There are more and more independent coffee cafes and roasters popping up in Chicago and the suburbs. My goal is to try and report on some of the best for you. A few years ago I bought the Indie Coffee Passport which allowed me a coffee drink at 22 participating cafes. This allowed me to find some excellent new spots in the area. Though no longer available, I just found and bought the Chicago Café Passport which lists a number of coffee shops in the city that I can now visit and report back to you. Here are my favorites:
I highly recommend my latest find, Loba Pastry + Coffee at 3600 N. Lincoln Ave. Opened in May, 2023 this is the new location of this Latina owned business. Owner Valeria Velazquez Lindsten had worked at Charlie Trotter’s and Blackbird and was able to raise enough money through crowdfunding to open her dream cafe. The focus is on her excellent pastries, bars, scones, muffins and biscuits. I had a very tasty buckwheat and honey scone and a latte. I enjoyed meeting Valeria in the kitchen and congratulated her on 2024 James Beard Nomination as a Semifinalist for Outstanding Bakery.
One of my favorite new finds is 2d Restaurant in Lakeview at 3155 N. Halsted. Opened in February, 2022, it has one of the most creative interiors of any cafe or restaurant in the city. Painted by local Chicago artist Mia Larson, the entire space is painted with black-and-white hand-drawn, comic-like illustrations or illusions. They serve coffee, donuts and fried chicken. It transports you to another world! I was so glad to have seen it featured on TV and in several articles. I had a great latte and the triple chocolate donut.
After driving by this new small Greek cafe many times, I made a point to stop in after it was recommended by a friend. Yaya Mas Greek Kuzina , meaning our Grandma, is a small restaurant at the corner of Sheffield, Willow and Clybourn in Lincoln Park. They have a menu of Greek coffee drinks, pastries, pies and other traditional dishes. 100% are made from Greek ingredients sourced directly from local producers in Greece. I enjoyed a latte and a tasty baklava for an afternoon snack. I went back for a great spinach pie and more baklava. The owner and his staff, both from Greece, were very friendly. They have indoor as well as outdoor seating on the side of the building. 1755 N. Sheffield.
Another new find is the Map Room at 1949 N Hoyne Ave. at W. Armitage Ave. I just went after reading that this popular bar is open during the day for coffee drinks and pastries. It has a warm atomosphere filled with globes, maps and travel books for reading. It was packed with people working remotely on their computers. At night is is open for beer and cocktails. It has a large menu of over 200 craft beers to try. I recently went back for a travel group function. I loved the old fashioned. They also have nice outdoor patio.
After reading about Sip of Hope Coffee, I had to go and support it. This is a neighborhood/community coffee shop that sells coffee drinks and pastries. 100% of the proceeds from the sales go towards mental health education and suicide prevention. All of their baristas are trained in mental health first aid. What a wonderful concept! 3039 W. Fullerton Ave. in Logan Square.
Also in Logan Square is the new location of Daisies at 2375 N. Milwaukee. The restaurant, known for its pastas, is open for coffee and pastries in the morning prior opening for lunch. I recommend going as it has an attractive atmosphere along with great coffee drinks, tea drinks, cookies, pastries and coffee cakes.
Ridman’s Coffee: Located at 4758 N Clark St. in Uptown, this is a small black and woman-owned coffee shop that I really enjoyed visiting and supporting this local business. The owners were so friendly and it is a great spot to go and hang out. They serve Dark Matter Coffee, Rishi tea and pastries from Phlour bakery which are a favorite of mine at The Lincoln Park Farmers Market every summer. I enjoyed my latte.
And speaking of the The Lincoln Park Farmers Market, one of my favorite vendors is Anticonquista Café. This is a local coffee roaster with coffee that comes from their family farm in the remote mountains on the border of southeastern Guatemala and southwestern Honduras. It is Chicago’s first family farm-owned and operated coffee roaster headed by Elmer Fajardo Pacheo and Lauren Reese. Currently they do not have a store, but you can buy it online or at the Farmers Markets in Lincoln Park, Lincoln Square, Logan Square and Wicker Park. I am a big fan of their cold brew during the summer months. Elmer told me that they will be opening a cafe in Pilsen in early 2025. I can’t wait to try it.
Make sure to visit Ipsento 606 at 1813 N. Milwaukee Ave. This is a hip, local coffee shop with a menu of coffee, drinks, tea and pastries and donuts. I went on a Sunday morning on a cold winter day, and it was jumping with locals. I enjoyed my latte. It is a great location as it is located at near Park 567 of the elevated 606 trail, where you can stop in while walking, jogging or biking the trail.
Bourgeois Pig Cafe is a local staple for over 26 years. They feature coffee and tea drinks plus sandwiches, salads, paninis, muffins, cookies, bagels, croissants, scones and ice cream. The old-world atmosphere is perfect for cold Chicago winters. 738 W. Fullerton in Lincoln Park.
To the east of Bourgeois Pig is a new find, Ludlow Charlingtons Coffee Shop at 2425 N. Clark. Featuring quality coffee drinks and tea, their interior has several portraits of dogs dressed in Victorian era fashion. The dogs featured in these portraits are inspired by actual sheltered dogs from Chicago Animal Care and Control (CACC). 50% of the proceeds from the sale of the merchandise goes to support he sheltered dog population.
A block north is Firecakes Donuts featuring coffee drinks and small batch, craft donuts. I really liked my Churro donut on my first visit which is one of their seasonal offerings. They also have ice cream. 2453 N. Clark.
To the west of Bourgeois Pig at 1013 W. Webster is Olor Coffee Bar which opened in December, 2021. I am glad to have a coffee shop so close to my house. They have a full coffee menu using Inteligentsia coffee as well as donuts from Do Rite Donuts and quality French pastries from Maison Parisienne. The owner, Luis, is an immigrant from Venezuela who came here and worked many jobs to be able to save money to open the shop. He wants to be successful, so I recommend helping support his business.
Another new Lincoln Park find is Soloway Coffee at 2275 N. Lincoln just south of Belden. I went on Memorial Day in 2024 when there were no lines, as it is popular and the lines have been very long when I have gone by in the past. It is a Ukrainian coffee brand started by the owners in the city of Ternopil, Ukraine. It is their first location of an international expansion. In additional to their coffee drinks, they have cookies, croissants, quiche and other breakfast dishes and sandwiches. It is a sleek, contemporary cafe with outdoor seating on Belden. I enjoyed my iced latte and a tasty chocolate mousse. I want to go back a try their pistachio croissant.
Opened in the summer of 2023, is Vigo Coffee at the corner of Lincoln, Racine and Diversey at 2800 N. Lincoln Ave.. This is an attractive, contemporary cafe featuring coffee and tea drinks along with pastries. sandwiches and some Mexican dishes. They also have a second location in downtown, suburban Oak Park at 1000 Lake St., Suite 100B . I just saw on WGN TV in Chicago that they make an horchata latte. I just tried at their Oak Park location and loved it!
Across the street at 2823 N. Lincoln is Coffee Lab & Roasters. This is an idependently owned coffee shop and roaster. I went for the first time and was impressed with the quality of my latte and the friendly staff. They also feature tea and pastries from local partners. I enjoyed the experience and suggest that you stop by when you are in the area.
Just to the south is Herb and Alchemy. Located at the corner of Lincoln and Diversey this is a cafe where they focus on coffee, tea and pastries. The menu features coffee and tea that has been blended with herbal infusions. Their goal is to provide healthy drinks without refined sugars, artificial flavorings, chemicals and additives. I enjoyed my latte and a healthy oat bar. The staff is very helpful and friendly. 1165 W. Diversey Pkwy.
As I was driving up Racine for lunch, I happened upon a fun neighborhood spot, Two Hearted Queen at 1201 W. Roscoe St. at the corner of Racine. I went back after lunch for a latte. It is an attractive cafe with a warm interior that is popular with many remote workers. Opened since 2015, it is dedicated to three simple concepts: “Coffee, Community, Culture.” Their coffee is roasted onsite.
Recently opened in early 2022 at 615 N. State St. is Café Crèmerie. This is a small cafe with lovely garden view in the back that serves coffee drinks, bakery goods like macarons, gelato and wine.
3 Arts Club Cafe at RH Chicago: If you are on the Gold Coast, stop in for a coffee at the coffee bar of this wonderful renovation and new retail concept. 1300 N. Dearborn.
North of RH Chicago is a great new find, PiniPico Brazilian Café. Located at 1538 N. Clark St. between the Gold Coast and Old Town, this is a colorful attractive cafe featuring coffee drinks, pastries and several choices of empanadas. I enjoyed my latte and the staff. I went back and enjoyed it again.
Cocoa + Co. is at 1651 N. Wells; for great chocolates, coffee and drinking chocolate. They also have pastries, croissants, quiche and other items. They carry a number of imported chocolates along with a number of gourmet chocolates. I love the dark chocolate bark with cherries and nuts!
A new find in the South Loop/Printers Row, is the Hero Coffee Bar at 439 S. Dearborn at Congress. In addition to their own roasted coffee, they serve breakfast and sandwiches. I enjoyed a great soup and sandwich before a performance of the Joffrey Ballet. I was recently back and liked the new decor with colorful murals. They have three other locations in Chicago including in Lakeview at 2950 N. Sheridan, at 22 E. Jackson and 221 N. Wells.
Located at 30 E. Adams a block from the Art Institute of Chicago is Happy Monday Coffee. This is a local Chicago coffee roaster that opened here in 2021. It is an attractive cafe with a menu of coffee and tea drinks and breakfast sandwiches. I stopped in and had a great latte before meeting a friend for lunch.
Also in the Loop is a place that you will enjoy, Big Shoulders Coffee at 311 S. Wacker Drive. They have indoor seating as well as a lovely outside patio.
The once popular Indie Coffee Passport several years ago allowed me to find:
Spoken Cafe at 1812 W. Montrose near the Montrose Brown Line station, Groundswell Coffee Roasters at 4839 N. Damen, and Metropolis Edgewater Café at 1039 W. Granville.
Groundswell also has a second location at 1168 W. Madison in the West Loop. I have been there twice and enjoyed it.
Another great recent find is Big Shoulders Coffee at 1105 W. Chicago Ave. They have excellent coffee, so don’t miss it.
Heritage Bikes & Coffee is a local chain of coffee shops with three locations. My favorite is Heritage Bikes & Coffee, a coffee shop in Lakeview adjacent to a store selling bicycles, gear, apparel and repairs. It has a wonderful atmosphere and decor with great coffee and amazing doughnuts!! 2959 N. Lincoln.
I recently went to Uptown to the historic building, known as the Lawrence House Flats, at 1020 W. Lawrence. This is a renovated apartment building with a large lounge and shared work space in the lobby. Near the lobby is the Heritage Outpost coffee shop, which has several locations in town that I have also enjoyed. I enjoyed a latte with a friend after my lunch in the lobby seating area. Heritage Outpost also has Larry’s, a small cocktail lounge across the lobby from the coffee shop. The original curved stained glass skylight in the lounge/lobby is really beautiful.
There is also a downtown location at 300 S. Wacker Drive.
Further north in Lincoln Square is Oromo Cafe, which opened in August, 2016. It is is a hip coffee shop with great coffee and a beautifully designed space. 4703 N. Lincoln.
They also have a location in Bucktown at 1912 N Western Ave.
Also in Lincoln Square is City Skyline Chicago – Coffee Lounge at 4755 N. Lincoln Ave. Opened in 2023, this is a fun airplane themed coffee shop and lounge with a large menu of tea and coffee drinks. The menu also includes macha and horchata lattes. I really enjoyed the atmosphere.
North of City Skyline Chicago at 5008 N. Lincoln Ave. is Motherland Cafe. This is a casual, contemporary coffee shop with a menu of food items and pastries as well. The owner is from Egypt and the barista from Brazil was very pleasant. I was glad that I stopped in.
South of Lincoln Square is Ritual Coffeehouse at 1821 W. Irving Park Rd. I went for the first time in November, 2024 and enjoyed a latte. This is a small, casual cafe near the Irving Park Brown Line station. It also has a large vinyl record collection which are played while they are open.
A perfect spot for coffee and pastry in Lincoln Park is Vanille Patisserie at 2108 N. Clark. They have a second location at the Chicago French Market downtown. Their macarons are excellent! The also offer afternoon tea, so make sure to call for a reservation ahead.
Another great coffee and pastry spot is Bittersweet Pastry Shop & Cafe at 1114 W. Belmont Ave. It has been a neighborhood favorite since 1993 and has wonderful pastries, cookies and more including sandwiches, soups and quiche.They recently underwent a renovation to refresh the space. I want to try their second location which opened in early 2024 in Pilsen.
Two blocks east is a a new spot that I recently visited after lunch in the neighborhood. Pedestrian Coffee, at 939 W. Belmont Ave., is a contemporary coffee shop and cafe which also has locations in Logan Square and in Andersonville (The Coffee Studio) where I went a week before. It is an attractive space with many locals working remotely there during the day. They have a full coffee and tea menu along with cookies, muffins and pastries. I enjoyed an iced latte and a great cookie.
La Colombe Coffee Roasters now has five locations in Chicago. Besides, Chicago, they can currently be found in locations throughout the US including New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Washington, DC , Austin and Los Angeles. I recently stopped in at their Wicker Park location at 1552 N. Damen Ave. near the Blue Line stop. I am also glad they opened in my neighborhood at 858 W. Armitage. I was very impressed with the quality. Another good location is their Gold Coast cafe at 4 E. Elm.
Two Loop/South Loop spots I just found include Cafe Press at 800 S. Clark which is part of the Good Eats Group and Fairgrounds Coffee & Tea, off of the lobby of the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel. Fairgrounds has a large selection of tea and coffee drinks. Fairgrounds has four locations in Chicago. This is a great location for those visiting downtown and Millennium Park
Fairgrounds has a total of four Chicago locations and one that I have enjoyed in Oak Park. I recently went to their Fulton Market location at 1330 W. Fulton Market. They have a large menu including breakfast items, sandwiches, bowls and salads. I enjoyed the staff and a great latte.
Opened in March, 2017 is Werewolf Coffee Bar at 1765 N. Elston, near the intersection of Elston, Ashland and Courtland/Armitage. It is DMK Restaurant’s first coffee bar. It is located in a warehouse district that has more and more restaurants and food offerings. Their Ada St. restaurant is around the corner. The fun part is that the barista station is made from a converted Wonder Bread truck. I enjoyed my first visit and my second!
A great new addition to the Chicago coffee scene is Colectivo Coffee at 2530 N. Clark in Lincoln Park. Located in the former Einstein Bagel shop, it has a great outside patio for the warmer months. In addition to great coffee drinks, they feature a large number of breakfast items as well as a number of signature sandwiches. They now have five locations in Chicago in addition to their cafes in Milwaukee and Madison, WI.
I just tried their other new location in Logan Square at 2261 N. Milwaukee just south of Fullerton. It is a colorful café with both indoor and outdoor seating.
Colectivo Coffee in Wicker Park is newest Chicago location at 1211 N. Damen at the corner of Division. It has a great outdoor patio for the warmer months.
I also like their Andersonville location at 5425 N. Clark.
Also in Andersonville is The Coffee Studio. This is an independent coffee shop with an attractive modern space with a nice outdoor patio. I enjoyed my latte outside on a beautiful August day. They have coffee and tea drinks along with doughnuts, baked goods and bagels. 5628 N. Clark St.
I recently found Dollop Coffee at 343 S. Dearborn in the South Loop. There are now fourteen located throughout the city and Evanston. It is a large, contemporary and bright cafe at the corner of Plymouth Court and Van Buren near the Harold Washington Library. They have a large menu including food items from sandwiches to pies and pastries. My latest shops to visit was the small cafe in the Gold Coast at 860 N. Dewitt Pl. just east of Michigan Ave.
I always like their original location in Uptown at 4181 N. Clarendon, just north of Irving Park and west of Marine Drive and N. Lake Shore Dr. It is a fun neighborhood hangout.
I recently went to Dollop Coffee Co. at 345 E. Ohio. It is a great spot to stop in while you are in the neighborhood.
Another new addition is a branch of Dollop Coffee at 150 N. Michigan Ave.
Next door to Hai Yen at 1057 W. Argyle, is a good coffee shop, First Sip Cafe. This is a fun spot to grab and coffee or tea while you are exploring the area. They have a large selection of both hot and iced teas. They also carry some pastries and food items. I particularly loved the decor with hundreds of tea cups hanging from the ceiling.
In the past I have enjoyed Cupitol Coffee & Eatery in downtown Evanston at812 Grove St. Just recently, I went to their second location in Chicago, just north of the river at 455 E. Illinois and a short walk from Navy Pier. They feature coffee drinks in addition to sandwiches, soups and salads. It is an attractive space. They also have a location in the West Loop at 135 N. Clinton.
Located in Lakeview, at 2000 W. Diversey, is the recently opened Hexe Coffee Co. I read about it in Ina Pinkney’s former Breakfast With Ina column in the Chicago Tribune. I always follow her recommendations as I have know her for many years. It is a fun spot with great vibe and design. They roast their coffee onsite with a focus on specialty and barrel aged coffee. They also have an on-staff baker and pastry chef with great results. I loved the blueberry scone. They have a number of pastries and breakfast sandwiches. I look foward to going back!
Starbuck’s fans will enjoy the world’s largest Starbucks. The Starbucks Reserve Roastery is a five story experience at 646 N. Michigan Ave. They have the Reserve Coffee Bar on the first floor; the Princi Bakery & Cafe on the second serving pastries, pizza, salads, pastas and deserts; the Experientia Coffee Bar on the third, the Arriviamo Cocktail Bar on the fourth serving classic cocktails and barrel-aged coffee beverages and the Roof Terrace on the fifth. It is very crowded on weekends so I suggest going during the. I thought the bread and pastries, baked on site, were excellent! You will also love the sleek, contemporary design that is so different that any other Starbucks that you have
Up Michigan Ave at Chicago Ave. is Ralph’s Coffee located at the Ralph Lauren store at 750 N. Michigan. The shop serves Ralph’s Coffee special blends, espresso and teas, along with pastries, overnight oats, yogurts, and sweet treats , including Ralph’s Brownie and Ralph’s Chocolate Chip Cookie. The small cafe is beautifully decorated and is a great hangout while you shop on Michigan Ave. I enjoyed my latte and the staff.
Further west on N. Clark next to Noninna is Caffè Umbria at 346 N. Clark. This is an attractive cafe featuring Italian-style drinks brewed from house-brand beans, plus baked goods.
I also just went to their larger location in Logan Square. This 9,000 square ft. Car Barn has been transformed into a café, roastery and coffee lab with a creative use of space and materials, incorporating coffee shipping containers into the design. You can enjoy coffee, pastries or a light lunch. 25 45 W. Armitage Ave.
If you are ever in the West Rogers Park neighborhood near Evanston, make sure to stop in at the Bond Coffee Collective at 7555 N. California Ave. It is a contemporary spot, located in a former bank building, with excellent coffee drinks plus pastries from a kosher bakery nearby. It is a fun place to work and hang out with friends.
With locations in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego and Washington DC, Philz Coffee now has six locations in the Chicago area. I recently went to their newest location in Lincoln Park at 2323 N. Lincoln near DePaul University. They feature pour over brewed coffee from over 20 customized blends made from high quality beans from around the world. You won’t find any lattes, cappuccinos or espressos. They also features toasts, pastries, cookies and other food items.
I just found Printer’s Row Coffee Company located at 2842 N. Lincoln. It is located close to both the Apollo Theater and the Victory Gardens Theater. They roast their coffee onsite and also feature teas, pastries, donuts, chocolates and oatmeal.
In June 2024 they opened a second location at 1400 N. Kingsbury St. This is a large 3,000 sq. space with ample seating an a roastery. I enjoyed my first visit a week after it opened.
I heard about and just went to Kapej Coffee Roasters at 1447 N. Sedgwick in Old Town, just south of the Brown Line Station. It is a warmly decorated, casual spot with a delightful owner. They feature coffees from around the world along with bagels, croissants and sandwiches.
Shoppers on N. Michigan Ave. and Oak Street should check out the small, colorful café, Joe & the Juice at. I did not realize until after I went that they are a chain of juice bars and coffee shops around the world. It has over 300 locations in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia, with six in Chicago. The restaurants serve predominantly coffee, juice, and sandwiches. It is less crowded than the Starbucks in the area. 980 N. Michigan Ave.
I also recommend Bridgeport Coffee for it’s great coffee and atmosphere at its location at 3101 S. Morgan. I went back again and enjoyed the experience.
Also in Bridgeport, I highly recommend that you try Jackalope Coffee & Tea House at 755 W. 32nd St. I recently went for the first time and really enjoyed the coffee and the hip vibe with its art and fun decorations.
I went later in the day to The Stockyard Coffeehouse at 558 W. 37th St. This is a small local coffee shop, owned by a couple and her sister who are from Mexico, but who live in Bridgeport. Here you can order a regular cup of coffee, specialty lattes, espresso shots, cortaditos and their signature drink the Mexican Mocha. They also have breakfast and brunch items. I liked their idea of offering several flights of small lattes with different flavors. These include the Stockyard Classic Flight ~ horchata, Mexican nocha, cafe de olla and coquito lattes. I enjoyed the horchata latte and visiting with the owners. I love supporing local businesses like this.
I just went to Cafe Deko at 800 W. Diversey Pkwy at the corner of Halsted in Lincoln Park. Opened in 2020, it is known for its coffee and tea, It has a warm environment with an elegant Art Deco design that is popular for locals to hang out.
Another new find is Doppio Coffee House at 3054 N Greenview Ave. near the corner of Lincoln Ave. Opened in 2019, it features a number of espresso based drinks and drip coffee drinks, along with pastries and baked goods. It was the 2021 winner of the Timeout Love Local Awards for most loved coffee shop in Chicago. I enjoyed the experience and the staff.
Located in Bucktown at 1760 W. North Ave is the Gallery Cafe. This is a small batch coffee roaster that has a food menu for breakfast and lunch. They also feature art by local artists. I enjoyed my latte and a cookie after brunch nearby.
Dark Matter Coffee has seven Chicago locations. Make sure to stop in at 2521 W. Chicago for Dark Matter Coffee’s Star Lounge. This is a fun cafe with great murals inside and outside on the rear patio. I went for the first time by chance on Mexican Independence Day and particularly enjoyed the mariachi band on the back porch. Dark Matter also has their Mothership location nearby at 738 N. Western Ave. It is a smaller cafe but contains their roasting facility.
In the East Village neighborhood close to West Town, Noble Square and Ukrainian Village is Kasama at 1001 N. Winchester Ave. It is a casual spot offering wonderful pastries, coffee and Filipino specialties. I went on a Saturday for brunch and the line was out the door. I recommend avoiding weekends if possible. I enjoyed the experience despite the crowds. They are open for breakfast and lunch Wednesday to Sunday from 9am until 2pm. It is open for coffee and pastries only from 2pm to 3pm. They are then open for dinner with a tasting menu from Thursday through Sunday. In 2022, it was named a James Beard Foundation finalist for Best New Restaurant!
Cafe Jumping Bean: At 1439 E. 18th St., this a funky, local coffeehouse and cafe that is well-worth the visit. Since 1984, it was Pilsen’s first coffeehouse/gallery featuring many local artists. The healthy menu features soups, salads, sandwiches and vegetarian options. I also was just at their second location L’ Cafecito Jumping Bean which is next to the Damen Pink Line L Station at 2010 S. Damen. It is small inside but has a nice outdoor terrace.
When in Roscoe Village I always stop in at The Bake House Chicago at 2009 W. Roscoe. I went back for the second time and had a great latte and an Argentinian cookie. They have coffee drinks, tea, wonderful cookies, croissants and pastries all made in-house and other breakfast items. They have a nice patio in front on the street during the warmer months. The owner, from Venezuela, is delightful to visit with.
Located in the Loop in the Monroe Building is the Sugary Chicago at 108 S Michigan Ave. This is a Mexican owned restaurant that features a brunch menu along with pastries, desserts and coffee. I popped in on a hot summer day and had a great iced latte and a chocolate croissant for a snack. It has a lovely atmosphere and a very friendly staff.
