16 Favorite Chicago Coffee Shops

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Being someone who has worked from home for the past couple years, you could say my job description has also resulted in my becoming a serial coffee shop hopper.

I often work much better when I actually get out of the house due to fact that I tend to have the attention span of a 5 year old and get distracted easily. (That comfy spot on the sofa is productivity’s worst enemy.)

I originally published this post last year, but have received so many questions on coffee shop recommendations since, I thought it was time to update the list!

Whether you’re searching for somewhere to attack your to-do list, catch up with a friend, or the best spot for a mid-shopping break, these are my very favorites!

1. CC Ferns

My newest favorite coffee shop in the city that is decked out in the coolest vintage midcentury furniture, wood paneling, and awesome vintage travel posters. If you’re up for it, order a “boozy steamer”–one of several coffees made with booze. They’re the best treat on the weekends!

2. Fairgrounds

The newest coffee shop on this list, Fairgrounds has way more than coffee! In addition to awesome cold brew on draft, a menu of drip coffee from roasters around the U.S. (Like Stumptown and Collectivo, to name a few) they also have a draft Matcha (AMAZING), tons of teas, draft Kombucha, and a really delicious food menu.

3. Caffe Streets 

My go-to Wicker Park staple. This is down the street from our house so we come here several times per week. When the weather is nice, you can sit outside on the front patio and work on your laptop! My go-to is the Vietnamese Iced coffee–it’s just the right amount of sweetness and you’ll have a caffeine buzz all day!

4. The Allis 

This coffee shop/restaurant in the lobby level of Soho House is about the dreamiest backdrop you can find in Chicago! (Yes, it’s open to the public–you don’t have to be a member!)

5. La Colombe 

Their draft latte is hands down my favorite iced latte in the city. It’s literally a latte on draft! You can also order a “Black and Tan”–which is half draft latte, half cold brew, for a stronger drink!

6. Americano 2211 

This is more of a café than a coffee shop, but it’s one of my favorite places to work and grab a cup of coffee. The inside is adorable, and their back patio is a hidden gem. They have really delicious breakfast biscuit sandwiches, and their burrata is to die for!

7. Wormhole

If you like vanilla lattes, you have to come to Wormhole! It’s a hilarious, “Back to the Future” themed coffee shop, but all of their syrups are homemade, and they use a house vanilla bean syrup for their vanilla lattes and it tastes like pure heaven.

8. Stans Donuts 

Stan’s has THE most delicious donuts (get the Biscoff donut, it’s like crack) but I also never leave without getting a yummy iced coffee!

9. Sip Coffee House 

A funky hidden gem I never knew about before moving to the west side. Sip has some of the best coffee around, and plenty of space to work. I like to post up at a table upstairs on their mini balcony, overlooking the rest of the coffee shop. They also have two really nice patios, which opens up after Memorial Day!

10. Dollop 

Dollop has several locations throughout the city, and I’ve been to two of them several times! You can always count on an inviting, open space with plenty of tables, a good lunch menu, and some amazing fancy lattes made with Metropolis coffee.

11. Eva’s Cafe 

Eva’s kind of feels like you’re going over to your great aunt’s house for coffee. It’s very homey, with exposed brick walls and floors, and a fire place. The back room feels like a pseudo hole in the wall–in the best way possible. They’ve got plenty of options for tea drinkers, too.

12. Buzz: Killer Espresso 

Conveniently located in the heart of Wicker Park (or is it Bucktown? I can never tell) Buzz is your ideal spot for a mid-shopping spree pick me up. It’s cozy, and the staff is super friendly. If you’re looking for a good place to work on your laptop, head upstairs away from the hustle and bustle.

13. Atomix Cafe 

Atomix cafe in West Town is definitely not your average coffee shop. The decor is what I would describe as a cross between a taco stand and an elementary school (AKA umm, amazing?) They serve up some great espresso and have a decent lunch menu using local, fresh ingredients. (Lot’s of vegan/vegetarian options, too!)

14. Elaine’s Coffee Call 

One of my favorite places to go before heading across the street to Green City Farmer’s Market, Elaine’s is connected to Hotel Lincoln in Lincoln Park/Old Town. It’s got the cutest, old-school vibe and is a great place to get some work done, as long as you can grab a seat–it often gets busy, especially on weekend mornings!

15. Filter Cafe 

With a tagline of, “home of sluts, monkeys, and the very best roasted coffee” you might not know what to expect from this expansive hipster-y cafe and coffee shop in Wicker Park. While the decor might may remind you of the set of That 70’s Show, they’ve got really great food, and plenty of cozy chairs and tables to post up in. It’s always busy with students, work-from-homers, and I’m not even sure who else, but you can always manage to snag a seat and will feel right at home staying all day.

16. Lovely: A Bake Shop 

Another west side staple, this quiet, adorable shop will make you feel right at home. It’s cheery with lot’s of natural light, friendly staff, and delicious baked goods and food!

What other local recommendations would you like to know about?