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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.
Allez Café
A small, cozy café with a great selection of pastries and matcha drinks, Allez Café is a fantastic stop for a quick breakfast after a workout. The friendly staff and relaxed atmosphere make it a great place to start your day. Their breakfast sandwiches are highly rated, and if you’re a fan of smooth lattes, their matcha latte is one of the best in the neighborhood.
Café Calida
A hidden gem in Bucktown, Café Calida is a great place for cappuccinos, chai, and fresh pastries. The inside is warm and inviting, with lush green plants and big windows that let in plenty of natural light. If you’re looking for a peaceful place to sit down after a long walk, this café is a great choice. Their fresh donuts and warm croissants pair perfectly with a steaming hot coffee.
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.
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.
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.
Ka Café
Ka Café is a laid-back coffee spot with a mix of Western and Asian influences, making it a unique place to grab breakfast or lunch. Their Thai Iced Tea is a fan favorite, and the chicken and rice dish is a great option if you want something more filling. The café is small but cozy, with a welcoming ambiance that makes it easy to settle in with a book or a laptop.
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.
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.
Dollop Coffee Co. - Gold Coast
Dollop Coffee is a Gold Coast staple known for its strong brews, locally roasted beans, and a solid breakfast lineup. Whether you’re grabbing a freshly baked bagel, a buttery croissant, or a hearty breakfast sandwich, this spot delivers simple, high-quality eats to pair with your morning latte or espresso. With plenty of seating and a relaxed vibe, it’s also a great spot to catch up on emails or chat with friends before a busy day.
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.
Rogers Park Taproom & Coffee House
If you’re looking for a study spot by day and a cozy pub by night, this hybrid coffee house and taproom has you covered. During the day, enjoy their smooth lattes and fresh pastries in a relaxed, plant-filled setting perfect for working. Then, when the sun sets, the space transforms into a chill bar with craft beer and happy hour specials—ideal for unwinding after a long study session.
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.
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.
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.
Milk & Honey Cafe
A classic brunch and coffee spot in Wicker Park, Milk & Honey Café is the perfect place to grab a light breakfast before heading out to browse records. Their huevos rancheros and French toast are crowd favorites, and their coffee pairs perfectly with their fresh-baked pastries.
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.
Gallery Café
For those who love art and music, Gallery Café is a must-visit. This coffee shop doubles as an art gallery, making it a perfect place to get inspired while sipping on an oat milk latte. It’s got a laid-back atmosphere, friendly staff, and plenty of seating, making it a great place to chill before heading out to explore Wicker Park's indie music scene.
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.
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.
La Colombe Coffee Workshop - West Loop
La Colombe is a household name in specialty coffee, and the Fulton Market location doesn’t disappoint. The modern, minimalist space offers expertly crafted lattes, cold brew on tap, and their signature Draft Latte. Service is fast and friendly, and whether you’re grabbing a quick espresso before work or catching up with a friend over cappuccinos, this spot is a go-to for many Chicagoans.
Metric Coffee
Metric Coffee is a modern, industrial-chic café known for its house-roasted beans and expertly crafted brews. Located in Fulton Market, this spot is a favorite among coffee purists who appreciate high-quality espresso and thoughtfully sourced beans. The patio seating makes it a great place to enjoy a morning cappuccino or cold brew.
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.
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.
Cafe Deko
If you’re seeking a cozy and welcoming spot to start your zoo day, Cafe Deko is just the place. With its 1930s-inspired Art Deco theme, this charming café offers a quiet escape before you visit the Lincoln Park Zoo. Known for its smooth lattes and light bites, Cafe Deko combines great coffee with a warm, stylish ambiance.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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