Rivers and Roads Café stands out for its hiking-themed decor and friendly, community-driven atmosphere. The café offers bagels, cookies, and a great selection of lattes, making it a great grab-and-go spot before exploring Andersonville. The staff are welcoming and accommodating, and they offer vegan and gluten-free options, so there’s something for everyone.
A cozy, artsy café with a focus on local creators, Side Practice Coffee is a small but charming space where you can sip on excellent coffee while browsing local artwork. The menu features specialty lattes and pastries, and the café regularly hosts pop-ups and collaborations with other small businesses. Seating is limited but thoughtfully arranged, giving it a warm, living-room feel. Must-Try: The signature lattes and any of their locally made pastries.
This café is bright, plant-filled, and full of personality—the kind of spot that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a hidden gem. First Sip Café is known for its creative lattes, especially the ube latte and mint latte, which add a fun twist to your usual coffee routine. They also serve delicious pastries and muffins, making it a great stop for a sweet treat before heading to the nearby Swedish American Museum. Must-Try: The ube latte and their chocolate muffin are must-orders.
The Understudy Coffee and Books is a cozy spot where great coffee meets a love for books. The welcoming vibe, friendly staff, and comfy seating make it a perfect place to read, work, or just relax. Their iced lattes are smooth, the cardamom buns are flavorful, and the tomato-basil mini quiche is a must-try. Whether you're here for a quick coffee or to browse the shelves, this café is a hidden gem worth visiting.
A great indoor-outdoor coffee spot, Colectivo Andersonville offers great seating, fresh-brewed coffee, and a strong food menu. Whether you need a quick caffeine fix before hitting the local boutiques or a full sit-down breakfast, this spot has you covered. Their cardamom buns and pumpkin cranberry muffins are crowd favorites, but they also serve savory options like an avocado BLT and breakfast sandwiches on croissants. Must-Try: The cardamom bun (if they haven’t sold out!) and a chai latte.
Ridman’s Coffee is bright, airy, and filled with natural light, making it one of the best people-watching spots in Andersonville. It’s perfect for coffee lovers who want strong, flavorful brews and a selection of delicious gluten-free pastries. The café has plenty of seating, so whether you’re working remotely or catching up with friends, there’s always a cozy corner available. Must-Try: The Big Sis Special (a signature drink) and their gluten-free pastries from local Chicago bakeries.
If you’re looking for a true Swedish pastry experience, Lost Larson is the place to be. This bakery and café serves beautifully crafted Scandinavian pastries like Princess Cake, lingonberry-filled treats, and their famous cardamom buns (which tend to sell out fast). The coffee is just as impressive, making it the perfect spot to grab a latte and a pastry before wandering Clark Street. Must-Try: The Princess Cake (a Swedish classic) and their cinnamon rolls are absolute musts.
More than just a coffee shop, Kopi Café is part café, part bookstore, part community space. The cozy, bohemian vibes make it a great spot to relax with a book, sip on a rich latte, or enjoy a slice of their famous carrot cake. You can sit on the floor cushions for a casual and laid-back experience, making it one of the most unique cafés in Andersonville. Must-Try: Their carrot cake is legendary, and if you’re more of a tea drinker, their selection of loose-leaf teas is fantastic.
A neighborhood staple, The Coffee Studio is sleek, modern, and welcoming—the kind of spot where you can sip on a perfectly made cortado while getting some work done. The baristas here are knowledgeable and friendly, always down to chat about beans, brew methods, and their selection of vegan pastries. The space is bright, minimalist, and perfect for remote work or a casual coffee date. Plus, they go the extra mile with free menstrual products and a sharps container in the washrooms, making it a community-focused café with a modern edge. Must-Try: Their iced lattes are a local favorite, and the house-made vegan pastries are worth a try.