The 40 best coffee shops in Chicago

Vibe: There’s only one roast on the menu at Sputnik Coffee Company—a roaster and cafe based out of Back of the Yards—and it’s so good we’re willing to bet you'll appreciate the humble menu. The humble space doesn't have too much space, but the outdoor patio does have additional seating (if weather permits).

Specialties: Made from a medium roast blend of Brazilian, Colombian and Indonesian beans, Sputnik’s singular coffee is smooth, fragrant and a little chocolatey, with a price point that’s far more approachable than most of its small-batch counterparts. Swing by the Back of the Yards cafe for a cup served in the shop’s signature bright red mugs, or look for bagged coffee at local independent grocery stores (they also sell a bottled cold brew, in case you prefer your coffee chilled).

Costs:

Drip Coffee (10 oz): $1.50

Latte: $3

Vibe: The coffee-roasting operation on the corner of Morgan and 31st Street is a point of pride for Bridgeport and a source of jealousy for almost every other neighborhood. Housed in a prototypically warm-toned, wood-heavy coffeehouse, Bridgeport Coffee sets itself apart by roasting its own beans and brewing them with levels of respect usually reserved for presidents.

Specialties: The pour-over here is a revelation—bright and clean and smooth. The fact that the expert staff and comfortable digs make you want to spend the day in the place is just a bonus.

Costs:

Drip Coffee $3

Latte: $4

Matcha Latte: $4.75

Vibe: Metric Coffee is undeniably cool. The modern, public-facing shop and back-room roasting facility are housed on a lesser-trafficked stretch of Fulton Street, making it the perfect destination for a lazy Saturday morning.

Specialties: Fulton Street Handshake, an ode to the beloved Chicago Handshake, equips caffeine fanatics with a small drip with a double shot of espresso on the side. Dabble in exquisite pour overs, a classic London Fog and nitro cold brew.

Costs: 

Drip coffee: $4

Standard Latte: Starting at $6 (free dairy alternatives, though!)

Matcha Latte: $6

Vibe: Don't expect to find pumpkin-spice anything at this tiny but specialized coffee shop in Logan Square. Branching off from its roastery in Back of the Yards—and another in Istanbul—Four Letter Word Coffee offers drip, pour-over, espresso, Turkish-style, cold coffee and tea. Try to stop by for a quick sip, but the coziness will be sure to keep you for longer than anticipated.

Specialties: Rotating residencies from microbakeries add even more comfort to this visually inviting spot. Don't miss out on their outpost at Estereo's Fulton Market location everyday from 8am-1pm!

Costs:

Drip coffee: $4

Latte: $4.50

Vibes: As a Southside mainstay, Sip and Savor boosts five different locations around the city. The walls of Sip and Savor are adorned with local art of each neighborhood, posters and pamphlets and, of course, the brand’s recognizable teal hue. Great place to get some work done or catch up with an old friend over a cup of joe.

Specialties: Get your coffee straight or spring for something a bit more indulgent, like the Bull Frog Mocha, with chocolate sauce, peppermint syrup, espresso and whipped cream.

Costs:

Drip coffee: $4

Latte: $5.75

Vibe: To get Wicker Park excited about another coffee shop, you’d have to do something pretty crazy. Like, say, install a DeLorean in the front of the store. Okay, Wormhole, you win.

Specialties: The espresso dirnks are great, but dare to try the Rocket Sauce, a yerba mate-based drink with ginger syrup and lime juice.

Vibe: Located just seconds off of The 606 in Bucktown, this beloved coffee shop helps joggers and cyclists refuel with a variety of seasonal coffees. With retractable windows, the coffeeshop often spills out onto the adjacent park and Spire Garden.

Specialties: You can’t go wrong, but we lean toward the signature Ipsento— an espresso drink mixed with your choice of milk, coconut cream, honey and a pinch of cayenne. Don’t skip the delightful mini donuts either, available in flavors like chocolate sprinkle and maple bourbon.

Costs:

Drip coffee: $3.75

Latte: $5.50

Matcha Latte: $6.50

Vibe: Bonafide coffee aficionados in Chicago are already familiar with the popular coffee roaster. The multi-level Star Lounge in West Town has more than just joe—colorful walls and quirky furniture revive the classic coffeeshop. Need even more space? There's outdoor seating in the back.

Specialties: Aside from really good coffee, try inventive espresso-based drinks like Cortex the Thriller with chocolate and rosemary or the Wake and Bake with sage and maple syrup.

Vibe: Knowing that Sip of Hope donates 100 percent of its proceeds to support proactive suicide prevention and mental health education tells you everything about what you're walking into. With baristas trained in mental health first aid and a slew of supportive messaging around the common area, Sip of Hope feels like a warm hug every time.

Specialties: Sip of Hope sources a rotating assortment of delcious pastries from West Town Bakery and is always churning out new flavors for espresso-based drinks.

Costs: 

Drip Coffee: $2.50

Latte: $4.50

Vibe: Browse pottery, floral arrangements, paintings and more hand-crafted goods at Side Practice Coffee, a Ravenswood cafe that spotlights the small businesses and creative side projects of folks from across Chicago (and serves a pretty good cup of coffee to boot).

Specialties: Follow Side Practice on Instagram to keep up with the cafe's pop-up schedule and don't forget to pair your drink with a sweet treat from the rotating list of local bakers featured in the pastry case.

Vibe: Among the abundance of competition in Logan Square, Brew Brew solidifies itself as a reliable coffee stalwart in the neighborhood. Choose your adventure: pop by for a good cup of coffee or stick around to get familiar with the tasty bites and wide range of coffee blends.

Specialties: Aside from fun and flavor drinks like the Grasshopper Latte with pistachio syrup or Oaxacan Horchata, Brew Brew boasts hearty tortas, quiches and pastries.

Costs:

Drip Coffee: $3

Latte: $4.50

Matcha latte: $5.00 hot, $5.50 iced

Vibe: This Milwaukee import is making busy Chicagoans swoon with a large outdoor patio, delicious seasonal pastries, beer on tap and, of course, fantastic coffee. The sprawling cafés in Lincoln Park, Wicker Park, Logan Square and Andersonville are colorful and cheerful, making Colectivo an ideal destination for a pre-work boost or winding down after a long day.

Specialties: Troubadour Bakery, Colectivos from-scratch bakery, provides fresh pastries every day.

Vibe: Moonwalker Cafe is a plant-strewn storefront on Belmont Avenue with a welcoming atmosphere and a menu full of delicious, locally-sourced gems.

Specialties: Creative espresso drinks—like an Almond Joy-inspired latte made from mocha syrup and a blend of coconut/almond milks—are brewed with Dark Matter Coffee, while a rotating list of sandwiches and breakfast burritos get stacked with everything from Catalpa Grove Farm sausage to house-smoked turkey. 

Costs: 

Drip Coffee: $2.50

Latte: $4.75

Vibe: If you’re looking for a health-conscious approach to coffee, this chic Lincoln Square cafe (a second location is in Bucktown) has you covered. The drinks are created with housemade nut milks, superfoods and confections that are free of refined sugars and dairy.

Specialties: Turkish coffee is the house specialty, but Oromo also infuses its concoctions with flavors from Africa, India and beyond. Try an exciting option like the hazelnut horchata latte or cold brew float.

Costs:

Drip Coffee: $2.95

Latte: $4.50

Matcha Latte: $4.50

Vibe: Located in the erstwhile space of long-running West Town coffee shop Atomix, the vibrantly hued Prequel Cafe serves a tight menu of coffee drinks, but quality is #1 at this cafe. Seating can be snug at times, so try to plan your work sessions or friendly catch-ups during off hours.

Specialties: Don't miss the delightful selection of pastries made in-house by owner Anabel Crespo and partner Shateek Brown, which range from savory (seasonal quiches) to sweet (campfire cookie).

Costs: 

Drip Coffee: $3

Latte: $5

Matcha Latte: $5.50

Vibe: Part coffee subscription service, part brick-and-mortar retail experience, Dayglow is a caffeinated playground for coffee experts and novices alike. The concept originated in Los Angeles and aims to make it easy to get your hands on unique brews from around the world. Before you get lost in their online marketplace, check out Dayglow's shop nestled inside the Kimball Arts Center, where you can sip blends such as Brazilian brand La Cabra or Kenyan company Coffee Collective.

Specialties: There's also a lineup of wonderfully weird drinks that change with the season; guests can expect funky flavor combinations like hibiscus and peppermint or black sesame and activated charcoal. Don't forget to grab a bag of beans for at-home brewing on your way out!

Vibe: Located inside the Experimental Station (a non-profit in Woodlawn that also houses orgs like South Side Weekly and the 61st St. Farmers Market), Build Coffee is a cafe, used bookshop, event space and community hub all in one. The outdoor patio is one of the most eclectic in the city and the perfect place to finally crack open that book that's been sitting on your bedside table for months.

Specialties: You can't go wrong with a refreshing iced caramon rose latte, pecan pie latte or any of the Publican sourdough sandwiches. 

Costs:

Drip Coffee: $2.75

Latte: $4.50

Vibe: All of the three remaining Intelligentsia Coffees in Chicago  to shine with modern and sleek design. This style reaches even their coffee selections and coffee equipment on display.

Specialities: Intellgentsia's most-recognized style of brewing is its aeropress coffee, a filtration process that adds a unique richness to every cup of coffee.

Costs: 

Drip Coffee (made to order): $4.75

Latte: $5.75

Matcha Latte: $7.25

Vibe: Who would've thought a barbeque concept could pair well with a coffee shop? Chicago restaurateur Brendan Sodikoff and Japanese latte artist Hiroshi Sawada teamed up to bring this funky cafe to an unused corner of Green Street Smoked Meats. The open-space concept is filled almost entirely with community benches, so be prepared for some friendly chats with nearby neighbors.

Specialties: The main attraction is the military latte, Sawada's signature drink that's visually stunning and quite strong. It's roasty from espresso, slightly bitter from the green tea and sweetened with gentle notes of white chocolate. The rest of the offerings include straightforward espresso drinks, plus spiked options like shochu and iced coffee or Benedictine and chai.

Costs: 

Drip Coffee: $3.29

Latte: $5.25

Matcha Latte: $6.15

Vibe: Light roast coffee—unpretentious and tasty—takes center stage at this Beverly cafe, which relocated from Auburn Gresham.

Specialties: Grab a coffee later in the morning so you can stick around for snacks from the cafe's expansive lunch menu, where you'll find sandwiches, paninis, wraps and salads that pay homage to different Chicago neighborhoods (like the Auburn Gres-Ham panini, which piles prosciutto, tomato, provolone and spring mix onto sourdough bread). 

Costs:

Drip Coffee: $2.75

Latte: $3.50

Matcha: $4.25

Vibe: Co-founders Tristan Coulter and Zak Rye have taken their experience in the local coffee trade (both worked for Metropolis) and applied it to a rustic-hipster aesthetic (think reclaimed wood, vintage lanterns and requisite taxidermy).

Specialties: Swing by the cafe for a cup of pour-over coffee—made either from beans roasted in-house or from a rotating list of guest roasters—alongside a sweet treat from Aya Pastry or Do-Rite Donuts. 

Vibe: Settle in for retro, vaguely MCM-inspired vibes at this homey Avondale coffee house, which reopened under new ownership in early 2021 after closing during the pandemic.

Specialties: Not feeling the need for caffeine? This coffee club's house lemonade (with lavender, matcha or rosella) is a great option if you're trying to shake the jitters.

Costs:

Bottomless Drip Coffee: $6

Latte: $4.50

Matcha Latte: $5

Vibe: No doubt you've seen their beans all over town—from menus at cafés and high-end restaurants to the shelves of your local grocery store. Vibe: You've definitely seen this father-son-founded coffee company all over town and should add their public-facing cafe in Edgewater toy our must visit list. Bursting with prints and posters from local artists, Metropolis brings back the comfort of the neighborhood coffee shops of yesteryear. 

Specialties: Before you commit to a bag of beans, taste the offerings at their shop, where you can sip hot and cold drinks and nosh on gluten-free treats from Defloured.

Costs:

Drip Coffee: $2.55

Latte: $4.35

Vibe: Chef and home roaster Tim Coonan marries the efficiency of second-wave coffee (e.g. Starbucks) with the clean design and small-scale ethos of the third wave (e.g. Intelligentsia) at this corner coffee bar.

Specialties: Big Shoulders caters to Blue Line commuters at the West Town location with cheap “fast drip” (available in a self-serve machine) and to laptop lingerers with “slow coffee” (pour-over) and espresso drinks. Feeling indulgent? Order the toasted marshmallow latte, which is accompanied by a perfect campfire-singed 'mallow.

Vibe: Hero Coffee Bar has three locations throughout Chicago, but its walk-up window on Jackson Boulevard in the Loop is by far the cutest. Duck into a narrow alleyway festooned with string lights and bistro tables.

Specialties: The coffee and sandwiches are great, but don't resist the urge to indulge with seasonal drinks like the Spring Blossom—a lavender-flavored latte with sweet white mocha.

Costs:

Drip coffee: $2.75

Latte: $4.50

Matcha Latte: $5.25

Vibe: This Lakeview shop isn’t your typical bike store: It’s disguised as a coffee shop featuring cold brew, specialty lattes, drip coffee and fresh pastries. Grab a seat in the front of the store or head to the back to shop gear and bikes while you sip.

Specialties: Other than delectable pastries from Sweet Rabbit bakery, Heritage also serves daily-made focaccia and a filling vegan crunch wrap.

Costs: 

Drip Coffee: $3.50

Latte: $5

Matcha Latte: $6

Vibe: With more than a dozen locations throughout Chicago, there's a good chance you're closer to a Dollop than you think. Every Dollop is an inviting space for anyone to clack away at their keyboard or just enjoy a midday adventure to the cafe. The brand roasts its own coffee and crafts specialized pastries and breads in its bakehouse, meaning everything on offer is incredibly fresh.

Specialties: We love pairing the tumeric chai latte with the veggie sandwich, which comes stacked with goat cheese spread, tomato, roasted red peppers and cucumber.

Vibes: If you’re looking to transport inside a video game, Standing Passengers is the place for you. Sit at a classic Pac-Man console, play Super Smash Bros. on GameCube during a work break or challenge a friend to a round of Mortal Kombat. With unforgettable art pieces, a large outdoor patio and the occasional DJ set, you’re sure to stay a while at Standing Passengers.

Specialties: Plenty of rotating innovative elixirs (matcha lemonade and root beer chai latte, to name a few), plus really great sandwiches (we recommend the Hoagie)!

Costs:

Drip Coffee: $4

Latte: $5.50

Matcha Latte: $5.50

Vibe: You’ll be bewitched by Hexe’s sprawling outdoor patio and "after-hour" coffee cocktails. Rated as one of the best outdoor for pups, it's great for any time of day during the warmer months.

Specialties: Swing by for a cup of barrel-aged coffee and a pastry during the day, or grab an after-work cocktail in the evening. It’s the type of versatile spot every neighborhood needs.

Vibe: You'll find plenty of students studying and refuleing at this public coffeshop nestled in the University of Chicago's campus. It's a great place to feel the productivity oozing out of every other patron, if that's what you're looking for in a coffeeshop. For a more chill ambience, try to snag a seat outside on the patio.

Specialties: Plan to leave feeling full because Plein Air has full cafe-style meals available alongside cups of coffee. We recommend the roasted chicken torta or the chorizo burrito.

Costs:

Drip Coffee: $2.75

Latte: $4.25

Matcha Latte: $4.75

Vibe: A sprawling outdoor space and indoor “office” space makes Portage Grounds a perfect spot to meet up with friends to chat over a cup of java or mentally lock in for the day to ensure productivity. Cross the street to take a stroll through the shop’s namesake park, Portage Park. 

Specialties: House specialties: An extensive tea menu, fruit smoothies, and frozen frappes offer plenty of options for non-caffeine fiends.

Costs:

Drip Coffee: $3.20

Latte: $4.70

Matcha Latte: $5.85

Vibe: Bueno Days flourishes as a Little Village cafe focusing on Mexican coffee. Under the umbrella Kiubo, Bueno Days shares spaces with two other businesses in a space filled with floral adornments and traditional pottery. The space attracts inspiring and creative crowds so be open to sparking conversation at the community table.

Specialties: Throughout the year, rotating and inventive elixirs (a butterscotch cold brew or tortilla crunch latte) rooted in the owners' Chicago upbringing and heritage take center stage on Bueno Days' menu. 

Costs:

Drip Coffee: $4

Latte: $5

Matcha Latte: $7

Vibe: This coffee shop on Argyle is one of the city's favorites when it comes to Vietnamese coffee. If you're worried about snagging a seat, there's usually plenty of space even during peak hours. First Sip also hosts community events including craft nights and speed dating events.

Specialty: Your hardest decision at this spot may be which specialty latte to choose from the bevy of options—we couldn't resist the calls of the sakura and lychee latte and the mooncake latte.

Costs:

Drip Coffee: $2.50

Latte: $4.50

Matcha Latte: $4.50

Vibe: Sharing space with Ain't She Sweet, the yellow-hued coffeeshop is the perfect place to grab lunch and sip on a cup of joe. Nestled in the corner of the beloved sandwich and pastry shop, you're likely to find most other patrons in conversation and off screens.

Specialties: While the coffee is worth dedicating a Saturday morning to, the avocado toast is something to write home about. Caprese, Greek and a house avocado toast are the perfect dishes to load up on a hearty breakfast without sacrificing any flavor.

Costs:

Drip Coffee: $3

Latte: $4.50

Matcha Latte: $4.95

Vibe: A stylish coffee shop in Irving Park that serves up signature roasted beans and locally-baked goods. There's also a mural in the cafe featuring flying squirrels that was created by acclaimed artist Jay Ryan.

Specialties: On top of the flavorful and inventive lattes, there's collaborations with other local Chicago brands, including a gin-barrel-aged white tea elixir born out of a partnership between Koval Distilleries and Volition Tea.

Costs:

Drip Coffee: $3.25

Latte: $4.50

Matcha Latte: $5.25

Vibe: Since it opened in 2014, Perkolator has captured the hearts of Portage Park. The eclectic and colorful decor with ample mismatched seating brings back the classic coffeeshop. With local pastries and meats for sandwiches, it deserves to be recognized as a Chicago staple. 

Specialties: Breakfast sandwiches! Bagel sandwiches galore fill Perkolator's menu so don't worry about going hungry.

Costs:

Drip Coffee: $3

Latte: $4.25

Matcha Latte: $5.50

Vibe: Transport to a cabin escape at this wood-lined coffee shop on Devon. River and Roads embodies an idyllic camping trip with national park decor and a substantial outdoor space.

Specialties: The giant "sequoia" cookies are enough to hold you over during your stay at Rivers and Roads. Check back in for the monthly drink specials!

Costs:

Bottomless Drip Coffee: $5

Latte: $4.59

Matcha Latte: $4.59

Vibe: This colorful Pilsen stalwart, open since 1994, is both a quick spot to grab coffee en route to the train and a neighborhood gathering place for low-key breakfasts or pounding away on laptops.

Specialties: The espresso bar incorporates international classics like cafe con leche while including house specialties like the golden bean and the screaming bean espresso-based drinks.  The food menu boasts focaccia sandwiches and pizzas (don't miss out on the Cuban sandwich!)

Costs:

Bottomless Drip Coffee: $3.50

Matcha Latte: $4.25 

Vibe: Imagine Chicago's creative scene somehow came to live in the form of a West Loop coffee shop and you'll come up Drip Collective. With a staggered seating ramp, giant projector playing anime classics, weekend DJ sets, art galleries and guest barista residences, this new addition to the Chicago coffee scene is definitely worth a visit any day of the week.

Specialties: This spot really gets inventive with drink creations—try out the ube horchata latte and watermelon agua fresca with matcha. Keep an eye out for new and unpredictable elixirs.

Costs:

Drip Coffee: $5

Matcha Latte: $6

Vibe: If you're looking for a plant-filled, record-playing, vibrantly-hued coffeeshop doubling as a community space, Casa Cactus is the place for you. Filled to the brim with plants from its sister store and neighbor, The Plant Shop, Casa Cactus is a sight to behold.

Specialties: The house special is the daily-brewed Cafe de Olla sprinkled with spices like cinnamon, star anise and made in a large clay pot. Bring your favorite vinyl and, if you're lucky, the barista might put it on the record player for you.