Are you looking for the best coffee shops in Chicago? If you are, you’ve come to the right place.
I have done all of the hard work for you by compiling a comprehensive list of the top coffee shops that you’ll find in Chicago.
You’ll be amazed at the options you see on this list. There are coffee shops with international brews and coffee shops that offer flavors you’ve never heard of before.
On top of that, there are coffee shops that support good causes and coffee shops where you can buy interesting gifts.
So, without further adieu, let’s take a look at the 15 best coffee shops in Chicago!
1: Sputnik Coffee Company
Let’s start with Sputnik Coffee Company. This is one of the best coffee shops in Chicago for those who are looking for high-quality coffee that has a unique taste.
Sputnik Coffee Company uses a combination of Columbian, Brazilian and Indonesian coffee beans to make the best-tasting coffee that you’ll find in the state.
The coffee that you’ll be drinking goes down smoothly and has a touch of chocolate in its taste.
All of the coffee orders are served in big, red mugs which Sputnik Coffee Company uses as a personal brand.
If you like the coffee that you receive, you can buy a pack of Sputnik Coffee Company-branded coffee beans at the coffee shop.
You’ll also be able to find these coffee beans at the supermarket. Trust me.
Once you taste this coffee, you’ll definitely be running back for more!
2: Four Letter Word Coffee
Four Letter Word Coffee may not be the biggest, but it’s definitely one of the best coffee shops in Chicago.
This is quite a small coffee shop in comparison to the other coffee shops that we’ll be discussing on this list.
\However, what it lacks in size, it makes up for in quality. You can order a variety of coffee types and flavors.
If you want to stick to the classics, you can order a traditional Americano coffee. Otherwise, you can order a foamy cappuccino.
Do you need an extra boost of energy? If you do, I highly recommend trying out a shot of espresso.
Alternatively, if flavor is what you’re looking for, you can never go wrong with a latte.
Four Letter Word Coffee also serves amazing pastries in case you start to feel a little bit peckish.
These are also some of the tastiest pastries that you’ll find in the state. Besides, what could possibly be better than a hot cup of coffee and a pastry to nibble on?
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3: Sip and Savor
There are a few reasons as to why Sip and Savor made it onto our list of the best coffee shops in Chicago.
For starters, the coffee shop serves amazing-tasting coffee that’s guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds.
You can get anything from Americanos and Cappuccinos to Lattes and Espresso shots.
Yes, Sip and Savor have quite a diverse menu that is full of coffee options for you to choose from.
There’s even a coffee that has peppermint flavoring in it. Furthermore, you can buy a coffee that has chocolate sauce on it or one that has cream on the top.
Talk about an interesting variety!
The second reason as to why Sip and Savor is one of the best coffee shops in Chicago is the fact that the owners look out for the community.
Creating job opportunities to decrease the unemployment rate in the area is one of their goals.
As a matter of fact, this is one of the reasons as to why the coffee shop was opened in the first place.
It’s always great to support a business that supports the community.
So, every time you have a coffee at Sip and Savor, you are also contributing to creating job opportunities in the area.
I’m not sure about you, but that sounds like a win to me!
4: The Wormhole
Now, here’s one of the more interesting coffee shops on this list.
That’s exactly why I believe that it’s one of the best coffee shops in California.
Yes, The Wormhole isn’t just any ordinary coffee shop. As a matter of fact, it’s a themed coffee shop.
The theme that the owners decided on is time travel. This may seem like an unusual theme for a coffee shop.
However, once you see the inside of the coffee shop, you’ll understand exactly why this theme was chosen.
The Wormhole has a futuristic look with beautiful interior decorations. This benefits the atmosphere immensely.
In actual fact, it gives the coffee shop quite a vibrant atmosphere. Don’t worry too much.
Decorating isn’t the only thing that the owners of this coffee shop are good at. The coffee that they serve is mind-blowing, to say the least.
You can browse through the diverse menu and decide on which coffee appeals to you. Once you take a sip you’re bound to have an explosion of taste in your mouth.
I guess you could say that the Wormhole’s coffee will truly take you on a trip. The question is, will your trip take you to the past or the future? Who knows?
It might be both!
5: Caffee Streets
Are you in the mood to unwind with a cup of coffee? Does the atmosphere inside a coffee shop determine whether you enjoy your experience or not?
If it does, you simply have to make a pit stop at Caffee Street.
Caffee Streets made it onto our list of the best coffee shops in Chicago due to its interior decorations and yummy treats.
For starters, the interior of the coffee shop is 90s themed. This means that you’ll feel like you’ve traveled back in time to a more peaceful time.
You’ll also find amazing-tasting coffee at Caffee Streets. Are you in the mood to stick to the classics? If you are, you can try out a traditional Americano coffee.
Otherwise, you can step things up a notch by trying out a latte or a cappuccino.
Specialty coffees are also available and they come in a variety of interesting flavors. Here comes the next best part.
Caffee Streets serves delicious sweet treats that are guaranteed to tantalize your tastebuds. One of the best treats to buy is a vegan donut. Trust me.
This is something that you “donut” want to miss out on!
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6: Dark Matter Coffee
Coffee matters. Especially at Dark Matter Coffee.
When it comes to flavor and convenience, Dark Matter Coffee definitely makes the list of the best coffee shops in Chicago.
The coffee shop isn’t exceptionally big. However, what it lacks in size, it makes up for in comfort.
Yes, this is the kind of coffee shop where you can spend some alone time with a book or study for your upcoming exam.
The coffee shop is usually quiet and has comfortable seating arrangements. You’ll also find delicious coffee here that will tantalize your tastebuds.
Dark Matter Coffee specializes in brewing coffee using nothing less than the highest quality coffee beans.
As a matter of fact, the coffee beans are what make this coffee shop as amazing as it is. If you want to take some beans home, you can do that too.
Dark Matter Coffee has pre-packaged coffee beans that you can buy over the counter.
So, you’ll be able to taste the mouthwatering sensation in the safety and comfort of your own home. You know what they say. Sharing is caring.
Thankfully, Dark Matter Coffee is willing to share its delicious coffee beans with you. What a bonus!
7: Sip of Hope
If you’re feeling hopelessly tired, head over to Sip of Hope for the caffeine boost that you need.
Sip of Hope is much more than an ordinary coffee shop. As a matter of fact, it’s one of the best coffee shops in Chicago.
The main reason for this is that apart from serving amazing coffee, this coffee shop also supports a good cause.
The owners are passionate about helping those who suffer from poor mental health.
That’s why they have taken the necessary steps to ensure that a large percentage of their profits are donated to support a mental health cause. This means that you can make a change in the world by simply ordering a cup of coffee. The coffee will definitely be worth your while as well. It’s absolutely to die for. Also, if you need help with your mental health, resources are provided on the inside of the coffee shop. Sip of Hope is all about giving hope to the hopeless. If you’re hopelessly hungry, be sure to order one of the pastries that are available on the menu. These pastries are tasty enough to blow your mind. So, add some hope to your day one cup of coffee at a time!
8: Side Practice Coffee
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When it comes to diversity, Side Practice Coffee is one of the top 5 best coffee shops in Chicago.
This is primarily because, despite the fact that it is a coffee shop, Side Practice Coffee sells plenty of other goods.
I guess you could say that it forms a part of the coffee shop’s “side practice”. You can buy beautiful floral arrangements to give to that special someone.
On top of that, you can also buy a variety of handcrafted items. So, you can go gift shopping and have a cup of coffee at the same time.
Talk about killing two birds with one stone! Are you in the mood for a snack?
If you are, I have some great news for you. Side Practice Coffee has a rotating booth that is full of sweet treats.
The greatest part is that, since it is a rotating booth, you’ll get different sweet treats every time.
This is truly a coffee shop that has everything you need and more!
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9: Moonwalker Cafe
You’ll be over the moon with excitement once you try out one of the delicious coffees that Moonwalker Cafe has to offer.
If you are a nature lover, this is definitely one of the best coffee shops in Chicago for you.
The entrance is full of beautiful ferns, flowers, and other plant life.
So, walking into the coffee shop will make you feel like you have just walked into an indoor garden.
It’s one of the most beautiful places to relax with a cup of coffee. Moonwalker Cafe is also known for having some of the most interesting coffees that you’ll find in the state.
For starters, you can order a mocha syrup latte with almond milk which is much healthier than cream or regular milk.
It also tastes delicious! On top of serving amazing-tasting coffee, Moonwalker Cafe is also a great place for those who want to have some lunch.
The main cuisine that the coffee shop specializes in is sandwiches. However, these are some interesting sandwiches.
\You can order a gourmet turkey sandwich or stick to the classics with a grilled cheese and tomato sandwich.
The greatest part is that Moonwalker Cafe has a rotating menu. This means that you can try a different sandwich every time you visit the coffee shop.
I’m not sure about you but this is making my stomach rumble already!
10: Prequel Cafe
Prequel Cafe is one of the oldest coffee shops in Chicago. The owners are also great supporters of their competition.
As a matter of fact, the coffee beans that Prequel Cafe uses are sources from the Four Letter Word coffee shop.
In my opinion, Prequel Cafe’s willingness to collaborate with other coffee shops makes it one of the best coffee shops in Chicago.
I mean, it’s always better to collaborate than to compete.
Also, since Four Letter Word coffee shop has such great-tasting coffee, you can rest assured that the coffee you order at Prequel Cafe will definitely be worth your while.
Did I mention that this coffee shop sells a variety of the best pastries that you’ll find in the area?
If you’re in the mood for a savory snack, you can buy a broccoli pastry or creamy cheddar quiche.
If none of these options tickle your fancy, you can also order a ratatouille dish. Naturally, you’ll need a sweet treat to top off your savory meal.
Thankfully, Prequel Cafe has got you covered. You can buy vanilla bean flan that tastes like it was made in heaven.
Everything about this coffee shop sounds delicious!
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11: Dayglow
If you’re looking for one of the best coffee shops in Chicago where you can find unique coffee blends, I am pleased to inform you that you’ve just found one.
Dayglow offers more than the local coffees that you’ll find at most other coffee shops that are based in Chicago.
As a matter of fact, Dayglow brings coffee from all around the world right to your doorstep. You’ll get to experience taste sensations that come from abroad.
These coffees are unlike anything you’ve ever tasted before. You can order coffee that comes from Brazil, Kenya, and other foreign countries.
On top of that, Dayglow also has unique coffee flavors that you’re unlikely to find anywhere else. Have you ever tried a sesame seed-infused coffee?
Personally, I haven’t but I’d love to try it out. There are also hibiscus and peppermint flavored coffees available. I bet you’ve never heard of those before either.
If you want to bring the world to your home, you can shop at Dayglow’s online store.
Here, you can buy the exact coffee beans that you’ll find at the coffee shop. One thing is certain. You’ll be glowing with excitement at Dayglow!
12: Bridgeport Coffee House
So, what makes Bridgeport Coffee House one of the best coffee shops in Chicago?
Well, the element that makes this coffee shop so unique is that none of its coffee beans are imported from other coffee breweries.
As a matter of fact, Bridgeport Coffee House has decided to take matters into its own hands. All of the coffee beans are freshly brewed on the premises.
So you can rest assured that you’ll get nothing less than the freshest coffee. I lightly recommend trying out one of Bridgeport Coffee House’s lattes.
These are some of the tastiest lattes that you’ve ever tasted. Otherwise, you can stick to the classics by ordering a cappuccino or a traditional Americano coffee.
The choice is yours!
13: Build Coffee
Build Coffee is the jack of all coffee shops. It has everything you need and more.
As a matter of fact, it probably offers some items that you didn’t even know you needed. Let’s start with the coffee.
Build Coffee serves a variety of amazing-tasting coffees that are bound to satisfy your tastebuds.
Most of the coffees are similar to those that you’ll find at regular coffee shops. However, that doesn’t mean visiting Build Coffee won’t be worth your while.
Did I mention that Build Coffee doubles as a second-hand bookstore?
So, if you’re looking to spend some alone time while reading a book, you don’t even have to bring a book along.
You can buy one from the bookstore on your way into the coffee shop.
Build Coffee is also quite a popular event venue which comes in handy for corporate events or baby showers.
It also has its very own restaurant where you can order a mouthwatering meal to accompany your hot cup of coffee.
Talk about a coffee shop that really has it all!
14: Afro Joe’s
If you’re looking for a delicious caffeine boost, it’s time to get up and go to Afro Joe’s.
Afro Joe’s has quite a unique layout. For example, it has garage-style roll-up windows. The coffee shop is also quite spacious.
So, you don’t have to worry about knocking elbows with too many people when you visit.
It’s needless to say that Afro Joe’s also serves coffees that will blow your mind.
Everything tastes delicious from their cappuccinos and espressos to their regular coffees and lattes. Are you feeling a bit peckish?
If you are, Afro Joe’s has got you covered. The coffee shop has a mouthwatering menu that is full of lunch options for you to choose from.
You can order a tasty panini or a chicken wrap. If you’re looking for a healthy lunch, there is also a variety of salads for you to choose from. Coffee and lunch?
Yes, please!
15: Eat Me Milk Me
Last, but certainly not the least, let’s talk about another one of the best coffee shops in Chicago.
This exquisite coffee shop is none other than Eat Me Milk Me.
If you think that the name is interesting, you’re going to be ecstatic when you see the menu options.
Naturally, you can order the usual traditional coffees at Eat Me Milk Me. However, it gets a lot more interesting than that.
If you’re not in the mood for coffee, you can order an authentic Chinese tea. There are also cultural snacks and meals that you can order.
For starters, you can order bao buns or other snacks that originate from Asian countries.
On top of that, you can get bubble tea or oolong tea, both of which come from Asian countries as well.
So, Eat Me Milk Me is more than just a coffee shop. It’s a place where you can get in touch with other cultures while getting the caffeine boost that you need.
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Conclusion
That concludes our list of the best coffee shops in Chicago. There are so many great coffee shops to choose from.
The greatest part is that each coffee shop has its own unique twist. You can try out coffee flavors that come from all around the world.
Otherwise, you can stick to the classics by ordering a locally-brewed cappuccino or latte.
Don’t forget to visit one of the coffee shops that have extra items for you to buy.
It’s always great to kill two birds with one stone by buying a gift and having a cup of coffee.
At the end of the day, you can’t go wrong by visiting any of these coffee shops. So, let your caffeinated adventure begin!
