As you’ve probably noticed by now, we love coffee. We also love supporting local coffee shops – check out this blog post with our list of the 11 best coffeeshops in Chicago.
1. The Grail Cafe
Location: Printer’s Row
Rose: Amazing ambiance – this café takes you back to the roaring 20’s with it’s décor. Amazing food – I have yet to try something on the menu I do not like. My go-to is the seasonal Greek yogurt.
Thorn: Parking is a bit pricey – it’s pay to park Chicago and the rates are higher in this neighborhood.
Website: https://www.thegrailcafe.com/
Check out of blog post on the Printer’s Row neighborhood
2. Jackalope Coffee & Tea House
Location: Bridgeport
Rose: The décor is so fun – nothing matches, it’s all artwork/décor pieces that are vibrant, unique and somehow all comes together to make a perfect coffee shop.
Thorn: They do not open until 7am so not idea for super early risers
Website: https://www.jackalopecoffee.com/
3. Tiny Tapp & Cafe
Location: Chicago Riverwalk
Rose: This isn’t so much of a shop, more of a walk up café to grab some caffeine before a walk on the Riverwalk. This is it’s rose because sometimes that’s exactly what we need, right?
Thorn: I hate crowds and sometimes the Riverwalk can be too crowded for my liking. Try going at off-peak times to not only enjoy the coffee but the Riverwalk too.
Website: https://www.tinytapp.com/
4. Hero Coffee Bar
Location: Multiple Locations throughout the loop & south loop
Rose: The bagel sandwiches. I repeat the bagel sandwiches. They are amazing, there are so many options. Run, do not walk to get your next favorite breakfast.
Thorn: Some of the locations are not opened on the weekends, which is when I’m craving a delicious breakfast sandwich. The Printer’s Row/South Loop is open on the weekends – so make your way over there.
Website: https://www.herocoffeebars.com/
5. Heritage Coffee Chicago
Location: Multiple locations
Rose: The vibes are everything, especially the one I consider is a hidden gem in the Loop, right on the river. If you’re looking for a place to WFH, find your closet Heritage Coffee shop.
Thorn: The loop location has limited hours. I’d love to enjoy a cup of coffee on their patio on a Saturday morning.
Website: https://www.heritagebikesandcoffee.com/
6. Tea Pot Brew Bakery
Location: South Loop
Rose: Their daily made baked goods. If you’re looking for a sweet breakfast treat, this needs to be on your radar. My personal favorite is the Pecan Banana Bread.
Thorn: Only open on the weekends
Website: https://www.teapotbrewbakery.com/
Check out of blog post to see all our favorite South Loop Coffee Shops
7. Botanical Cafe
Location: North Center
Rose: Plant Shop + Cafe, enough said.
Thorn: They close at 5pm, which is a little too early for us coffee and plant lovers
Website: https://www.instagram.com/botanicalcafechicago/
8. Coffee, Hip Hop & Mental Health
Location: Lakeview
Rose: Proceeds of this coffee shop go to individuals who are seeking mental health resources that do not have access. It’s so amazing and their entire motto is Normalize Therapy!
Thorn: I love and want all the merchandise. LOL
Website: https://chhamh.org/
9. Back of the Yards Coffee Shop
Location: Back of the Yards
Rose: Outdoor patio that feels like your own backyard – our favorite place to enjoy a bagel and coffee.
Thorn: Traffic can be heavy on 47th St. so allow extra time when traveling there.
Website: https://backoftheyardscoffee.com/
Check out of blog post on the Back of the Yards neighborhood
Back of the Yards Coffeehouse
10. Momentum Coffee
Location: South Loop
Rose: Black-owned business that has the best breakfast sandwich in town. Plus the are on the Joe app so you can place an order on your way to work.
Thorn: They close at 5pm. Anyone else drink coffee after 5pm? Or is it just me?
Website: https://www.momentumcoffee.org/en
Check out of blog post on the South Loop neighborhood
11. Oromo Cafe
Location: Lincoln Square
Rose: Located in a picture-perfect town. This little town gives us Gilmore Girl vibes. Perfect for a Sunday afternoon with friends.
Thorn: Parking can be difficult on the weekends or when events are happening in Lincoln Square.
Website: http://www.oromocafechicago.com/
