10 Coffee Shops You Need to Know | Chicago Local’s Guide

There’s something magical about coffee shops. The second you get a whiff of the beans while walking up to the door, it’s an instant mood booster. You know your favorite drink is minutes away from being in your hands, and perhaps your favorite snack too. Between the music, the vibe, the friendly baristas, and the (usually) comfy seating, it’s the perfect place to pass time no matter if you have a to-do list to tackle or plan to catch up on reading. 

Coffee and cafe culture aren’t typically what people think of when it comes to Chicago, but it’s a city rich in independent coffee shops. Every neighborhood has a few go-to local haunts, and there are even a handful of Chicago-born chains like Colectivo, Intelligentsia, and Metropolis. If you live here, you have your favorite spot, likely around the corner or at least within a few blocks. If you’re lucky, you have a few to choose from.  

I have half a mind to gatekeep some of these because they’re already popular, and I want to save them for myself. But more importantly, I want to give these spots a shout-out because they deserve recognition. This list is just a start of the coffee shop recommendations we have here in Chicago. And considering this is our home, we can confidently call ourselves experts. 

Sawada Coffee in the West Loop

AURA Coffee & Roastery | 2833 North Broadway (Lakeview)

AURA is a new spot in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood serving coffee roasted in small batches, in-house, with beans from trusted farms. The space has an open ceiling and brick walls, giving it an almost industrial feel, if not for the eclectic, cozy seating. Light fixtures and plants hang from the rafters, high above the comfy swivel chairs, bench seating, and low tables. It’s a great spot to get work done or meet up with a friend. The vibe is warm and welcoming, the service is friendly, and the food is delicious. Try the Caprese Sandwich or the Mediterranean Omelette. They also have a patio to soak up a little sunshine. 

Insider Tip: Try their flavored lemonades! They’re made with fresh fruit, which is abundantly clear at first sip. The Coffee Flight is a fun option if you’re looking to try something different. It includes Turkish Coffee, Aura’s Signature Blend, and Espresso. 

Bad Coffee |  1801 West Berteau (Ravenswood)

Located in an alley off Ravenswood Avenue, Bad Coffee is a local gem a little off the beaten path. It’s another spot that offers a coffee flight option too – whoever started this trend, I’m obsessed! The space feels like an upgraded garage hangout, with walls decked out in mural drawings. You might notice a stage with a piano and other sound equipment. That’s because Bad Coffee is owned by Live Bash events, which means you might occasionally see music performances, comedy shows, or other live events after hours. Grab one of their specialty lattes like the Brown Sugar Cinnamon Latte. They’re also known for creative toasts - both sweet and savory! The avocado toast is pretty spectacular, but my personal favorite is the “Hold the Toast” with an addition of toast. Yes, I know it sounds crazy, but trust me! 

Insider Note: Bad Coffee is tucked away in a quieter part of the neighborhood, making it a great respite when the city is getting a bit too overstimulating. 

Latte from AURA in Lakeview

Hold the Toast (with Toast) at Bad Coffee

Chique°Latte  Chicago | 2643 North Milwaukee Avenue (Logan Square)

Let’s start simply: I love this place, and I wish I lived closer. A franchise that originated in Amsterdam, Chique°Latte in Logan Square has the ultimate cozy vibe you want at a coffee shop with a spectacular menu. The drinks are great, and the food is incredible. It really doesn’t get better than this. They know exactly what they’re doing. Don’t skip the pastries. The Pain au Chocolat is a personal favorite. If you’re hungry for something a bit more substantial, the Avocado Garden Toast is packed with flavor, and the Turkey & Havarti Sandwich is also a great bite. I also love the Peanut Butter Banana Power Toast for something lighter. 

Insider Tip: The pastries and bakery items are a hot commodity. If you want something specific, your best bet is to go in the morning. 

Mocha and Pain au Chocolat at Chique°Latte

Colectivo - Lincoln Park | 2530 North Clark Street(Lincoln Park)

Colectivo’s original location is in the heart of Lincoln Park, with an expansive patio versatile enough for a solo work session or a meet-up with friends. Located at Clark and Deming, Colectivo is unique because it’s 90% outdoor seating year-round. It’s a bold move for a Chicago business, but between the fire pits and roof extension that encloses a portion of the space in winter, it somehow works. It’s the ideal spot to get work done when you’re feeling low on inspiration, or desperate to get outside in between meetings. If you happen to snap one of the few indoor seats, the windows are massive, bringing in lots of natural light. 

Colectivo has killer breakfast sandwiches, so come hungry! Looking for a more traditional lunch? The Avocado BLT is a must-try. They also have seasonal specials, so if you ever get a chance to try the tomato soup, get it while you can. Their coffee is also solid - no matter how many times you go, you’ll never be disappointed. And if you like to be a little more adventurous with your drinks, they get really creative with seasonal flavors. Colectivo has expanded since opening its original location in Lincoln Park, so don’t be surprised if you see them pop up on another list in a different neighborhood!

Insider Tips: This is a local hotspot, so don’t be surprised if it’s packed when you arrive. The crowd does thin out at certain times during the day, but it’s often crowded. Make sure you charge up before heading over. Patio seating makes the outlet situation a bit tricky. 

Colectivo-Lincoln Park Entrance

Colectivo-Lincoln Park Patio

Hexe |  2000 West Diversey Parkway (West Lakeview)

Hexe is what happens when your weird friends decide to open a business together. Mixing a love of coffee with quirky, weird stuff, I feel pretty confident in saying there aren’t many places out there like Hexe. First and foremost, it’s a super welcoming, inclusive place with some of the friendliest staff you’ll ever meet. The patio is spectacular, with plenty of seating and string lights that keep it lively when the sun sets early. There’s quite a bit of seating inside as well, and you might notice lots of witchy, emo/goth-esque decor. It’s a place that embraces the woo, and we absolutely love that about Hexe. You can see it in the branding, the artwork, and the merch too.

Hexe roasts all their own coffee beans in-house and is known for unique specialty blends like the “Boneshaker Bourbon,” made with bourbon-barrel-aged coffee beans (and yes, it’s non-alcoholic!). The Biscuit Egg & Cheddar Sandwich is one of the best breakfast sandwiches you’ll ever have, and their selection of baked goods is out of this world. They have gluten-free options as well, including a cheddar-and-jalapeño scone that will have you questioning whether you really need gluten. The giant chocolate chip cookie (not GF) is also something I dream about. 

Insider Tip: Ask for an affogato. You won’t be disappointed! 

Hexe Patio in West Lakeview

Mural inside Bad Coffee in Ravenswood

Layla & Ringo’s | 914 North Wells Street (Near North Side)

Part market, part coffee shop, Layla & Ringo’s is a really cute gem on the edge of downtown Chicago's Near North neighborhood. They identify as a neighborhood grocery and eatery, selling a variety of items, from snacks and grab-and-go meals to books, mugs, kitschy items, souvenirs, and more. The cafe portion offers a wild selection of specialty coffees, teas, and craft beverages. Grab a bakery item, or dig into something heartier like the Breakfast Burrito or Smoothie Bowl. Some of their more distinctive drinks include the indulgent Neapolitan Latte, made with dark chocolate, vanilla, strawberry cold foam, and ice cream sandwich crumble, and the Milk & Cookies Cold Brew, featuring a chocolate chip cookie cold foam. 

Insider Tip: Seating is limited, so be prepared to browse the market until something opens up.

Oromo Cafe | 4703 North Lincoln Avenue (Lincoln Square)

Located near Lincoln Square’s version of a neighborhood town square, Oromo is one of my personal favorite coffee shops in Chicago. They specialize in craft lattes and a nutrient-forward food menu. Their lattes are delicious, and they also offer a traditional Turkish Coffee experience complete with Turkish delights. As for the food, where do I begin? From the bakery, try the Kale & Feta Acma, Baklava with Chocolate, or Spiach + Feta Pie. The Kale Acma is a go-to of mine. The Goat Cheese, Cucumber, and Avocado Bagel Sandwich is surprisingly satisfying, and I’ve wanted to try the Goat Cheese + Honey Bagel Sandwich for a while. I recently had the Beet Hummus Sandwich and was blown away by both the stunning presentation and the flavor. I’ve clearly been here a few times.

Insider Tip: Oromo is a true local favorite, but the downside is that there’s limited seating. Be prepared to arrive to a packed house. If you can’t find a seat, just walk a little farther up Lincoln to the square center. There are lots of benches where you can sit and enjoy your order. 

Beet Hummus Sandwich at Oromo

Patio at Hexe in West Lakeview

Ritual Coffee | 1821 West Irving Park Road (North Center)

You know it’s a neighborhood hotspot when they don’t need a website or to be active on social media! Ritual is an independently owned coffee shop that makes many of its bakery items in-house (if not all of them) and serves your classic list of craft coffee, espresso, and tea beverages. Their baked goods range from bagels to cookies, mini loaves, biscotti, and more. On the weekends, you can often get a Liege waffle (a crunchy, caramelized Belgian waffle), one of my favorite treats, though elusive it can be. 

One of the things that makes Ritual unique is its extensive vinyl collection. You won’t be hearing a playlist from Spotify at this hidden gem. Oh no. Records play on vinyl all day, every day. Feel free to browse their selection and make a request! They also have a really cute patio that’s tucked in the back. You wouldn’t know it’s there if you didn’t look for it. 

Insider Tip: They don’t serve decaf espresso, so don’t even ask. If you want something a little more hearty to eat, they offer egg sandwiches on a bagel, as long as they still have one available.  

Sawada Coffee | 112 North Green Street (West Loop)

Located across the street from Soho House Chicago, this is one of the most un-coffee shop-like coffee shops. It’s a funky spot from renowned barista and latte art master Hiroshi Sawada in the West Loop that locals would prefer to keep hidden. Located in a loft building, the coffee shop isn’t that large, but it feels massive as it flows into Green Street Smoked Meats, which extends pretty far back. Order from Sawada’s curated menu of craft espresso and matcha drinks, along with select pastries and doughnuts from Doughut Vault. Sawada’s signature drink is the “Military Latte,” combining matcha, vanilla, espresso, and cocoa powder with milk (non-dairy options available). 

Insider Tips: Pay attention when you arrive to find the door. It’s easy to miss as it’s covered in stickers and graffiti-style writing. Also, beware the blinding sun at the window seat in the morning. 

Patio at Ritual in North Center

Sawada Coffee in the West Loop

TARY | 111 West Illinois Street (River North)

Located in the heart of Chicago’s downtown River North neighborhood is a Kazakh cafe. TARY celebrates Central Asian culinary traditions. According to their website, tary is “a rare, gluten-free superfood packed with essential micro and macro elements, harvested from the golden steppes of Kazakhstan.” While they specialize in tea, they also have a standard menu of coffee and espresso beverages, along with seasonal drinks including cold brew and matcha. 

The Oat Shaken Espresso is a great afternoon pick-me-up, and they make a really great cappuccino as well. From the menu, I recommend the Baursaq (fresh dough bites), the Scrambled Eggs on Brioche, or one of their salads. Everything you order is presented beautifully, and the space is bright and airy. It’s a great spot for a peaceful breakfast or lunch, to meet up with friends, or get some work done. 

Insider Tip: The staff are friendly and will help you navigate the menu if you need recommendations or clarification.

TARY in River North