Chicago has one of the most expansive developed coffee cultures in the United States. Each neighborhood has countless, one-of-a-kind coffee shops and roasters. Each has their own unique and artisanal approach to the drinks being served. You will find many options if you are looking for either a traditional or modern (crafted with chemical apparatuses and atypical coffee additives) style espresso drink, or prefer to be brewed coffee in artisan style roasted beans. Each drink will be available to you with espresso bars, coffee roasters, and chemex style brewed artisan coffee shops on almost every corner. You will definitely feel the warmth of the community as you enjoy Chicago’s unique style drink from your local coffee shop. It doesn’t matter if you are simply looking to enjoy a cup of coffee or if you are an experienced coffee connoisseur, you will love any of these coffee shops. In this guide, we will honor the artisan coffee culture that exists in all areas of Chicago and recommend the best coffee shops that will showcase the best of the best.
1. Intelligentsia Coffee – The Pioneer of Chicago’s Coffee Scene
Intelligentsia Coffee’s roastery and cafe chain has improved the coffee culture in Chicago. They were the first cafe in Chicago to use direct trade with coffee bean growers. Most cafes buy their beans without ever seeing the farm where the beans come from, but Intelligentsia visits the farms to see how the workers are treated. All of their cafes have a modern design with a team of friendly and knowledgeable baristas who can make espresso drinks, pour over, and brew drip coffee. The cafes use the direct trade beans, ensuring every drink is made using sustainable practices while also tasting great. The drinks, atmosphere, and baristas also serve as an education about coffee, and hopefully, a newfound passion for coffee, will be created in every customer. There are multiple Intelligentsia locations in the metropolitan area and also in the downtown area. This chain has many cafe competitors, and together they have educated the coffee-drinking customers in the area and sparked a new passion for coffee in them.
Get a FREE first bag of coffee from our friends at Atlas Coffee Club when you subscribe. Enter your email to get the deal.
2. Dark Matter Coffee – Where Art Meets Coffee
Dark Matter Coffee has a reputation for crafting coffee and roasting with a slightly unorthodox method. One of their innovations includes the process of bourbon barrel aging coffee which adds one of the many unique and diverse flavors to their coffee. The roasteries also have cafes with creative street art and design, like the coffee they serve. Dark Matter also has locations designed like art galleries, which, along with the coffee, makes them a unique cultural destination. They are a must visit for people wanting to experience the unique culture of coffee in Chicago.
3. Sip of Hope Coffee – Brewing Coffee for a Cause
Sip of Hope Coffee Shop is becoming a staple in Chicago’s budding coffee industry. Their location in the heart of the city donates a part of their sales to mental health education and suicide prevention through the non-profit organization Hope for the Day. The cafe acts as a safe space for conversations and provides an area for peer education and sharing. Customers receive support from trained baristas along with their delicious coffee. The cause makes every visit an opportunity to support the mental health movement and cause. The warm and inviting atmosphere is further enhanced by a coffee service that gives back and allows customers to give back.
4. The Wormhole Coffee – A Nostalgic 80s Retreat
Walking into The Wormhole Coffee is like stepping straight into the 80s. The café is nostalgic for the 80s and lingers on the decade. With a mid-80s theme, a life-sized recreation of the DeLorean from Back to The Future sits in the middle of the café and it is located in Wicker Park, Chicago. The café serves some amazing coffee but the décor with vintage posters and lots of movie memorabilia creates a cozy whimsical atmosphere. Besides great coffee, the café has bat and train themed event space. The 80s nostalgia is located just a couple of minutes from the Wicker Park train station so it is ideal for anyone looking for a caffeine fix.
5. Sawada Coffee – Japanese-Inspired Coffee Creations
In Chicago’s Fulton Market District, Sawada Coffee is a fusion cafe that combines coffee from Japan and the USA. For Hiroshi Sawada, world-famous barista champion, opening a cafe was a lifelong dream. Each drink at Sawada is made with artistic skill, including their signature ‘Military Latte’ made with espresso, green tea, and cocoa. The menu also boasts phenomenal matcha lattes, along with other traditional Japanese offerings. Sawada transports you to Tokyo without leaving Chicago.
6. Heritage Bikes & Coffee – Pedal-Friendly Café
Just before the Lincoln Park Zoo, you can find the Heritage Bikes and Coffee. It is unique as it combines coffee and bike culture. They offer custom built, vintage bikes fix and refuel your ride. In addition, the full service coffee bar sources from local roasting companies. They even have a viewing window so you can watch the drink be crafted. With this and the addition of cycling accessories, it’s the perfect place to unwind after a long ride before the coffee aroma and bike scents waiver.
7. Dollop Coffee Co. – Local Flavor and Warmth
Dollop Coffee Co. has a few locations in Illinois including one located in the neighborhood and another in Lincoln Park. It’s a great place to work because they support local businesses and sell locally made baked goods and coffee. They try their best to make each customers’ drinks look good and people love the shop for it. Their working environment is clean and relaxed and is great for having a backdrop in case you want to meet with some friends or do some work. Their pastries and drip coffee are great so whatever you pick will not disappoint.
8. Gaslight Coffee Roasters – Craft Coffee Excellence
Gaslight Coffee Roasters in Logan Square is perfect for coffee art lovers. Every little thing is taken into consideration from the type of beans to the brewing technique of every cup. The mix of reclaimed wood and industrial lighting is warm and inviting. They offer crafted pour-overs and seasonal specials to highlight the roasters’ skill. The baristas’ passion is contagious to anyone wanting to dive into the world of coffee.
9. Oromo Café – Global Flavors and Healthy Choices
Oromo Café in Chicago is changing how coffee is made by including different tastes and health components. Oromo Café is located in the Lincoln Square and Bucktown neighborhoods with bright and upbeat modern spaces that offer a one-of-a-kind menu that draws from global flavors. Drinks such as the Turkish coffee latte with cardamom, and the turmeric and beetroot superfood latte are all made with health in mind. In addition to coffee, the cafe has several teas, plant-based drinks, and allows guests to create combinations based on their dietary preferences. The café is friendly and comforting for customers to try things on the menu that are different. Using global and conscience ingredients, Oromo Café is transforming a mundane coffee run into an experience.
10. Metric Coffee – Transparency from Bean to Cup
Metric Coffee is located in the developing West Fulton district. They value quality and transparency at every step of the coffee-making process. Their commitment to ethical sourcing and in-house roasting coffee gives customers a complete bean-to-cup experience. Educational tours are encouraged at Metric to watch the coffee roasting process. They have a clean industrial design and want customers to enjoy their coffee while knowing that they practice ethical sourcing and appreciate the story behind each cup. The aim is not just to understand, but to experience the craftsmanship of the coffee while protecting the integrity of the beans. This is true whether you are having a crafted pour-over or a refreshing cold brew. Drinking coffee at Metric means you have a conscious experience with every sip.
11. La Colombe Coffee Workshop – Mastery in Simplicity
Located in Chicago, the La Colombe Coffee Workshop allows for an interactive experience on the artisan processes of coffee brewing and the classic preparation methods involved in espresso drinks. Customers can relax in the spacious and comfortable atmosphere while sipping on the freshly brewed espresso, delicious lattes, and favorite cold brew on hand. The environment created by the natural decor and lighting of this coffee workshop space is ideal for deep and reflective work, but it can serve as a great place for hanging out with friends as well. The La Colombe baristas are true artists and their drink presentations are passionate and of high quality. Whether you are looking for an expertly brewed cup of coffee or a simple cup, it is undeniable that La Colombe epitomizes the coffee brewing profession.
12. Fairgrounds Coffee & Tea – A Playground of Choices
Fairgrounds Coffee & Tea has enhanced the diversity of the Chicago coffee scene by ensuring that each customer’s different tastes can be met by their extensive menu. Customers can experience the broad range of coffee and tea offerings from different brands from around the globe at each Fairgrounds location, as they have a store in almost every neighborhood in Chicago. Aside from traditional espresso, Fairgrounds offers customers a variety of drinks, including bubble tea. The coffee shop’s interior is whimsical and bright, making it a suitable establishment for patrons to relax with various drink options. Fairgrounds Coffee & Tea has designed their space to be warm and comfortable to encourage patrons to explore the options available to them from different countries.
13. Big Shoulders Coffee – Chicago’s Own
Big Shoulders Coffee, located in Chicago, is a place that embodies simple excellence. Big Shoulders is known for being straightforward. They are able to keep things simple while also providing expert coffee roasting. The coffee at Big Shoulders is bold and has a satisfying taste. The relaxed atmosphere at Big Shoulders Coffee welcomes all from the focused commuters rushing to grab a quick cup of coffee, to the people who come to hang out and drink their coffee. The cafe has built a community hub where people can enjoy a great cup of coffee. Whether you are in a rush and need to grab a to-go cup of espresso, or if you have time to sit and relax, Big Shoulders is the perfect place. They capture the essence of hard work, craftsmanship, and quality.
14. Ipsento 606 – Creative Brews and Cozy Vibes
Ipsento 606 is the trailblazer in combining the innovative and the traditional, leading the way in Chicago’s coffee scene. Starting with their menu item Coffeesmith, which ‘delivers a creative passion in every cup’ and the Ipsento Latte with its imaginative pairing of coconut milk, honey, and cayenne pepper, there is something for everyone. The cozy café interior allows for easy conversations, and is the ideal backdrop for enjoying a good book. The multiple seating arrangements even makes it the perfect stop for a grab-and-go on your way to work. Also, with a passion for coffee, the baristas won’t mind if you stay for as long as you’d like. There is a guarantee of quality and innovative selection. You will also be able to enjoy the journey through the diverse offerings of coffee when you have a cup in hand. You will explore one of the best quality coffee and innovation selections in Chicago.
