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Nice Guy Food Co.

Nice Guy Food Co. is a hidden gem inside The Longroom, a long-standing tavern & coffeehouse in Ravenswood, near Lakeview. It’s a laid-back spot with great energy, where you can grab hearty breakfast sandwiches, a solid cup of coffee, and even a fresh yogurt parfait.

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Young Mee Yoon

Doña Tola

Doña Tola is a cozy, welcoming café that specializes in traditional Mexican brunch dishes and coffee. If you’re in the mood for delicious enchiladas, horchata lattes, or warm churros with spicy chocolate sauce, this is your spot. With friendly service and a charming, laid-back vibe, it’s a great place to fuel up before a day at the Pride parade or Northalsted Market Days.

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My Half of the Sky Coffee + Coworking – Wheaton

Wheaton’s My Half of the Sky is more than just a cute coffee shop. It’s a nonprofit café and co-working space that supports social justice and community outreach, all while serving excellent drinks. The atmosphere is peaceful, the design is beautiful, and the staff always makes you feel welcome.

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Morgan Edwards Jr

Around the World Coffee

This bright, airy café lives up to its name with a globe-spanning menu and a wide selection of drinks and food. You’ll find everything from breakfast croissants to fettuccine alfredo, but their coffee flights are what stand out. It’s a unique experience for a Chicago café and perfect for people who want more than just caffeine—they want to try something different.

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Erik Norwood

Little Branch Cafe

Little Branch feels like a low-key local favorite in the South Loop. The coffee is great, the smoothies are fresh, and the brunch menu is always reliable. It’s a good place to plug in and get work done during the day without the buzz of a corporate café chain. With warm staff and a laid-back atmosphere, it’s the kind of spot that makes remote work feel a little more enjoyable.

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Chiya Chai - Logan Square

If you love spiced chai lattes and bold Indian flavors, Chiya Chai is your go-to spot. This cozy café specializes in authentic Indian chai, samosas, and flavorful curries. Their chai menu is extensive, ranging from classic masala chai to rose cardamom and turmeric ginger variations. It's the perfect place to warm up on a chilly Chicago morning.

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Ka Café

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.

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Y Sun

Lao Sze Chuan

For those looking for a savory snack along with their caffeine fix, Lao Sze Chuan offers boba tea, crispy chili chicken, and authentic Chinese small plates. If you’re craving a refreshing milk tea or fruit-infused drink between shopping stops, this is an unexpected but fantastic option right on Michigan Avenue.

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Sauce & Bread Kitchen

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.

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Wai Lam

Sweet Maple Café

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.

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Momentum Coffee - Millennium Park

Momentum Coffee is one of the best grab-and-go spots nearby if you need a quick caffeine fix. With fast service and solid coffee, it’s the perfect choice if you don’t want to wait in long lines before the river dyeing starts at 10 a.m. Their classic lattes, Americanos, and mochas will keep you warm, and if you need something heartier, grab one of their pastries or breakfast sandwiches to go.