Chicago is known for its deep-dish pizza, iconic architecture, and brutally cold winters, but let’s not forget—this city knows how to do coffee right.
Whether you’re a die-hard espresso fan or prefer to sip on a velvety latte while people-watching, the Windy City offers a coffee shop for every vibe. From cozy neighborhood cafes to sleek downtown spots, we’ve got it all.
In this guide, I’ll take you through some of Chicago’s best coffee shops, from hidden gems to trendy hotspots. So grab your reusable mug, and let’s go on a caffeine-fueled tour of the city!
1. Intelligentsia Coffee – The OG of Chicago Coffee
No list of Chicago coffee shops is complete without mentioning Intelligentsia Coffee. Founded here in 1995, this place put the city on the specialty coffee map. Their location on Broadway in Lakeview has an industrial-chic vibe with big windows, making it perfect for sipping while watching the world go by.
What to Get: Their Black Cat espresso is a must-try. It’s bold, rich, and perfect in a flat white.
This spot is like your favorite band’s debut album—timeless, essential, and still just as good as when it first dropped.
2. Dark Matter Coffee – Coffee with a Rock ’n’ Roll Spirit 🎸
Looking for coffee with personality? Dark Matter Coffee has you covered. This local roaster infuses a punk rock attitude into their brews and branding. Their first shop, The Mothership, feels more like a rebellious record store than a cafe—and their coffee? It’s bold, complex, and anything but boring.
What to Get: Try their iced chocolate city cold brew—it’s smooth, chocolatey, and dangerously addictive.
If Intelligentsia is your favorite old-school band, Dark Matter is the wild, genre-bending artist that’s always one step ahead.
3. The Wormhole – A Time Machine to the ’80s
Step into The Wormhole, and you’ll feel like you’ve just entered a time machine straight to the 1980s. With a DeLorean parked in the back and walls lined with movie posters, this place is a nostalgic coffee haven. But it’s not just about the aesthetic—the coffee is legit.
What to Get: Their Honey Bear latte, made with honey and cinnamon, is as sweet as it sounds.
This place is like the comfort food of coffee shops—it hits all the right nostalgic notes while delivering serious quality.
4. Sawada Coffee – A Little Slice of Tokyo in Chicago 🇯🇵
If you’re into matcha or military-themed aesthetics, Sawada Coffee is your spot. Created by world-famous Japanese barista Hiroshi Sawada, this cafe serves up a mix of Japanese-inspired drinks and traditional coffee favorites. The space, tucked inside Green Street Smoked Meats, has a laid-back vibe with communal tables perfect for meeting friends.
What to Get: The Military Latte—a matcha and espresso fusion that shouldn’t work, but somehow does.
Sawada is like that cool, effortlessly stylish friend who introduces you to new things—once you try it, you’re hooked.
5. C.C. Ferns – Cozy Coffee and Cocktails
Tucked away in Humboldt Park, C.C. Ferns is the kind of place you stumble upon and never want to leave. This cafe has major cozy vibes with its vintage furniture and warm lighting, and to top it off, they also serve booze (hello, boozy lattes!). It’s the perfect spot to bring a book or chat with friends for hours.
What to Get: Their boozy chai latte if you’re feeling adventurous, or a simple Americano if you want to keep it classic.
C.C. Ferns is the equivalent of your favorite dive bar—unpretentious, inviting, and always a good time.
6. Sip & Savor – Coffee with a Community Focus
Sip & Savor isn’t just about great coffee—it’s about community. With several locations across the South Side, this Black-owned coffee shop fosters a sense of belonging and connection. The cozy decor and friendly baristas make it feel like you’ve stepped into a friend’s living room.
What to Get: Their caramel latte or the signature Peach Ginger tea if you’re looking for something different.
This spot is like that friend who always shows up with good vibes and better advice—it leaves you feeling warm and welcomed.
7. La Colombe – The Trendy Go-To
La Colombe might not be exclusive to Chicago, but its West Loop location draws in a steady stream of coffee enthusiasts and remote workers. Known for their signature Draft Latte (yes, it’s as good as it sounds), this cafe offers a perfect blend of style and substance.
What to Get: You can’t leave without trying their oat milk Draft Latte. It’s smooth, creamy, and dangerously easy to drink.
La Colombe is the equivalent of that cool coworker who always knows where the best happy hour is—it just makes life easier.
8. Metric Coffee – For the Coffee Connoisseur
Serious about your coffee? Metric Coffee is where you need to be. This small-batch roaster prides itself on sourcing top-quality beans and roasting them to perfection. Their small, no-frills cafe in West Town lets the coffee take center stage.
What to Get: Order their single-origin pour-over to experience coffee at its finest.
This spot is like a well-aged whiskey—no gimmicks, just pure craftsmanship.
There’s a Coffee Shop for Every Kind of Chicagoan ☕❤️
Chicago’s coffee scene is as diverse and vibrant as the city itself. Whether you’re looking for a cozy neighborhood spot, a trendy downtown hangout, or something with a bit of flair, there’s a coffee shop out there with your name on it.
So, the next time you need a caffeine fix, skip the chain stores and explore these local gems. After all, life’s too short to drink bad coffee—especially in a city that does it this well. Now go forth, sip something delicious, and find your new favorite spot.