With a colorful, artsy interior and a welcoming atmosphere, New Wave Coffee is a solid pick for a quick coffee break near The 606. Their bagels, donuts, and pastries make for an ideal grab-and-go breakfast, and if you’re planning to stick around, there’s plenty of seating. Whether you’re catching up on work or just cooling down after a walk, New Wave is a relaxed and comfortable spot to enjoy a good cup of coffee.
Rivers and Roads Café stands out for its hiking-themed decor and friendly, community-driven atmosphere. The café offers bagels, cookies, and a great selection of lattes, making it a great grab-and-go spot before exploring Andersonville. The staff are welcoming and accommodating, and they offer vegan and gluten-free options, so there’s something for everyone.
A cozy, artsy café with a focus on local creators, Side Practice Coffee is a small but charming space where you can sip on excellent coffee while browsing local artwork. The menu features specialty lattes and pastries, and the café regularly hosts pop-ups and collaborations with other small businesses. Seating is limited but thoughtfully arranged, giving it a warm, living-room feel. Must-Try: The signature lattes and any of their locally made pastries.
This café is bright, plant-filled, and full of personality—the kind of spot that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a hidden gem. First Sip Café is known for its creative lattes, especially the ube latte and mint latte, which add a fun twist to your usual coffee routine. They also serve delicious pastries and muffins, making it a great stop for a sweet treat before heading to the nearby Swedish American Museum. Must-Try: The ube latte and their chocolate muffin are must-orders.
The Understudy Coffee and Books is a cozy spot where great coffee meets a love for books. The welcoming vibe, friendly staff, and comfy seating make it a perfect place to read, work, or just relax. Their iced lattes are smooth, the cardamom buns are flavorful, and the tomato-basil mini quiche is a must-try. Whether you're here for a quick coffee or to browse the shelves, this café is a hidden gem worth visiting.
A great indoor-outdoor coffee spot, Colectivo Andersonville offers great seating, fresh-brewed coffee, and a strong food menu. Whether you need a quick caffeine fix before hitting the local boutiques or a full sit-down breakfast, this spot has you covered. Their cardamom buns and pumpkin cranberry muffins are crowd favorites, but they also serve savory options like an avocado BLT and breakfast sandwiches on croissants. Must-Try: The cardamom bun (if they haven’t sold out!) and a chai latte.
Ridman’s Coffee is bright, airy, and filled with natural light, making it one of the best people-watching spots in Andersonville. It’s perfect for coffee lovers who want strong, flavorful brews and a selection of delicious gluten-free pastries. The café has plenty of seating, so whether you’re working remotely or catching up with friends, there’s always a cozy corner available. Must-Try: The Big Sis Special (a signature drink) and their gluten-free pastries from local Chicago bakeries.
If you’re looking for a true Swedish pastry experience, Lost Larson is the place to be. This bakery and café serves beautifully crafted Scandinavian pastries like Princess Cake, lingonberry-filled treats, and their famous cardamom buns (which tend to sell out fast). The coffee is just as impressive, making it the perfect spot to grab a latte and a pastry before wandering Clark Street. Must-Try: The Princess Cake (a Swedish classic) and their cinnamon rolls are absolute musts.
More than just a coffee shop, Kopi Café is part café, part bookstore, part community space. The cozy, bohemian vibes make it a great spot to relax with a book, sip on a rich latte, or enjoy a slice of their famous carrot cake. You can sit on the floor cushions for a casual and laid-back experience, making it one of the most unique cafés in Andersonville. Must-Try: Their carrot cake is legendary, and if you’re more of a tea drinker, their selection of loose-leaf teas is fantastic.
A neighborhood staple, The Coffee Studio is sleek, modern, and welcoming—the kind of spot where you can sip on a perfectly made cortado while getting some work done. The baristas here are knowledgeable and friendly, always down to chat about beans, brew methods, and their selection of vegan pastries. The space is bright, minimalist, and perfect for remote work or a casual coffee date. Plus, they go the extra mile with free menstrual products and a sharps container in the washrooms, making it a community-focused café with a modern edge. Must-Try: Their iced lattes are a local favorite, and the house-made vegan pastries are worth a try.
If you're looking for a quiet, cozy café to work from or just enjoy a well-crafted coffee, Groundswell Coffee Roasters is a solid pick. The shop has a relaxing atmosphere, friendly staff, and outdoor seating that’s perfect on a nice day. Their Pumpkin Pie Latte is a seasonal favorite, and they serve delicious pastries and light sandwiches if you’re in the mood for a snack.
A beloved local café known for its flavorful breakfast sandwiches, donuts, and quality coffee, Spoken Café is a gem in Ravenswood. The warm, inviting space makes it a great spot for remote workers or anyone looking to grab a quick but satisfying breakfast. The pumpkin cream cheese muffins are a must-try, and the staff is always welcoming.
As the name suggests, The Perfect Cup is all about delivering the perfect coffee experience. This café is a neighborhood favorite for its cozy ambiance, reasonable prices, and solid coffee menu. It's a great spot to hunker down with a laptop, sip on a latte, and enjoy a fresh pastry while getting some work done.
A small, Black- and woman-owned coffee shop, Ridman’s Coffee is a hidden gem for those looking for strong coffee, great pastries, and a friendly neighborhood feel. This café is a welcoming space with big windows for natural light, comfortable seating, and great people-watching.
Ka Café is a laid-back coffee spot with a mix of Western and Asian influences, making it a unique place to grab breakfast or lunch. Their Thai Iced Tea is a fan favorite, and the chicken and rice dish is a great option if you want something more filling. The café is small but cozy, with a welcoming ambiance that makes it easy to settle in with a book or a laptop.
Bright, open, and welcoming, Backlot Coffee is a great space for remote workers and coffee lovers alike. The cold brew is smooth, the pastries are fresh, and the staff is always friendly. It’s a fantastic café if you need a productive work spot or just a place to relax and enjoy a well-made espresso. The ham and cheese croissant is a must-try, and the Wi-Fi is reliable, making it a great spot for remote work or study sessions.
Dollop Coffee Co. is a Chicago staple, and its Ravenswood location is perfect for anyone looking for a cozy café with good vibes and solid food. While service can sometimes be hit or miss, the breakfast sandwiches, chilaquiles, and turkey BLT are all great choices if you’re looking for something hearty.
If you want coffee that packs a punch, Big Shoulders Coffee serves some of the strongest and smoothest brews in the area. Pair your morning espresso or marshmallow latte with a flaky scone or a lightly sweetened muffin, and you’ve got the perfect on-the-go breakfast. The minimalist space is great for a quick stop before heading to work or a morning walk along the lakefront. Bonus: They offer half-priced baked goods after 3 PM if you're in need of an afternoon treat.
Nomad is more than just a coffee shop—it’s a beautifully curated boutique space where you can sip on a velvety latte while browsing home goods, candles, and coffee table books. Their oat milk lattes and matcha drinks are especially popular, and their rotating selection of pastries keeps things interesting. With a cozy yet upscale vibe, this spot is perfect for a slow morning before heading out to explore the Gold Coast.
For serious coffee lovers, La Colombe Coffee Workshop offers expertly crafted lattes, foamy cappuccinos, and pour-over coffees in a bright and modern space. It’s a great grab-and-go spot for busy mornings but also has a few cozy seats for sipping and snacking. While the menu is coffee-focused, they offer a selection of buttery croissants and pastries to pair with your drink. If you’re looking for a quick, high-quality espresso before hitting the shops on Oak Street, this is your place.
If you’re craving a traditional breakfast in a laid-back setting, 3rd Coast Café is the place to go. This charming, old-school café has been serving hearty breakfast dishes for nearly 40 years. Think fluffy pancakes, crispy hash browns, eggs benedict, and fresh-baked scones, all served with strong coffee and a side of friendly service. It’s the kind of place where regulars gather every morning, making it a great spot if you want to feel like a local.
Dollop Coffee is a Gold Coast staple known for its strong brews, locally roasted beans, and a solid breakfast lineup. Whether you’re grabbing a freshly baked bagel, a buttery croissant, or a hearty breakfast sandwich, this spot delivers simple, high-quality eats to pair with your morning latte or espresso. With plenty of seating and a relaxed vibe, it’s also a great spot to catch up on emails or chat with friends before a busy day.
At PiniPico Brazilian Café, you can start your morning with a smooth cappuccino or a rich Brazilian-style espresso, paired with authentic Brazilian breakfast bites like pão de queijo (cheese bread), coxinha (chicken croquettes), and empanadas. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, making it a great spot to study, work remotely, or just enjoy a relaxed morning. If you're looking for something different from your usual bagel and croissant, this café brings a unique South American twist to your Gold Coast morning.
For those craving a quick but satisfying bite, Café L’Appetito is a go-to spot. This Italian deli-meets-café offers rich espresso, paninis, pastries, and hearty sandwiches—perfect for grabbing something on the go. The atmosphere is casual yet charming, with outdoor seating available in warmer months.
If you need a coffee break with a side of relaxation, Dollop Coffee Co. has plenty of seating, a mellow atmosphere, and great coffee. They serve freshly baked pastries, bagels, and sandwiches, making it a perfect spot to grab breakfast or a light lunch while taking a break from shopping.
Claim your café on Per Diem! Update your details and connect with local coffee lovers. Fill out the form below to get started.