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Bake - Logan Square
Bake is a cozy neighborhood bakery that pairs Metropolis Coffee with an impressive selection of pastries, pies, and cakes. Whether you’re stopping by for a flaky croissant and cappuccino or grabbing a seasonal fruit pie to go, this welcoming café has something for every sweet tooth.
Ipsento Coffee Co.
Ipsento is not just a coffee shop—it's a coffee experience. This modern, minimalist café serves some of the best nitro cold brews in the city, along with a creative menu of espresso drinks and house-made donuts. By night, Ipsento transforms into a cocktail bar, offering an entirely different experience.
Anticonquista Café - Roastery
Anticonquista Café brings ethically sourced, farm-to-cup coffee straight from the owners’ family farm in Guatemala. Their focus is on quality and sustainability, and you can taste the difference in every sip. The café is small and intimate, making it the perfect spot for a quiet morning coffee with a pastry.
Café Mustache
A coffee shop by day and bar by night, Café Mustache is a quirky, eclectic spot where you can grab a great cup of coffee in a laid-back environment. The lounge area is cozy, making it a perfect place to relax post-walk. If you’re feeling hungry, their veggie chili and light bites are delicious, and they always have fun music playing in the background.
Side Practice Coffee
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.
The Understudy Coffee and Books
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.
Colectivo Andersonville
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.
The Lost Hours
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.
Groundswell Coffee Roasters
If you're looking for a quiet, cozy café to work from or just enjoy a well-crafted coffee, Groundswell Coffee Roasters is a solid pick. The shop has a relaxing atmosphere, friendly staff, and outdoor seating that’s perfect on a nice day. Their Pumpkin Pie Latte is a seasonal favorite, and they serve delicious pastries and light sandwiches if you’re in the mood for a snack.
The Perfect Cup
As the name suggests, The Perfect Cup is all about delivering the perfect coffee experience. This café is a neighborhood favorite for its cozy ambiance, reasonable prices, and solid coffee menu. It's a great spot to hunker down with a laptop, sip on a latte, and enjoy a fresh pastry while getting some work done.
Nomad-Chicago
Nomad is more than just a coffee shop—it’s a beautifully curated boutique space where you can sip on a velvety latte while browsing home goods, candles, and coffee table books. Their oat milk lattes and matcha drinks are especially popular, and their rotating selection of pastries keeps things interesting. With a cozy yet upscale vibe, this spot is perfect for a slow morning before heading out to explore the Gold Coast.
3rd Coast Café
If you’re craving a traditional breakfast in a laid-back setting, 3rd Coast Café is the place to go. This charming, old-school café has been serving hearty breakfast dishes for nearly 40 years. Think fluffy pancakes, crispy hash browns, eggs benedict, and fresh-baked scones, all served with strong coffee and a side of friendly service. It’s the kind of place where regulars gather every morning, making it a great spot if you want to feel like a local.
Te’Amo Boba Bar - Water Tower Place
Te’Amo Boba Bar offers refreshing bubble tea, Japanese-style mochi donuts, and light Asian-inspired treats. If you’re craving something cold and sweet while shopping, their cheesecake milk tea or dalgona coffee is a great choice. The shop’s trendy aesthetic makes it Instagram-worthy, and it’s a fun stop before heading back to Michigan Avenue’s stores.
Molly’s Cupcakes
If your shopping day calls for a sugar boost, Molly’s Cupcakes is the place to go. Their Crème Brûlée and Peach Cobbler cupcakes are customer favorites, and they serve freshly brewed coffee to go with it. Plus, the swings at the counter make this a fun and cozy stop.
Espresso and Milk
If you’re looking for a sleek, minimalist coffee shop with a focus on high-quality espresso, Espresso and Milk is worth the stop. Located near the Civic Opera House, this café is known for its quick service and expertly crafted cortados. It’s an ideal place for commuters, travelers, or anyone needing a reliable caffeine boost before heading to Millennium Park.
Happy Monday Coffee
If you need a cozy café with friendly baristas, Happy Monday Coffee is a great stop before heading into Millennium Park. The seating is spacious, the vibe is welcoming, and the cappuccinos and lattes are consistently delicious. It’s the kind of place where the baristas actually remember your order—perfect if you’re a local looking for a new go-to spot.
The Common Cup
A true neighborhood staple, The Common Cup has been serving Rogers Park since 2007 with high-quality coffee and a welcoming, down-to-earth atmosphere. With a cozy, book-filled space and a menu featuring delicious quiches, muffins, and seasonal lattes, it’s the kind of spot where you can settle in for a few hours.
Charmers Cafe
This charming café (pun intended) is the perfect morning stop for a cup of coffee and a fresh lox bagel. With a laid-back atmosphere, swing seats by the window, and a plant-filled patio, it’s a great place to sip a cappuccino while getting some work done. The menu includes vegetarian and meat options, and the welcoming environment makes it a local favorite.
Engine Coffee
If you’re looking for great coffee and a cozy, homely atmosphere, Engine Coffee is a must-visit. With its modern but welcoming ambiance, it's a great stop for a quick espresso and breakfast tacos before a day of crate digging at Wicker Park’s record shops.
Varietale Bagels & Coffee
A hidden gem for bagel lovers, Varietale serves up freshly baked bagels, house-made cream cheese spreads, and strong coffee to start your morning off right. Whether you go for a classic smoked salmon bagel or a sweet Nutella-filled pastry, everything is baked in-house daily. The family-run café gives the space a warm and welcoming vibe, making it a favorite among locals.
Colectivo Wicker Park
Colectivo is a staple in Wicker Park's coffee scene, offering great outdoor seating and a relaxed atmosphere. This spot is great for anyone who wants a solid cup of coffee before heading to the record stores. While the café is sometimes crowded with remote workers, the patio is perfect for a quiet morning with a good book or a new vinyl find.
Athena Board Game Café
This unique, community-driven café isn’t just about coffee—it’s a full-on experience. With shelves full of board games, a laid-back atmosphere, and a menu featuring delicious milkshakes, parfaits, and sandwiches, Athena is the kind of spot where you’ll want to hang out for hours. Perfect for a casual coffee date, study break, or game night with friends.
Misericordia's Hearts & Flour Bakery and Café
A café with a mission, Hearts & Flour is a nonprofit bakery that supports individuals with disabilities while serving up some of the best baked goods in town. The space is bright and welcoming, with a delicious selection of breakfast sandwiches, croissants, and pastries. Their grilled ham and cheese and buttery croissants are standouts.
Mano Modern Café
Mano Modern Café is a Filipino-inspired coffee shop with a vibrant, aesthetic vibe. The ube latte is a must-try, along with their longanisa breakfast sandwich. The café is a little small but stylish, making it a great spot for light work, catching up with friends, or just vibing to good music. If you’re looking for something unique, their Filipino flavors mixed with specialty coffee make for an unforgettable experience.
Spinning J Bakery
This vintage-inspired café brings a retro diner feel with a modern twist. Known for its flaky pastries, seasonal pies, and creamy gelato, Spinning J is a great spot to grab a cappuccino before heading to a record store. The café's 1928 Liquid Carbonic marble bar and art deco furnishings make it a charming place to relax. It’s small but cozy, so grab a window seat, sip on a latte, and enjoy the timeless ambiance.
Two Shades Cafe
Two Shades Cafe is a stylish, eco-friendly café serving shade-grown coffee that supports small farmers. It’s a warm and inviting space perfect for catching up with a friend or getting work done. Their smooth lattes and fresh sandwiches make it a local favorite, and the friendly staff adds to the charm.
Muse Coffee Studio
A cozy, artsy coffee shop with a focus on community and creativity, Muse Coffee Studio is perfect for those looking for a relaxed atmosphere. The baristas are always friendly, and their rich cappuccinos and fresh pastries make it a great place to study or work remotely.
Groundswell
Groundswell is the kind of laid-back coffee shop that blends seamlessly into Fulton Market’s creative energy. They roast their own beans in-house and serve up smooth espresso drinks, well-balanced mochas, and fresh paninis. The bright, airy space with warm lighting and comfortable seating makes it a great spot for catching up on emails or enjoying a quiet moment with coffee.
Café Tola
Café Tola is tiny but mighty, and it’s a Lakeview favorite. This grab-and-go Mexican café serves strong coffee, killer empanadas, and sweet pastries—perfect for fueling up before heading into Wrigley Field. Their red spicy pork empanada is a must-try, but they also have green salsa chicken and beef options that pair perfectly with a latte.
Dollop Coffee Co. - Clarendon Food Mart
Dollop Coffee is a go-to café for locals who want a little peace before the game-day crowds take over Wrigleyville. With plenty of seating, strong espresso drinks, and a selection of bagels, donuts, and sandwiches, it’s a great place to fuel up and escape the game-day madness for a moment.
Doppio Coffee House
A hidden gem in Lakeview, Doppio Coffee House serves strong, smooth coffee with a side of warm hospitality. Their French-toast muffin is a must-try, and their cappuccino with oat milk is a customer favorite. If you need a break from the Wrigleyville energy, this cozy coffee house is a great escape.
Ludlow Charlingtons Coffee Shop
Located just a short walk from Lincoln Park Zoo, Ludlow Charlingtons Coffee Shop is a cozy, family-owned gem that offers a unique, dog-themed atmosphere. With Victorian-style dog portraits adorning the walls, it’s the perfect spot for animal lovers to grab a cup of coffee before heading to the zoo.
The Bagelers Coffeehouse
For a breakfast that pairs perfectly with your morning coffee, The Bagelers Coffeehouse is a great spot near Lincoln Park Zoo. With a variety of bagels, fresh cream cheese, and a delicious selection of coffee, this cozy shop is ideal for a quick but satisfying pre-zoo stop. The friendly staff makes every visit a pleasant one, and the atmosphere is laid-back, perfect for grabbing a coffee to-go.
Floriole Cafe & Bakery
Just a short distance from the Lincoln Park Zoo, Floriole Cafe & Bakery is a beloved neighborhood spot with a peaceful, charming ambiance. This café serves artisanal coffee alongside delectable pastries and light breakfasts. Whether you're looking for a rich mocha to start your day or a delicate latte to sip on, Floriole’s expertly crafted drinks will not disappoint.
Olor Coffee Bar
If you’re in search of a cozy café to fuel up before your zoo trip, Olor Coffee Bar is the place to be. Situated near the zoo, Olor offers a calm, welcoming environment with friendly service and high-quality coffee. Known for its expertly brewed espresso and lattes, this spot is perfect for those who need a quick pick-me-up before their zoo visit.
Printer's Row Coffee Co.
For those who enjoy a sleek, modern coffee experience, Printer's Row Coffee Co. offers a minimalist yet cozy space to get your caffeine fix before heading to the zoo. This local favorite serves small-batch roasted coffee and house-made syrups, ensuring a fresh, flavorful cup every time.
La Colombe Coffee Workshop
La Colombe Coffee Workshop offers a refined coffee experience just a stone’s throw away from the Lincoln Park Zoo. This trendy café serves high-quality coffee, including delicious lattes and cappuccinos. With a relaxed atmosphere and expertly crafted drinks, La Colombe is a fantastic spot to enjoy a morning coffee before heading to the zoo.
Elaine's Coffee Call
Elaine's Coffee Call offers a cozy nook for coffee lovers looking to get their caffeine fix before heading to the zoo. Known for its great service and cool atmosphere, this coffee shop serves a variety of espresso drinks, from rich lattes to bold cold brews. If you're in the mood for a quick bite before your zoo visit, Elaine’s also offers delicious pastries and sandwiches.
Overflow Coffee
A bit further from the bridge but worth the walk, Overflow Coffee is a great option if you want a quieter place to sit before the St. Patrick’s Day chaos begins. They serve excellent specialty lattes, iced teas, and locally made pastries. The seating is comfortable, making it a great spot to stop and recharge before heading back out into the city.
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
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All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription