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La Colombe Coffee Workshop - 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.

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Dollop Coffee Co. - Gold Coast

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.

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Monty K Reed

The Common Cup

A true neighborhood staple, The Common Cup has been serving Rogers Park since 2007 with high-quality coffee and a welcoming, down-to-earth atmosphere. With a cozy, book-filled space and a menu featuring delicious quiches, muffins, and seasonal lattes, it’s the kind of spot where you can settle in for a few hours.

Rogers Park Taproom & Coffee House

If you’re looking for a study spot by day and a cozy pub by night, this hybrid coffee house and taproom has you covered. During the day, enjoy their smooth lattes and fresh pastries in a relaxed, plant-filled setting perfect for working. Then, when the sun sets, the space transforms into a chill bar with craft beer and happy hour specials—ideal for unwinding after a long study session.

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Charmers Cafe

This charming café (pun intended) is the perfect morning stop for a cup of coffee and a fresh lox bagel. With a laid-back atmosphere, swing seats by the window, and a plant-filled patio, it’s a great place to sip a cappuccino while getting some work done. The menu includes vegetarian and meat options, and the welcoming environment makes it a local favorite.

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Electric Mud Coffee Bar

Named after Muddy Waters' iconic album, Electric Mud Coffee Bar is a tribute to Chicago's rich music history. With Dark Matter Coffee on rotation, this place is a must-visit for coffee lovers who appreciate a strong cup and a good playlist. The café’s cozy yet industrial aesthetic makes it a great stop for music lovers looking for a caffeine fix.

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Engine Coffee

If you’re looking for great coffee and a cozy, homely atmosphere, Engine Coffee is a must-visit. With its modern but welcoming ambiance, it's a great stop for a quick espresso and breakfast tacos before a day of crate digging at Wicker Park’s record shops.

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Milk & Honey Cafe

A classic brunch and coffee spot in Wicker Park, Milk & Honey Café is the perfect place to grab a light breakfast before heading out to browse records. Their huevos rancheros and French toast are crowd favorites, and their coffee pairs perfectly with their fresh-baked pastries.

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Wake N Bakery Wicker Park

A café with chill vibes and infused drinks, Wake N Bakery is perfect for those who want to relax, enjoy a creative menu, and soak in Wicker Park’s artistic energy. Whether you’re in the mood for a caffeinated lemonade or a classic iced latte, this café provides an easygoing experience with good music and good vibes.

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Gallery Café

For those who love art and music, Gallery Café is a must-visit. This coffee shop doubles as an art gallery, making it a perfect place to get inspired while sipping on an oat milk latte. It’s got a laid-back atmosphere, friendly staff, and plenty of seating, making it a great place to chill before heading out to explore Wicker Park's indie music scene.

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Varietale Bagels & Coffee

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.

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Spinning J Bakery

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.

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Ricky Jock

Two Shades Cafe

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.

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Seth Galentine

La Colombe Coffee Workshop - West Loop

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.

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Metric Coffee

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.

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The Bakehouse Chicago

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.

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Doppio Coffee House

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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Ludlow Charlingtons Coffee Shop

Located just a short walk from Lincoln Park Zoo, Ludlow Charlingtons Coffee Shop is a cozy, family-owned gem that offers a unique, dog-themed atmosphere. With Victorian-style dog portraits adorning the walls, it’s the perfect spot for animal lovers to grab a cup of coffee before heading to the zoo.

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Michael Damato

Cafe Deko

If you’re seeking a cozy and welcoming spot to start your zoo day, Cafe Deko is just the place. With its 1930s-inspired Art Deco theme, this charming café offers a quiet escape before you visit the Lincoln Park Zoo. Known for its smooth lattes and light bites, Cafe Deko combines great coffee with a warm, stylish ambiance.

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Olor Coffee Bar

If you’re in search of a cozy café to fuel up before your zoo trip, Olor Coffee Bar is the place to be. Situated near the zoo, Olor offers a calm, welcoming environment with friendly service and high-quality coffee. Known for its expertly brewed espresso and lattes, this spot is perfect for those who need a quick pick-me-up before their zoo visit.

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Printer's Row Coffee Co.

For those who enjoy a sleek, modern coffee experience, Printer's Row Coffee Co. offers a minimalist yet cozy space to get your caffeine fix before heading to the zoo. This local favorite serves small-batch roasted coffee and house-made syrups, ensuring a fresh, flavorful cup every time.

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Coffee Lab & Roasters

If you're an aficionado of high-quality coffee, Coffee Lab & Roasters near Lincoln Park Zoo will not disappoint. Known for its expertly roasted coffee and cozy vibe, this local gem offers a welcoming space to enjoy a carefully crafted latte or espresso. The friendly staff and inviting atmosphere make it an excellent spot to kickstart your zoo visit.

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La Colombe Coffee Workshop

La Colombe Coffee Workshop offers a refined coffee experience just a stone’s throw away from the Lincoln Park Zoo. This trendy café serves high-quality coffee, including delicious lattes and cappuccinos. With a relaxed atmosphere and expertly crafted drinks, La Colombe is a fantastic spot to enjoy a morning coffee before heading to the zoo.

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Erica Harp

Fairgrounds Coffee & Tea

Located right across the street from Millennium Park, this café is an easy stop before heading over to the bridge. They offer a variety of coffee beans from different roasters, so if you’re a coffee lover who likes to switch things up, this is the spot. With a cozy but modern atmosphere, Fairgrounds is also a great place to warm up before heading back out into the St. Patrick’s Day crowds.

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Anh Ha

L.A. Burdick Chocolates

This chocolate-lover’s paradise is just a short walk from the bridge and is known for its rich, European-style drinking chocolates and high-quality espresso drinks. If you’re looking for a cozy place to warm up before heading back out into the festivities, this café is an excellent choice. Plus, they offer delicious pastries and chocolate treats if you want a little snack before finding a good viewing spot.

Blue Bottle Coffee - Michigan Avenue

Blue Bottle is a well-loved coffee chain, but this location near Millennium Park makes it a convenient stop before heading over to the Michigan Avenue Bridge. If you like your coffee smooth, strong, and expertly crafted, Blue Bottle is a great choice. Their small but airy café is ideal for grabbing a quick drink before making your way to the parade or the river dyeing event.

Dollop Coffee Co.

Dollop Coffee is a local favorite for a reason—they serve fantastic lattes, seasonal drinks, and hearty pastries. If you’re in a hurry but still want quality coffee, their grab-and-go service makes it easy to get your caffeine fix before heading to the riverwalk. Plus, they offer comfortable seating if you need a break from the crowd.