From lattes to macchiatos, there is simply no better way to start your morning than with a freshly brewed cup of joe. Whether you’re looking for a local roaster or a specially curated blend, here are our picks for the best coffee shops in Chicago.
2601 W. Leland Ave. / Website
A Lincoln Square institution since 1994, this local coffee spot has garnered a loyal following for its java creations made with directly traded, organic specialty coffees plus crave-worthy bagels, croissants and other baked goods, all with an eye toward environmentally friendly and zero-waste practices.
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3101 S. Morgan St. / Website
Since opening its doors in 2004, this South Side coffee shop has continued to please visitors and locals alike. Partnering directly with growers, it strives to provide customers with the finest quality coffee beans, whether they buy a bag in-store or sign up for a subscription service. In the cafe, choose from a variety of traditional favorites such as the matcha cordado or the coffee of the day.
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1439 W. 18th St. / Website
Owner Eleazar Delgado has kept this cafe a neighborhood classic for nearly three decades. This shop is known for its colorful decor, local artwork and signature sips such as the Chocolate Mexicano and the Screaming Bean. A variety of sandwiches, from the classic Cuban to the lox bagel, are available to snack on while enjoying the ambiance.
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2823 N. Lincoln Ave. / Website
Independently owned coffee shop Coffee Lab highlights espresso-based drinks and coffee crafted with certified fair-trade beans, freshly roasted by BCBC Coffee Roasters. Visit to try specialties like the spot’s bestselling cold brew (also known as Kyoto iced coffee or Dutch coffee), the “Chagaccino" with immunity-boosting chaga mushroom-based powder by Renude and double shots of espresso crafted with the Coffee Lab Genesis blend.
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Multiple locations / Website
From flat whites and macchiatos to cardamom honey lattes and cold brew “oat-chatas,” this fast-expanding outfit scores with appealing java drinks plus an extensive food and bakery menu—ranging from the famous chorizo burritos to Baja bowls with a vegetarian option.
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Multiple locations / Website
Dedicated to fair trade, sustainability and social responsibility, this company aims to give back to communities across the city and beyond at eight different locations. Dark Matter Coffee is spreading the gospel of incredible java and embracing innovation with methods like barrel aging, cask conditioning and more.
Multiple locations / Website
This beloved homegrown hangout from Michael Salvatore has grown from one location to three and scores with a unique combination of handcrafted bicycles and dedicated coffee culture, serving up pour-overs, cortados, cappuccinos and lattes and more.
Multiple locations / Website
The OG of serious Chicago coffee shops, this outfit has gone from a single cozy cafe in Lakeview to a major player on the national java scene thanks to its dedication to quality and reputation for turning out some of the nation’s best baristas. Buy beans by the bag, pop by for a class or grab an expertly brewed beverage at one of its local locations.
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1813 N. Milwaukee Ave. / Website
Ipsento is named for the Latin roots “ipse", meaning self, and “sentio", meaning discover. Whether sitting down to enjoy their signature oak milk draft latte or snacking on miniature donuts, self-discovery is sure to happen at this Bucktown favorite.
Multiple locations / Website
Cameroon native Jacques Shalo has given a welcome jolt of caffeine and a vibrant sense of social awareness to Chicago with these welcoming destinations, which serve up coffee drinks using beans prepared with Shalo’s patented air roasting technique and support local and national causes dedicated to eradicating systemic racism.
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1039 W. Granville Ave.; 3057 N. Rockwell St. / Website
Family-owned since 2003, this renowned local roastery and coffee has wholesale customers across the U.S. and Canada, but none more loyal than the caffeine aficionados at its Edgewater outpost, where expert baristas serve up everything from seasonal sips to classic preparations.
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6046 N. Avondale Ave. / Website
Although this LGBTQ+IA, Latina-owned Norwood Park café is fall-themed, fans can enjoy seasonal barista favorites year-round, long after pumpkin spice season has ended. Java aficionados can treat themselves to October Café’s "We Fell in Love in October" fall flight, featuring the Maple Forest latte with maple syrup, the signature pumpkin spice latte, the Cuddle Weather hot chocolate and the Cozy VP chai latte.
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5751 S. Woodlawn Ave. / Website
In a charming location next to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Robie House on the University of Chicago campus, this relaxed, French atelier-inspired spot has gained scores of fans for its superior coffee drinks (made with a rotating roster of artisanally roasted beans) and toothsome menu, which offers everything from mascarpone-stuffed French toast to veggie-friendly tartines and baguettes.
112 N. Green St. / Website
Coffee maestro Hiroshi Sawada heads up this Fulton Market destination, where hipsters sip on the oh-so-Instagrammable signature matcha-spiked “military latte” and nibble on Doughnut Vault sweets.
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This spot has something in store for coffee lovers and thespians alike, with over 3,500 plays, technique books and other titles on display, plus a menu of caffeinated sips and fresh pastries. Cozy up with a good book and get your morning or afternoon pick-me-up with The Understudy’s flavored lattes, mochas, espresso shots, nitro brews, Americanos and more.
See more: The 23 Best Brunch Spots in Chicago
Photography by: Sawada Coffee photo by Tara White; all other photos courtesy of restaurants; header photo by Alvarez / Getty Images
