Need a Pick Me Up? Stop By These Chicago Coffee Shops For an Extra Caffeine Boost ☕📚💻

You’re a busy person. You wake up early in the morning, get dressed, sit through traffic, maybe even go to the gym, all before finally arriving at work. After hustling all morning, you are going to need a cup of coffee to help kick start your day. Whether you are a writer who needs a new place to open up to start writing your latest draft or whether you want to become better acquainted with a colleague outside of work, you need a coffee shop that serves only the best coffee to help you kickstart your day. Keep reading to find out the location of some of the best coffee shops in Chicago. 

Need to find a gift for the coffee-lover in your life? Buy them a GiftYa eGift card. GiftYa cards are perfect for any occasion, including birthdays, graduations, or just because you want to show appreciation for someone special in your life! They can be used at any of the coffee shops listed below. This gives your loved one the perfect opportunity to try out different coffee shops around Chicago before finding their go-to place. 

1. Cafecito

Dine at One of the Best Cuban Coffee Houses in Chicago

📍 215 E Chestnut Street Streeterville | North Side | cafecitochicago.com

Located in the heart of the Loop, Cafecito offers up cups of fresh Cuban coffee and plates of savory food that are unmatched by any other coffee shop in the city! The second a customer walks inside, they are surrounded by the sounds and aromas of Latin America. Cafecito only uses fresh, all-natural ingredients, so customers can savor the true flavors of their dishes. Cafecito offers dining options for breakfast and lunch. 

The cafe also hosts Palladium night every Wednesday. Guests can take a free lesson to start off the night before finishing with a full Cuban meal.

“Perfect 5 stars! Such a neat little restaurant in a great location. We had the LaCosta and Jamon sandwiches. The bread was so soft and not greasy at all. The size was perfect and everything tasted so fresh. Service was fast and food was delivered to our table very quickly.” - Yelp review

2. Do-Rite Donuts & Coffee

Treat Yourself to a Donut at One of the Best Coffee Shops in Chicago! 

📍 50 WRandolph Street | The Loop | doritedonuts.com

For years, donut lovers have flocked to Do-Rite for their unique and creatively- fashioned donuts. Customers can choose from delicious options such as: Candied Maple Bacon, Michigan Apple Fritter, Pistachio-Meyer Lemon, and Blueberry Crumb, and more. Gluten-free and vegan options are also available. Donuts are made every hour throughout the day, so that customers can be sure they are receiving the freshest donuts possible. 

“MESSAGE TO ALL FELLOW VEGANS - when traveling to Chicago please be sure to check out Do-Rite Donuts!!! Literally such an amazing experience. It's very traditional American stand up counter and presents itself in the most humble of ways, yet the doughnut experience was definitely one for the books.” - Yelp review

3. The Wormhole Coffee

Sip on Coffee Roasted by the Best Artisans in Chicago!

📍 1462 N Milwaukee Avenue | Wicker Park | thewormhole.us

The Wormhole Coffee shop serves only the best coffee, roasted by the top artisans in the Chicago bean community. The coffee shop offers seasonal specialties, as well as, a weekly rotation of new espresso and java options. Vegan pasties are also available for purchase. 

As you walk throughout the cafe, you will notice a wide array of 1980’s artifacts and Star Wars figures. They even have a life-sized replica of the DeLorean car from the film Back to the Future.

“This is one of the coolest coffee shops in the city. First, the coffee is awesome. They do the basics very well, and have a wide variety of interesting and creative coffee and tea drinks.” - Yelp review 

Buy a gift Card to Dunkin 

4. Sawada Coffee

Choose From a Selection of Japanese-Inspired, Handcrafted Coffee

📍 112 N Green Street | West Loop | Sawadacoffee.com 

Sawada Coffee is owned and operated by Hiroshi Sawada, a world-renowned barista and latte art expert. Under his careful eye, expertly crafted espressos and matcha drinks are served daily. Their most popular items include: military lattes, cortados, cappuccinos, and boozy steamers. Customers usually order a Doughnut Vault to accompany their drink. Classic Buttermilk, Triple Chocolate, and Salted Caramel are a few of their most popular flavors. 

“I have been meaning to come here after seeing beautiful and enticing Instagram posts from a coffee-aficionado friend endorsing the establishment. The two drinks we ordered surpassed even my expectations! The black camo latte (hojicha with a shot of espresso) and military latte (matcha with a shot of espresso) were equally delectable; the black camo latte was richer and the military latte was light and delicious.” - Yelp review

5. Dark Matter Coffee Star Lounge Coffee Bar

Stop by For a Coffee at This Retro-Fitted Coffee Bar

📍 2521 W Chicago Avenue | West Town | darkmattercoffee.com

Good vibes and a communal soul are a hallmark of this popular Chicago cafe. In a world overrun by technology, the Dark Matter Coffee Star Lounge Coffee bar seeks to ground every visitor that walks through its door. Whether it is through their unique, retro decorations or carefully brewed coffee, the cafe hopes to create a sense of community amongst its visitors. 

The shop is also devoted to partnering with organizations such as: the Fair Trade Alliance and the Rainforest Alliance to promote sustainability. They have also partnered with farmers in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Mexico. This allows them to directly source their beans from the plant to your cup. 

“The hype is real. This place is really good and soooo cozy. I have heard good things about this cafe for a while and when my friend wanted to meet here I was excited.” - Yelp review 

6. Oromo Cafe Bucktown 

Stop in at Oromo Cafe, and Get Breakfast and Coffee to Help Energize Your Day!

📍 1912 North Western Avenue | Bucktown | oromocafechicago.com 

At Oromo Cafe, the employees are dedicated to crafting lattes that embody: creativity, innovation, and originality. They use “house made nut milks and nutrient-dense confections that are free of refined sugars, dairy, eggs, and gluten, as [they] inspire to nurture the health of your mind and body in new and exciting ways.”

Some of the amazing coffee options on their menu include: Double Espresso, Shakerato, Latte, Cortado, Cappuccino, Cold Brew Coffee, Hot Chocolate, Masala Chai Tea Latte, Chaca Chai Latte, and more. Interested in some food as well? Choose from sandwiches such as: Pistachio and Mint Pesto Panini, Caprese Panini, and Beet Hummus and Avocado. You can also order Beet Hummus and Goat Cheese Toast  as small plate options. 

“Best vibes and amazing location in Bucktown. You must try their avocado, pesto, and egg bagel for breakfast. SO MUCH FLAVOR. Best Turkish coffee in Chicago as well. All lattes are fireee. - Yelp Review 

Spending the day in Chicago and want to know all the cool stuff to do around the city? Check out this helpful guide about fun things to do in Chicago. 

7. Kopi Cafe

A Traveler’s Cafe Tucked Away in the City of Chicago

📍 5317 N Clark Street | Andersonville | kopicafechicago.com

The idea for creating Kopi Cafe was inspired by the owner’s passion for travel, as well as, the culture of Southeast Asia. House coffee, Mexican hot chocolate, Viennese coffee, Thai iced tea, and Irish coffee are some of their most popular items. If you stop by in the evening, make sure you check out their beer and wine menu. 

Along with its extensive menu of coffee and pastries, Kopi Cafe offers a small section of unique items. The boutique area functions as a treasure trove for items hailing from around the world. Earrings, books, scarves, and art can be found there. 

“What a unique cafe! They have a little shop area on back with all kinds of items. I ordered the hot drinking chocolate...never had that before anywhere. I loved it, very rich and thick!” - Yelp review 

8. Two-Hearted Queen 

Stop By and Check Out Their Wide Variety of Coffee Selections

📍 1201 West Roscoe Street | Lakeview | twoheartedquenn.com

The Two Hearted Queen has been serving high quality coffee in Chicago locations since 2015. Their top priority and dedication is toward three concepts: “Coffee, Community, Culture.” 

Interested in all the great coffee choices they have to offer? You can try options such as: Espresso, Ice Queen, Iced Chai Latte, Traditional Macchiato, Americano, and others. The other great thing about Two Hearted Queen is that it provides coffee beans in bulk, so that you can buy your favorite flavors and roast your own coffee at home!

“Great place to go for a quick breakfast. Got the veggie everything bagel, maple sauce, and Shakerato. Great service and delicious food. Will be coming back! - Yelp Review 

9. Good Ambler 

Stop in at One of the Best Coffee Shops in Chicago, and Enjoy a Fresh Pastry and Some Coffee!

📍 216 North Peoria Avenue | Fulton Market | goodambler.com  

Want to know why the Good Ambler coffee shop is considered one of the best coffee shops in Chicago? Stop in before work and get a coffee and one of their delicious pastries to get your day off to a great start!

Some pastry options on their menu include options such as: classic croissant, ham and cheese croissant, blueberry muffin, almond coffee cake, sweet and savory scones, and more. A good Ambler gift card makes a great gift for coffee lovers! You can choose the amount that you wish to give, personalize the gift card, and send it to them directly through email or text. 

“The ambiance of this place is INCREDIBLE. So many seating options and the interior is so cool. Great place to work or get a coffee with friends! The bakery items are so delicious! Also the service is so fast! They got out my items super quick. Would def recommend!” - Yelp Review  

10. Ground Up 

Stop by Ground Up, and Check Out All the Great Coffee Options They Have to Offer You!

📍 900 West Van Buren Street | West Loop | groundupchicago.com 

This is not your typical coffee! This is a coffee store where you can purchase coffee beans in bulk and brew your coffee from the comfort of your own home. You can choose from coffee options such as: Foundation Espresso Blend, True Medium Roast, Cold Roast, Dar Roast and others. 

They also offer pickup and delivery options if you would rather have your order already made for you. Some pastry options on their menu  include: spinach feta (hand pie), Ham and Cheese (Hand pie), Old-Fashioned Donut. Choose from coffee options such as: Latte (Hot), Medium Roast, Americano (Hot), Macha Latte (Iced Green Tea), and many others. 

“The espresso here is so good! They ask you so many different thing to customize your order how you want it. Calm ambiance and tons of little snacks + merch to take home:)” - Yelp Review  

11. The Stockyard Coffeehouse 

Come in to Stockyard Coffee, and Order a Cup of Coffee to Relax at the End of a Busy Week.

📍 558 West 37th Street | Bridgeport | stockyardcoffeehouse.com 

Have you ever experienced one of those times where your busy work week seemed like it was never going to end? If so, you probably also remember how relieved you were when the week was finally over. The Stockyard Coffeehouse in Bridgeport is an excellent place to relax and unwind after a stressful week. 

Check out their menu, and see why Stockyard Coffeehouse is one of the best coffee shops in Chicago! They offer food items including: Avocado Toast, Nutella Banana Sandwich, Veggie Bagel, and Spicy Avocado Chicken Wrap, and Mexican Mocha. If you are in the mood for tea, they offer: Chai Latte, Matcha Latte, and Hot/Iced Tea options as well. 

“Such a hidden gem. The breakfast and horchata iced coffee was the best I have ever had. We also tried the iced coffee season flight and it was amazing. The customer service was also impeccable. Will definitely be going back. - Yelp Review  

12. Frera 

Start Your Day Off the Right Way, By treating Yourself to Some Coffee and a Delicious Dessert!

📍 1722 North Western Avenue | West Town | freradesserts.com 

Are you interested in trying some delicious desserts that are made with only planted-based ingredients? If so, Freara is the place for you! Come in and see why they are considered one of the best coffee shops in Chicago!

Some options on their menu include: Coffee Mousse Parfait, Berry Licious Mini Cake, Citrus Matcha Tart, Rose Berry Parfait, and others. Some smoothie options include choices such as: Chocolate Protein, Blueberry Bee, Morning Glow, Breakfast, Cashew Chino, and more. Interested in coffee, order an Espresso, Americano, Cortado, Latte, Matcha Latte, or Cappuccino. 

“Very clean, bright and modern atmosphere. The vegan ice cream bars were great, and the blueberry bee was delicious. You can sit around a beautiful clementine tree and enjoy the tasty and healthy treats.” -  Yelp Review 

13. The Coffee and Tea Exchange 

If You Are Looking For a Coffee Store Where You Can Purchase Coffee in Bulk, This is iI!

📍 3311 North Broadway | Lake view | coffeeandtea.com 

In 1975, The Coffee and Tea Exchange was started in a storefront in East Lakeview. In the shop’s early days, the coffee was roasted at the store.They have  since transitioned to roasting the beans at their warehouse, so they are more able to accommodate large quantities and extended roast time. 

Interested in knowing some of the flavors they have to offer? Choose from a variety of bulk coffee options including: Amaretto, Blue Mountain Style, Blueberry Creme, Caramel Macchiato, Chocolate Cherry, Chocolate, Cinnamon, Chocolate Raspberry, Cinnamon Coconut, Coconut, Double Chocolate Mint, and many others. You can also choose the weight, grind and roast style. 

“This is my go to spot. I love their lavender lattes and matchas, but will always try something new! I continue to come back here and the staff is great! Great prices Pricing is good too” - Yelp Review

Well Everyone….That Wraps Up Our Discussion on Some of the Best Coffee Shops in Chicago!

Chicago houses dozens of bustling, unique coffee shops to choose from. Which one is your favorite? Tell us in the comments! While you are in town, be sure to also check out some of the best restaurants in Chicago.