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Etheria Café
Etheria Café is a hidden gem that doubles as a kid-friendly coffee shop and play space. Whether you're a parent looking for a relaxing spot to grab a latte while the kids play or just need a quiet, cozy café to unwind, this spot delivers. They serve great coffee, fresh sandwiches, and pastries in a welcoming, inclusive environment.
Pedestrian Coffee - Logan Square
Pedestrian Coffee is a small-batch roastery that’s all about craft coffee and community. Their affogato and espresso drinks are some of the best in the area, and the bar-style counter seating gives the café an old-school diner feel. Whether you’re grabbing a quick cortado or lingering over a scone and latte, Pedestrian is a solid neighborhood go-to.
Café Tola Foods
Café Tola is an explosion of color, culture, and amazing flavors. Famous for its homemade empanadas, this lively café serves up strong coffee and delicious Mexican-inspired breakfast options. Whether you’re ordering a horchata iced latte or digging into their flavorful birria tacos, Café Tola delivers a unique coffee and food experience.
Rivers and Roads Cafe
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.
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.
First Sip Cafe
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
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.
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.
Lost Larson
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.
Kopi Cafe
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.
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.
Ridman’s Coffee
A small, Black- and woman-owned coffee shop, Ridman’s Coffee is a hidden gem for those looking for strong coffee, great pastries, and a friendly neighborhood feel. This café is a welcoming space with big windows for natural light, comfortable seating, and great people-watching.
Backlot Coffee
Bright, open, and welcoming, Backlot Coffee is a great space for remote workers and coffee lovers alike. The cold brew is smooth, the pastries are fresh, and the staff is always friendly. It’s a fantastic café if you need a productive work spot or just a place to relax and enjoy a well-made espresso. The ham and cheese croissant is a must-try, and the Wi-Fi is reliable, making it a great spot for remote work or study sessions.
Big Shoulders Coffee
If you want coffee that packs a punch, Big Shoulders Coffee serves some of the strongest and smoothest brews in the area. Pair your morning espresso or marshmallow latte with a flaky scone or a lightly sweetened muffin, and you’ve got the perfect on-the-go breakfast. The minimalist space is great for a quick stop before heading to work or a morning walk along the lakefront. Bonus: They offer half-priced baked goods after 3 PM if you're in need of an afternoon treat.
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.
La Colombe Coffee Workshop - Gold Coast
For serious coffee lovers, La Colombe Coffee Workshop offers expertly crafted lattes, foamy cappuccinos, and pour-over coffees in a bright and modern space. It’s a great grab-and-go spot for busy mornings but also has a few cozy seats for sipping and snacking. While the menu is coffee-focused, they offer a selection of buttery croissants and pastries to pair with your drink. If you’re looking for a quick, high-quality espresso before hitting the shops on Oak Street, this is your place.
PiniPico Brazilian Café
At PiniPico Brazilian Café, you can start your morning with a smooth cappuccino or a rich Brazilian-style espresso, paired with authentic Brazilian breakfast bites like pão de queijo (cheese bread), coxinha (chicken croquettes), and empanadas. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, making it a great spot to study, work remotely, or just enjoy a relaxed morning. If you're looking for something different from your usual bagel and croissant, this café brings a unique South American twist to your Gold Coast morning.
Dollop Coffee Co. - Streeterville
If you need a coffee break with a side of relaxation, Dollop Coffee Co. has plenty of seating, a mellow atmosphere, and great coffee. They serve freshly baked pastries, bagels, and sandwiches, making it a perfect spot to grab breakfast or a light lunch while taking a break from shopping.
Greenberry's Coffee Co.
Located near DC’s downtown, it’s perfect for anyone looking to grab a coffee after a walk along the Tidal Basin or a visit to the National Mall. Their light and airy space is ideal for enjoying their fresh pastries, while their coffee varieties offer something for everyone, from light roasts to bold espressos.
Broadway Cafe
Broadway Cafe is a hidden gem that offers strong coffee, delicious pastries, and a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re grabbing a quick coffee before a park event or looking for a late-night spot that serves coffee and cake, this café is a reliable go-to.
Momentum Coffee
Located just steps from Millennium Park, Momentum Coffee is a warm and inviting café with a community-driven atmosphere. Their smooth lattes, hot chocolate, and light bites make it an easy stop before heading to The Bean or Maggie Daley Park. The service here is friendly and efficient, perfect for a quick grab-and-go stop before a busy day of exploring.
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.
thrd Coffee
thrd coffee is a hidden gem for coffee lovers and creatives. The modern, colorful aesthetic and inviting atmosphere make it an excellent place for a morning coffee or work session. They also serve some of the best specialty drinks in Wicker Park, with impeccable service and a great selection of espresso-based drinks.
Electric Mud Coffee Bar
Named after Muddy Waters' iconic album, Electric Mud Coffee Bar is a tribute to Chicago's rich music history. With Dark Matter Coffee on rotation, this place is a must-visit for coffee lovers who appreciate a strong cup and a good playlist. The café’s cozy yet industrial aesthetic makes it a great stop for music lovers looking for a caffeine fix.
Wake N Bakery Wicker Park
A café with chill vibes and infused drinks, Wake N Bakery is perfect for those who want to relax, enjoy a creative menu, and soak in Wicker Park’s artistic energy. Whether you’re in the mood for a caffeinated lemonade or a classic iced latte, this café provides an easygoing experience with good music and good vibes.
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.
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.
Gathers Tea Bar
If you’re a tea lover, Gathers Tea Bar is a must-visit. This compact, minimalist tea café specializes in bubble tea, Japanese matcha lattes, and fruit teas. The staff is welcoming, and the freshly brewed teas are the perfect alternative to your regular coffee run.
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.
Vietfive Coffee
This Vietnamese-inspired coffee shop is all about bold flavors and unique drinks. Their coconut Vietnamese iced coffee is a game-changer, and their Bánh Mì sandwiches and empanadas make it a great place for a coffee and lunch combo. The quiet ambiance is ideal for studying or casual meetings.
Sawada Coffee
Sawada Coffee is one of Chicago’s most unique coffee shops, bringing a blend of Japanese influence and third-wave coffee culture to Fulton Market. Founded by world-renowned barista Hiroshi Sawada, this spot is known for its famous Military Latte—a bold mix of matcha, espresso, cocoa, and vanilla.
The Bakehouse Chicago
A cozy bakery-meets-café, The Bakehouse Chicago is known for perfectly baked pastries and rich, smooth coffee. Their caramel latte is a fan favorite, and their spinach and ricotta croissant is the ideal pre-game snack. The lemon raspberry tart is a must-try if you’re in the mood for something sweet.
Elevate Coffee - Boystown
Elevate Coffee is a modern, welcoming café that’s perfect for both work and play. They serve up smooth nitro cold brew, fluffy breakfast burritos, and a solid cappuccino that keeps locals coming back. Whether you’re getting work done before a game or need a quick caffeine fix before heading to the stadium, Elevate Coffee won’t disappoint.
Pedestrian Coffee
A bright, spacious café with lots of natural light, Pedestrian Coffee is perfect if you want to sit and relax before heading to a Cubs game. The baristas are friendly, the pumpkin latte is top-tier, and the baked goods are always fresh. If you’re looking for a solid local café with an aesthetic interior and a great patio, this is the one.
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.
Coffee Lab & Roasters
If you're an aficionado of high-quality coffee, Coffee Lab & Roasters near Lincoln Park Zoo will not disappoint. Known for its expertly roasted coffee and cozy vibe, this local gem offers a welcoming space to enjoy a carefully crafted latte or espresso. The friendly staff and inviting atmosphere make it an excellent spot to kickstart your zoo visit.
Soloway Coffee
Located a short distance from the Lincoln Park Zoo, Soloway Coffee is a neighborhood favorite that serves delicious coffee and pastries in a relaxed, cozy setting. Known for its great service and quality coffee, Soloway is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a cup of coffee before their zoo adventure.
Fairgrounds Coffee & Tea
Located right across the street from Millennium Park, this café is an easy stop before heading over to the bridge. They offer a variety of coffee beans from different roasters, so if you’re a coffee lover who likes to switch things up, this is the spot. With a cozy but modern atmosphere, Fairgrounds is also a great place to warm up before heading back out into the St. Patrick’s Day crowds.
Bubblelicious
For something a little different from your usual coffee order, Bubblelicious offers bubble tea, milk teas, and specialty lattes just a short walk from Michigan Avenue Bridge. If you want a fun and Instagram-worthy drink while watching the river turn green, this is the spot. Their Strawberry Jasmine Milk Tea is a popular choice, but they also have classic coffee drinks if you’re craving caffeine.
L.A. Burdick Chocolates
This chocolate-lover’s paradise is just a short walk from the bridge and is known for its rich, European-style drinking chocolates and high-quality espresso drinks. If you’re looking for a cozy place to warm up before heading back out into the festivities, this café is an excellent choice. Plus, they offer delicious pastries and chocolate treats if you want a little snack before finding a good viewing spot.
Blue Bottle Coffee - Michigan Avenue
Blue Bottle is a well-loved coffee chain, but this location near Millennium Park makes it a convenient stop before heading over to the Michigan Avenue Bridge. If you like your coffee smooth, strong, and expertly crafted, Blue Bottle is a great choice. Their small but airy café is ideal for grabbing a quick drink before making your way to the parade or the river dyeing event.
Dollop Coffee Co.
Dollop Coffee is a local favorite for a reason—they serve fantastic lattes, seasonal drinks, and hearty pastries. If you’re in a hurry but still want quality coffee, their grab-and-go service makes it easy to get your caffeine fix before heading to the riverwalk. Plus, they offer comfortable seating if you need a break from the crowd.
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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