Chicago Neighborhoods With The Best Coffee Shops

Some people love coffee, and it’s no different in the Windy City. While you may be looking for a great cup of Joe to start your morning off right, or even warm up a little during the cooler months of the year in Chicago, you don’t have to venture far. There are a number of notorious coffee shops spread out across the city, and many of them are found in some of the city’s most popular neighborhoods. Here’s where to start if you’re looking for a Chicago neighborhood with some of the best coffee shops.  

Wicker Park

The Wicker Park neighborhood has a hipster vibe, packed with vintage clothing stores, boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, and dive bars. Before, or even after you hop on The 606 to take in some outdoor recreation, the Wicker Park neighborhood has some great options in terms of coffee shops. One is Caffe Streets, which is more of a social experience. The shop even has a Masters Barista bar for craft coffee making. 

Colectivo Coffee Wicker Park is a two-level coffee shop with places to sit inside and outside on the large patio. While you’re waiting for your order, check out the décor, including a hand-painted mural and a custom clock, made from a repurposed coffee roaster cooling tray. Wake-N-Bakery Wicker Park isn’t your normal coffee shop. This is a cannabis café and bakery with baked goods, as well as CBD and THC-infused coffee on the menu.

West Loop

Once known as Chicago’s meat-packing district, the West Loop has certainly grown into its own in recent years. This trendy neighborhood is now home to art galleries, shops, and some great places to grab a cup of coffee. Sawada Coffee has an industrial vibe, but there’s nothing ordinary about this coffee shop. Inside, you’ll find a punching bag, a ping pong table, and a custom painted expresso machine. 

We also recommend La Colombe Coffee Roasters in the West Loop, which sits right on Restaurant Row. If you want to grab a bite to eat with your coffee, consider heading to Bittersweet Coffee and Patisserie, where you’ll find some latte drink specials, plus sandwiches and more on the menu.

The Loop 

Chicago's primary business and financial district, The Loop, commonly attracts business professionals, but the neighborhood also attracts theatergoers, tourists, and locals to popular spots like Millennium Park. Luckily, the neighborhood has plenty of good options in terms of coffee shops, as well. 

That includes HERO Coffee Bar, which is tucked away in an iconic spot in a tiny alley, almost hidden from the rest of the city. Top off your coffee with one of their famous breakfast bagel sandwiches. If you’re in the mood for espresso and croissants, make time to visit Espresso and Milk. You’ll find it on the first floor of the Lyric Opera of Chicago building.

Gold Coast

With its almost picture-perfect homes and streets, Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood is favored by upscale shoppers, diners, and discriminating locals. Whispers Coffee and Tea sells coffee, gelato, and baked goods with some outdoor seating. 

Foxtrot Gold Coast brews locally roasted Metric coffee, plus you can also find wine, some beer on tap, and a seasonal menu. The garden courtyard setting alone is enough to entice coffee lovers to visit 3 Arts Club Café. Sip your coffee under a grand chandelier in this elegant space.