CHICAGO | Ah, coffee! Jitter juice. Liquid joy. Java. Joe. No matter what you call it, you likely have a special place (or two, or five) carved out in your daily routine for this life-giving substance. But where can you find the best coffee in Chicago? One of our favorite pastimes is visiting different coffee shops on the hunt for the best beverages, pastries and ambiences. If you’re of a similar mind, here are 10 places to find some of the best coffee in Chicago. Which of these have you visited? Which are you adding to your list? Did we miss your favourite? Let us know in the comments.
Intelligentsia
Established in 1995 in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood, Intelligentsia drove the concept of direct trade in the coffee industry early on. Now, the coffee connoisseurs behind the brand serve up seasonal blends across Chicago, as well as in New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta and San Francisco. Two decades since its inception, Intelligentsia now draws on each of these cities to inspire its values and personality. With six shops sprawled throughout Chicago, you’re sure to discover one near to you.
Intelligentsia
1233 N Wells Street
Chicago
Illinois 60610
United States
Ipsento
Ipsento is all about storytelling and self-discovery as achieved through great cups of coffee. The shop serves up sandwiches (named after famous authors!) and pastries alongside treats such as a Cardamom Latte or Nutella Mocha. Seeking something stronger? Head to the newer, 606 location for a beer or cocktail.
Ipsento (Original)
2035 N Western Avenue
Chicago
Illinois 60647
United States
Ipsento (606)
1813 N Milwaukee Avenue
Chicago
Illinois 60647
United States
Oromo Cafe
Do you want gourmet craft lattes whipped up by a culinary graduate? Then you want Oromo Cafe. This Lincoln Square cafe explores unique flavors for both its drinks and its pastries, and serves up some dairy-free, organic items so all can enjoyed without guilt. For health, happiness and a burst of unique flair, head to Oromo.
Oromo
4703 N Lincoln Avenue
Chicago
Illinois 60625
United States
Meddle Coffee Bar
Meddle is Dark Matter Coffee’’s first downtown location and is themed, “Psychedelegance.” We could tell you about it, but it’s better if you stop in and see it for yourself. This place will serve your coffee needs well, while also providing for your senses. Pop in for a vibrant ambience with a side of cold brew coffee (on tap!).
Meddle Coffee Bar
601 W Jackson Boulevard
Chicago
Illinois 60661
United States
Elaine’s Coffee Call
Just off the lobby of Hotel Lincoln rests Elaine’s Coffee Call, a quaint member of the Lincoln Park neighborhood. Stop in for La Colombe coffee, retro vibes and, of course, a selection of pastries. Spending the day at Lincoln Park or Green City Market? This is the perfect stopover.
Elaine’s Coffee Call
1816 N Clark Street
Chicago
Illinois 60614
United States
Gaslight Coffee Roasters
Gaslight Coffee Roasters has an in-house roasting facility set-up in Logan Square for some of the freshest cups of joe around town. Stop in for drip coffees, house-made syrups, European eats and country charm.
Gaslight Coffee Roasters
2385 N Milwaukee Avenue
Chicago
Illinois 60647
United States
Heritage Bicycles
Heritage Bicycles shines the light on simple pleasures. The 2-in-1 bike and coffee spot is a charming place to spend an afternoon getting work done or talking [bike] shop. Head in for Stumptown coffee, a variety of sweet and savory food items, the inviting retail shop or expert assistance from a bike mechanic.
Heritage Bicycles
2959 N Lincoln Avenue
Chicago
Illinois 60657
United States
Sawada Coffee
Sawada Coffee is a partnership between restaurateur Brendan Sodikoff (Au Cheval, Doughnut Vault, 3 Greens Market) and world renowned barista and latte art expert, Tokyo-based Hiroshi Sawada. The industrial space features a custom painted espresso machine, wooden ping pong table, pinball machine, and punching bag. An assortment of espresso and matcha based drinks are on offer, including the signature “military lattes”, cortados, and cappuccinos. A special range of camouflage Doughnut Vault doughnuts can also be enjoyed at Sawada.
Sawada Coffee
112 N Green Street
Chicago
Illinois 60607
United States
Osmium Coffee Bar
Osmium is the Lakeview cafe from roasters Dark Matter Coffee, and offers a range of mostly espresso based drinks, including iced coffee on tap and the popular cinnamon and chocolate agave latte and “Mayan Mocha”, which features chocolate, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and agave. Hungry folk can enjoy pastries and sandwiches from Do-Rite Donuts, West Town Bakery & Diner, and Sauce and Bread Kitchen.
Osmium Coffee Bar
1117 W Belmont Avenue
Chicago
Illinois 60657
United States
The Wormhole Coffee
When opening a cafe with a focus on great coffee in a part of town that already has several options, how do you set yourself apart from the pack? For owner Travis Schaffner, the answer was to give his coffee shop, The Wormhole Coffee, a 1980s theme, complete with an actual DeLorean out the front. Once intrigued customers walk through the door, they’re faced with an assortment of quality coffee beverages, brewed using beans from some of Chicago’s most regarded roasters. For those wanting a feed, the offering is a small selection of baked goods from Fritz Pastry along with an assortment of cereals.
The Wormhole Coffee
1462 N Milwaukee Avenue
Chicago
Illinois 60622
United States
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