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Top spots across Chicago
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4.7
of 5.0
(1,028)
Rogers Park Social
A cocktail bar that feels like a living room, but with better lighting and stronger drinks. Rogers Park Social plays with flavors and names, offering drinks like Sunny Daze and Cupid’s Bow without being gimmicky. Happy hour is a good move, and outside food is welcome. The crowd is friendly, and the vibe is always low-stress but stylish.
4.5
of 5.0
(420)
Aztec Dave's Cantina
This West Town cantina is part taco spot, part margarita destination. Drinks are made with fresh juice and no shortcuts, while the food brings serious flavor—especially the mole and house hot sauce. Aztec Dave’s always feels like a celebration, whether it’s a quick taco stop or a multi-round fiesta.
3.9
of 5.0
(413)
Island Party Hut
It’s a tiki bar on the river with frozen drinks, beachy bites, and live music that turns boat drinks into bangers. Island Party Hut leans playful with its tropical theme, but the drinks still pack real cocktail punch. The vibe feels like a Chicago version of spring break, without leaving the city.
4.6
of 5.0
(310)
Reclaimed Bar & Restaurant
Reclaimed blends cozy decor with a sharp cocktail game. Expect gin-forward drinks, live music, and a comfort-heavy food menu. This is a bar that knows what it’s doing without showing off. The back patio is a sleeper hit, and everything from the lamb burger to the deviled eggs feels carefully done but never fussy.
4.7
of 5.0
(259)
Larry’s at The Lawrence House
Tucked inside an old hotel, Larry’s plays the part of the sophisticated lounge with a dash of indie weird. The drinks are precise, the lighting is soft, and the crowd often includes regulars who know exactly what to order. Sandwiches from Uptown Deli across the street add bonus points. A go-to for quiet conversations and moody cocktails.
4.3
of 5.0
(57)
Abrah Bakery and Daily Bistro
This European-style all-day café and bistro is quietly raising the bar for comfort dining and beautiful plating. Abrah blends moody interiors with thoughtful dishes like branzino ceviche, parsnip mash, and perfectly crisp hummus toasts. Espresso martinis and inventive cocktails play just as big a role here as the food. The bistro vibes lean intimate, with soft lighting, good playlists, and a wine list worth taking seriously.
5.0
of 5.0
(61)
Anticonquista Café (Pilsen)
Rooted in a true seed-to-cup ethos, this coffee shop in Pilsen sources its beans straight from a family-owned farm in Guatemala. Anticonquista’s horchata cold brew and café de olla lattes feel both traditional and creative, pairing naturally with their vegetarian menu and relaxed community-focused setting. The vibe is warm, the space is bright, and the art on the walls honors Latinx culture in a way that feels thoughtful rather than performative.
4.6
of 5.0
(35)
Oud Coffee & Cafe Wicker Park
This Middle Eastern-inspired café quietly opened a new location on Division and has already become a standout thanks to Turkish coffee, cardamom lattes, and pastries that go way beyond the average croissant. The crème brûlée croissant in particular has people coming back, and the service matches the quality of the menu. Oud's interiors are warm and wood-toned, with just enough modern touches to feel fresh.
4.6
of 5.0
(40)
Café Crèmerie Fulton Market
A Parisian-style café in the heart of Fulton Market, Café Crèmerie brings timeless Euro charm and rich, layered desserts to a very on-trend part of town. The tiramisu here has already been called the best in the city by more than one visitor. There’s gelato, a full coffee bar, and enough pastel accents to make every corner Instagram-ready. The seating area is made for lingering, and the menu spans just enough variety to make you feel elevated.
4.8
of 5.0
(20)
Café Carranza
This charming new arrival in Pilsen is all about craft espresso drinks and friendly service. Café Carranza brings a cozy energy to the block, with drinks like brown sugar shaken espresso and iced caramel lattes pulling early fan favorites. Interiors lean minimal but warm, with enough seating for work or a catch-up with friends. Carranza’s coffee is bold without being bitter, and the service has already earned a reputation for being genuinely kind.
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Know a Hidden Gem? Share It!
Know an amazing coffee spot in Chicago that coffee lovers need to discover? Share it with us! We're always exploring new cafés to feature in the Per Diem Guide and would love your recommendations.
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