorful, and the best fuel for the day!!🌻“

“This place is keeping me awake and fresh to get me thru my workday! I love walking over for an afternoon Sportea and potato chips. My new fave go-to!“

“First time and Wednesday will be my hang day for now on. Great vibes and plenty laid back and free spirit nothing wild. Amazing spot to chill out.“

“Kazka City Cafe is a hidden gem! The brunch menu is creative and full of flavor, and everything feels fresh and homemade. The coffee is excellent, and the staff is welcoming and attentive. The atmosphere is cozy and perfect for a relaxed morning or afternoon. Prices are reasonable for the quality. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a great brunch spot in the city!“

“We stopped by this bakery while visiting Chicago and absolutely loved it! The Chicago brownies were amazing—rich, fudgy, and full of flavor. The owner was so kind and even gave my son a free chocolate chip cookie, which made his day. Great treats and even better service! Highly recommend stopping in if you’re in the area. 🍪🍫“

“Such a dope spot, seriously unlike anything in Chicago. The design of the space, the attention to detail and just how much intentionality is in every aspect to the food, drinks and the curated music.

Also pros are if you love fashion everyone heres fits here are fire!
Definitely check out this hidden gem“

“Best coffee had to wait but it was worth it“

“Khepri duo Salad was delicious“