Chicago, a city known for its deep-dish pizza and blues music, also boasts a thriving coffee scene. From cozy neighborhood cafes to trendy, Instagram-worthy spots, Chicago offers a diverse range of coffee shops to satisfy every caffeine craving. This guide highlights 23 of the best brew coffee shops in Chicago, categorized for easy navigation.
Best Overall Brew Coffee Experiences in Chicago
This section features coffee shops that consistently deliver high-quality coffee, excellent service, and a pleasant atmosphere. They represent the best of what Chicago's coffee scene has to offer.
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Intelligentsia Coffee: A Chicago institution, Intelligentsia is known for its meticulous sourcing and roasting of beans. Their cafes offer a consistently excellent cup, whether you prefer espresso or pour-over. They're committed to ethical sourcing and sustainability, a plus for the conscious consumer. Pro-tip: Try their seasonal single-origin offerings.
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Dark Matter Coffee: This roastery and cafe chain is a favorite among Chicagoans for its bold and flavorful roasts. Their cafes are often bustling with activity, making them great places to people-watch and enjoy a strong brew. They also offer a wide selection of brewing methods. Look for their limited-edition blends.
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Sawada Coffee: This hidden gem prioritizes precision and quality. They emphasize direct trade relationships with farmers, ensuring fair prices and superior beans. Expect a knowledgeable and friendly staff who are happy to talk you through their offerings. Their pour-overs are not to be missed.
Best for Specialty Coffee & Brewing Methods
These coffee shops showcase unique brewing methods and exceptional expertise in coffee preparation. They are perfect for the coffee enthusiast seeking a truly special experience.
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Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!: While known for its tapas, this Spanish restaurant also boasts an excellent coffee program. They use high-quality beans and offer a range of brewing methods, from traditional espresso to pour-overs. Pair your coffee with a delicious tapas plate for a complete experience.
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Dollop Coffee Company: Dollop Coffee takes pride in providing a wide array of brewing methods, ensuring you get the perfect cup for your preferences. They often host coffee cuppings and educational events for coffee aficionados. Consider participating in one of their cuppings to expand your knowledge.
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Wormhole Coffee: Known for its unique atmosphere and commitment to quality, Wormhole Coffee offers a variety of brewing methods. Their knowledgeable baristas can guide you through their selections. The cafe's quirky design adds to the unique experience.
Best for Atmosphere & Ambiance
Beyond the coffee, these locations offer captivating atmospheres perfect for work, relaxation, or socializing.
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Ipsento Coffee: With multiple locations across the city, Ipsento provides a consistently pleasant and welcoming atmosphere. Their cafes are bright, airy, and perfect for catching up with friends or getting some work done. Great spot for a casual meet-up.
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Grabbing Coffee: This charming cafe features a cozy and inviting atmosphere, ideal for a quiet escape or a catch-up with a friend. Their commitment to community involvement adds to their appeal. Check their events calendar for local happenings.
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Kickapoo Coffee: Known for its eclectic atmosphere and commitment to fair trade, Kickapoo Coffee creates a welcoming and relaxed environment. Their outdoor seating is particularly enjoyable during warmer months.
Best for Coffee and Food Pairings
These locations combine delicious coffee with appealing food options, creating a delightful culinary experience.
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Do-Rite Donuts & Coffee: This beloved Chicago institution pairs delectable donuts with expertly brewed coffee. It’s a perfect spot for a sweet treat and caffeine fix. The unique donut flavors are worth exploring.
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Stan's Donuts & Coffee: Similar to Do-Rite, Stan's offers a delightful combination of coffee and creative donuts. Their location and hours vary, so check their website.
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La Colombe Coffee Roasters: La Colombe is known for its high-quality coffee and trendy aesthetic. Their cafes offer light bites and pastries, complementing their coffee perfectly. Try their signature Draft Latte!
Best Neighborhood Coffee Shops
These neighborhood gems offer a local feel and a friendly atmosphere. They are perfect for experiencing the unique character of different Chicago neighborhoods.
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The Wormhole Coffee: Located in Wicker Park, this unique coffee shop offers a cozy and intimate setting.
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Gaslight Coffee Roasters: A Logan Square favorite known for its consistently good coffee and friendly staff.
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Fairgrounds Coffee: With locations across the city, Fairgrounds offers a comfortable environment in various neighborhoods.
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Hopleaf Bar: This bar also happens to be a haven for coffee lovers with great brew. The beer selection is great too.
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Bow Truss Coffee Roasters: Multiple locations offer a consistent experience across neighborhoods.
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Black Bear Coffee: A local favorite with several locations around the city offering a consistent high-quality brew.
Coffee Shops with Unique Features
These coffee shops stand out for unique aspects beyond their coffee quality, such as their atmosphere, offerings, or community involvement.
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Chicago French Press: Specializes in French Press coffee and emphasizes a relaxed atmosphere.
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Cà phê Saigon: Specializes in Vietnamese coffee, providing a unique cultural coffee experience.
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Mochaca: Focuses on ethical and sustainable sourcing practices. Their commitment to social responsibility is commendable.
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Wildberry Pancakes & Cafe: Known for its delicious pancakes and a wide selection of coffee drinks. (A nice treat).
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Blue Bottle Coffee: A well-known roastery with a stylish cafe experience.
Conclusion: Your Chicago Coffee Adventure Awaits!
This list provides a starting point for your exploration of Chicago's diverse and exciting coffee scene. Each coffee shop offers a unique experience, catering to different tastes and preferences. So grab your favorite mug and embark on a caffeinated adventure through the Windy City! Remember to check each location's hours and offerings before your visit. Happy caffeinating!
