A hidden gem for bagel lovers, Varietale serves up freshly baked bagels, house-made cream cheese spreads, and strong coffee to start your morning off right. Whether you go for a classic smoked salmon bagel or a sweet Nutella-filled pastry, everything is baked in-house daily. The family-run café gives the space a warm and welcoming vibe, making it a favorite among locals.
Colectivo is a staple in Wicker Park's coffee scene, offering great outdoor seating and a relaxed atmosphere. This spot is great for anyone who wants a solid cup of coffee before heading to the record stores. While the café is sometimes crowded with remote workers, the patio is perfect for a quiet morning with a good book or a new vinyl find.
This unique, community-driven café isn’t just about coffee—it’s a full-on experience. With shelves full of board games, a laid-back atmosphere, and a menu featuring delicious milkshakes, parfaits, and sandwiches, Athena is the kind of spot where you’ll want to hang out for hours. Perfect for a casual coffee date, study break, or game night with friends.
This bright and colorful coffee shop has a fun, modern atmosphere, perfect for hanging out, studying, or working remotely. Prequel Café offers high-quality coffee and great breakfast bites, and their quiche pairs perfectly with a cortado. The café has a laid-back, artsy ambiance, making it a great place to sit down and enjoy a slow morning before heading out to browse records.
A café with a mission, Hearts & Flour is a nonprofit bakery that supports individuals with disabilities while serving up some of the best baked goods in town. The space is bright and welcoming, with a delicious selection of breakfast sandwiches, croissants, and pastries. Their grilled ham and cheese and buttery croissants are standouts.
Mano Modern Café is a Filipino-inspired coffee shop with a vibrant, aesthetic vibe. The ube latte is a must-try, along with their longanisa breakfast sandwich. The café is a little small but stylish, making it a great spot for light work, catching up with friends, or just vibing to good music. If you’re looking for something unique, their Filipino flavors mixed with specialty coffee make for an unforgettable experience.
For a spot that combines homemade bread, top-quality pastries, and expertly brewed coffee, Sauce & Bread Kitchen is a must-visit. This warm, inviting café is known for its weekly rotating baked goods, thoughtful menu, and friendly service. Whether you’re grabbing a quick breakfast sandwich before class or settling in with a latte and pastry, this place never disappoints.
This vintage-inspired café brings a retro diner feel with a modern twist. Known for its flaky pastries, seasonal pies, and creamy gelato, Spinning J is a great spot to grab a cappuccino before heading to a record store. The café's 1928 Liquid Carbonic marble bar and art deco furnishings make it a charming place to relax. It’s small but cozy, so grab a window seat, sip on a latte, and enjoy the timeless ambiance.
Two Shades Cafe is a stylish, eco-friendly café serving shade-grown coffee that supports small farmers. It’s a warm and inviting space perfect for catching up with a friend or getting work done. Their smooth lattes and fresh sandwiches make it a local favorite, and the friendly staff adds to the charm.
Known for its all-day breakfast and cozy, homey feel, Sweet Maple Café is where locals go for buttery biscuits, omelets, and cinnamon rolls alongside a solid cup of coffee. The friendly service and laid-back vibe make it a great stop whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or settling in for a long, leisurely brunch.
If you’re a tea lover, Gathers Tea Bar is a must-visit. This compact, minimalist tea café specializes in bubble tea, Japanese matcha lattes, and fruit teas. The staff is welcoming, and the freshly brewed teas are the perfect alternative to your regular coffee run.
This vibrant, Instagram-worthy dessert shop serves up creative bubble teas, matcha, and soft-serve ice cream. The bright and modern interior makes it a great spot to grab a quick treat while walking through Little Italy, and their purple yam and Thai iced tea flavors are always a hit.
A cozy, artsy coffee shop with a focus on community and creativity, Muse Coffee Studio is perfect for those looking for a relaxed atmosphere. The baristas are always friendly, and their rich cappuccinos and fresh pastries make it a great place to study or work remotely.
This Vietnamese-inspired coffee shop is all about bold flavors and unique drinks. Their coconut Vietnamese iced coffee is a game-changer, and their Bánh Mì sandwiches and empanadas make it a great place for a coffee and lunch combo. The quiet ambiance is ideal for studying or casual meetings.
La Colombe is a household name in specialty coffee, and the Fulton Market location doesn’t disappoint. The modern, minimalist space offers expertly crafted lattes, cold brew on tap, and their signature Draft Latte. Service is fast and friendly, and whether you’re grabbing a quick espresso before work or catching up with a friend over cappuccinos, this spot is a go-to for many Chicagoans.
Metric Coffee is a modern, industrial-chic café known for its house-roasted beans and expertly crafted brews. Located in Fulton Market, this spot is a favorite among coffee purists who appreciate high-quality espresso and thoughtfully sourced beans. The patio seating makes it a great place to enjoy a morning cappuccino or cold brew.
Sawada Coffee is one of Chicago’s most unique coffee shops, bringing a blend of Japanese influence and third-wave coffee culture to Fulton Market. Founded by world-renowned barista Hiroshi Sawada, this spot is known for its famous Military Latte—a bold mix of matcha, espresso, cocoa, and vanilla.
If you’re looking for a casual, welcoming coffee spot that won’t break the bank, Group Up Coffee & Bites is a hidden gem in Fulton Market. Known for its friendly service and cozy atmosphere, this café offers strong coffee, delicious breakfast sandwiches, and pastries made from family recipes.
Groundswell is the kind of laid-back coffee shop that blends seamlessly into Fulton Market’s creative energy. They roast their own beans in-house and serve up smooth espresso drinks, well-balanced mochas, and fresh paninis. The bright, airy space with warm lighting and comfortable seating makes it a great spot for catching up on emails or enjoying a quiet moment with coffee.
Café Tola is tiny but mighty, and it’s a Lakeview favorite. This grab-and-go Mexican café serves strong coffee, killer empanadas, and sweet pastries—perfect for fueling up before heading into Wrigley Field. Their red spicy pork empanada is a must-try, but they also have green salsa chicken and beef options that pair perfectly with a latte.
A cozy bakery-meets-café, The Bakehouse Chicago is known for perfectly baked pastries and rich, smooth coffee. Their caramel latte is a fan favorite, and their spinach and ricotta croissant is the ideal pre-game snack. The lemon raspberry tart is a must-try if you’re in the mood for something sweet.
Elevate Coffee is a modern, welcoming café that’s perfect for both work and play. They serve up smooth nitro cold brew, fluffy breakfast burritos, and a solid cappuccino that keeps locals coming back. Whether you’re getting work done before a game or need a quick caffeine fix before heading to the stadium, Elevate Coffee won’t disappoint.
Dollop Coffee is a go-to café for locals who want a little peace before the game-day crowds take over Wrigleyville. With plenty of seating, strong espresso drinks, and a selection of bagels, donuts, and sandwiches, it’s a great place to fuel up and escape the game-day madness for a moment.
A bright, spacious café with lots of natural light, Pedestrian Coffee is perfect if you want to sit and relax before heading to a Cubs game. The baristas are friendly, the pumpkin latte is top-tier, and the baked goods are always fresh. If you’re looking for a solid local café with an aesthetic interior and a great patio, this is the one.
A hidden gem in Lakeview, Doppio Coffee House serves strong, smooth coffee with a side of warm hospitality. Their French-toast muffin is a must-try, and their cappuccino with oat milk is a customer favorite. If you need a break from the Wrigleyville energy, this cozy coffee house is a great escape.
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