50 Best Coffee Shops in Chicago

“When heading towards Beverly for a property management home inspection, I wanted to find a local coffee joint that I could get a coffee and a snack of some sort. Afro Joe's was calling to me. Walking in, greeted warmly, the adventure began. If you haven't been, check the menu before you go because you will want to order one of each item! Since it was my first time, most certainly NOT the last, I needed a lifeline. Charmaine to the rescue. I don't know if I manifested or she read my mind , but when I asked which sandwich I should order instantly , she said the short rib! Boom! Done. Next up, a drink choice. Again I was not led astray. The option was a blueberry lavender cold brew topped with rose cold foam. As she was suggesting the option, Charmaine lifted the one she was drinking and again instantly sold. No chocolate croissant available since it was later in the morning but the chocolate morning roll was there and three for three, the order was placed. I already know that I have to come back, time and time again.Just walking in such a chill vibe , perfect music, everyone tables either working or chatting with a friend. The open kitchen invites you to see the hustle and bustle. The garage doors roll up onto the patio for warmer days and what appears to be local art work adorns the walls. When I tell you, this is absolutely no exaggeration, every item was on point! The short rib was so flavor forward eith the bite of picked onions, there was a side of diced pickles and onions too. Also a hit. The warm bun had some fruit nestled in its chocolatey tummy, flakes and moist with the richness of cocoa. And for the latte, cold, sweet and the flavors all complimented each other so well. I did opt for whole milk because, why not?!? I had one too many client emails and texts to be able to enjoy grabbing a book from the shelf but note, they even had the sharpest of colored pencils to doodle or write a note with. I have not one complaint, well, maybe one, I wish they were in my neighborhood because this would be a staple place to visit regularly! Until we meet again and I can get my hands on a chocolate croissant next...or any one of the other of their baked goods. Support your Local Black Owned Businesses!“

“My Saturday rest day go to delivery! Best iced mocha latte, empanada, and Cuban sandwich I've ever had... The beignets are also fantastic. 10/10 would recommend!“

“loved everything about it!“

“I ordered a Matcha Chi iced latte and it was BOMB! A comedian also came in that I recognize from LA and said hello. Super cute space & environment 🫶🏾 I also live in Springfield IL and this is my first experience!“

“Hands down the best breakfast sandwich in Chicago. Homemade bagels with homemade sausage, made to order eggs. Or you can have it on their fresh croissants which are also some of the best in the city. The dedication to quality is very apparent here. Also their hot chocolate and matcha cannot get any better. This is a must try for any Chicago foodie.“

“Fantastic from start to finish.“

“The pastries are very delicious! I have a variety of them. They are some of the best I have had in unexpected combinations. The latte I had was floral and balanced. It was a Lavender Latte. If you love coffee and pastries, you do not want to miss out on this experience. Cafe Calida has a selection that is full of flavor that is truly sure to delight. Visit them today to see for yourself. Check their hours of operation.“

“Super chill, artsy, fun place to get some coffee, slow down and lose track of time for awhile.“

“I’m in love with this place and the people working there are sweet and nice I’m addicted“

“Me and the GF had the Cruel Summer and the Expresso Milk Shake. They were both so good! Can’t wait to try others! Great place has a lot of outdoor seating as well.“

“The space is big and beautiful with lots of natural light and cool views outside! Their croissant breakfast sandwich was a nice big portion and tasted delicious. Love the location behind the Chicago Park District headquarters so you could go for a stroll or check out the park and recreational fields afterwards.“

“Fabulous Chix Sammiche!! More please...“

“Moonwalker is our favorite neighborhood cafe! They have the best sandwiches both for breakfast and lunch and such delicious lattes, the banana bread latte is to die for. All only made better by their incredible staff!“

“TARY is an absolute gem and a beautifully executed introduction to Kazakh cuisine. Recommended by a friend, this was not my first time experiencing a Kazakh menu, but it is my first Kazakh-focused restaurant and it thoroughly impressed.

The space features a clean, minimalist but Central Asian design that feels incredibly serene. One of the absolute highlights is their baked goods; they are classically very lightly sweetened, capturing that perfect culinary middle ground between Eastern Europe and Asia.

We sampled an extensive spread: the Balgyn Kuyrdak with Farmers Bread, Tary Porridge, Baursak with Irimshik, and the Cottage Cheese Pancakes with Balkaimak Cream, alongside several juices, a Cold Brew, and the highly unique Irimshik Latté. Everything was exceptional, beautifully balanced, and incredibly flavorful. Honestly, I suggest you just try it all—it is a fantastic, addition to the area.“

“Scenes was a regular part of my circuit in my late 20s/early 30s. And now, some 30 years later my daughter told me about Understudy. Finally!“

“I have been purchasing the Hard Scrabble espresso coffee beans from Whole Foods for several years and it is my favorite bean locally roasted. Visiting the shop was a great experience, having them make the same espresso shot that I make at home and it did not disappoint. We love the extra space for hanging out in the back too. Lastly, these prices appear to be from when they opened many years ago! Thank you for your efforts to keep coffee affordable!!“

“Everything is delicious.“

“Excellent coffee and empanadas, delighted owners/staff, easy street parking. Support small and local!“

“Many of our staff and friends have enjoyed Khepri Cafe. We are so happy they have a location in Mt. Prospect now.“

“I enjoyed horror trivia with my london fog!“

“Great brew!! Pancakes were the bomb!!“

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

“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.“

“My boyfriend and I visited Wake N Bakery and had EXCELLENT service from Kee. Her humor and just overall friendliness was so inviting. She was super helpful when we were looking through the menu and you can tell she genuinely cares about customers’ experiences over anything. I honestly can’t wait to come back and try more things.

The lemonade and the Banana pudding latte were amazing!“

“Can’t say enough great things about this place. The word that immediately leaps to mind when I think of it is…comfort. It’s a comfortable space with a very relaxing vibe. And old school coffee house vibe in many ways (and that’s a HUGE compliment in my book).“

“I’ve had great experiences here on multiple occasions. It’s a cool vibe overall and baseline worth a visit given the fact that it’s one of three Guinness open gate breweries in the world. Beyond that, there’s great beer & food, solid service, and ample space (which isn’t easy to come by in west loop). Definitely recommend!“

“Cute sunny corner shop in Bridgeport. Lots of plants, comfy bench seating, soft latin music, and a beautiful offrenda honoring the loved ones of regular customers. Very sweet and warm vibe.“

“If you’re looking for authentic Serbian cuisine this is it, being Serbian I’ve been dying for some cevaps and Sarma and we came here from Indiana for my birthday !!!!! Thank you we will be back!!! Friendly caring staff and off the charts yummy Serbian food 🥰“

“Had been to milli by metric a few days prior and looked forward to coming here. Vibe was very relaxing, staff was really cool, and overall just super great to be there. We don't wait long in line and got to take in the interior designs ( which are just *chefs kiss*). It was a great morning with a ham sussie, paradise bun, chai latte, with some chocolate macaron to go. The chocolate macarons were amazing and was so glad I had gotten them to eat throughout the day. Chai latte had the perfect notes and loved the contrast it had with the ham sussie that I was eating“

“I LOVE Side Practice Coffee. The atmosphere and ambience create the perfect place to chill with a fantastic cup of coffee. The staff and customers are super friendly. I come here to write in my journal or plan out my projects for the week. I always feel inspired here.“

“Delicious fresh Thai cuisine. Staff is friendly and the space is beautiful!“

“The thing that looses 1 star is the fact that early birds have no place to sit. It is beautiful inside, 5 floors of coffee goodness, exclusive merch and the whiskey barrel reserve pumpkin spice latte is just glorious.

The wait can be up to half an hour. Is it too much to ask for a bench?“

“Amazing service and vibe. The chicken pot pie is addicting. My nephew is visiting since my mom had surgery in Rockford. I picked up pot pies the last 3 Saturdays to take to Rockford and they cannot get enough.

Also, I am now officially a grits fan thanks to Bang Bang Pie 😍“

“I’ve been loving Loba’s pineapple sourdough muffins. They are beyond delicious! I’m not vegan, but these vegan pastries are life changing! I also am a big fan of their cold brew. This Christmas, I decided to try their take-n-bake kouign-amann; and OMG my family and I were IN LOVE with the Ham & Gruyere kouign-amann! I will need to reorder this again next year!! 100% recommend!“

“Best coffee shop I have found so far! Delicious matcha and pastries. The tea selection is also great.“

“What a welcomed addition to the neighborhood, small yet intimate. Fabulous food complete w/a fabulous, thoughtful staff - very attentive, always smiling!! My new go to place for authentic Greek food, aroma of fresh coffee, and exquisite orange pie. Not to be missed!!“

“10 years, and I still love them. Everything is perfect at any location. Chicago’s premier roasters.“

“clean environment, friendly staff and AMAZING coffee ☕ 😋“

“Thank you, Backlot Coffee, for letting us use our personal cups again and helping to protect the environment.“

“I haven’t tried everything in there but the coffee drinks and different juices I’ve had are really good and the staffs super nice friendly always smiling.“

“After hearing about Omarcito’s from Triple D, we had to try it. The owner, Omar, is hilarious and has a great personality. He greeted everyone as they walked up and held genuine conversations. My husband and I ordered a few different items, and we were not disappointed. The ingredients are fresh and you could tell the meat is marinated because it was super tender. This place is a must!!“

“great place to get a bite to eat and chill!“

“Love this place but the music is too chaotic and loud for me to focus during work sessions here. Great place to visit but the music choice and volume makes me not want to stay here long. Which I primarily use coffee shops as a place to work outside my apartment“

“Great little hidden gem for Indian cuisine. live the Chai tea options. hazelnut espresso Chai was especially, delicious 😋“

“The chocolate blueberry is the best ground coffee I’ve had and perfect for my French press.“

“Ordered the margherita and pepperoni and both were so good! Solid hang, amazing sauce, and great crust. 10/10 on taste/presentation. Ordered pickup, was right on time and extremely fresh. Highly recommend!“

“Good place, good atmosphere— not too noisy, but not too uptight. Great staff too.“

“The crepes are delicious and filling!“

“Needed breakfast on my way through Old Town, so I stopped into Kapej Coffee on Wells. The exposed brick walls and snug vibe inside make it such a cozy neighborhood spot. I ordered a pour over coffee and a fresh spinach pastry. The roast here is top tier, insanely smooth with big flavor. The baristas are super welcoming and move the line right along. Totally legit cafe to kick off the morning.“

“good coffee and great service!“