Chicago has always been a good coffee city, but lately the scene has stepped up. These new cafes go beyond great espresso and fresh pastries, offering unique atmosphere and charm. From Middle Eastern treats in Wicker Park to Mexican-inspired coffee trailers in Pilsen, each spot brings something different. Whether you're after a plant-filled corner, a standout tiramisu, or a cold brew worth taking home, these seven cafes are the latest ones to check out.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A Mexican-inspired coffee trailer that popped up on June 29, Café Solera is redefining what to expect from a mobile café. Sisters Bella Flor, Gigi, and Celeste Avila created this spot as a tribute to their roots, offering drinks like horchata lattes, toasted cinnamon espresso, and café de olla cold brews. Mexican pastries round out the experience, with beans sourced from Tijuana-based La Capital Coffee Roaster.
Dialtone is the kind of place where every detail feels considered, from the matte finish on the coffee cups to the softly layered lighting. Morning pastries are buttery and flaky, especially the chocolate Seuss and almond croissant. The coffee is solid across the board, but the real strength here is the atmosphere. Whether it’s a quiet morning or a late-afternoon glass of wine, the space adapts beautifully.