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Broadway Cafe

Broadway Cafe is a hidden gem that offers strong coffee, delicious pastries, and a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re grabbing a quick coffee before a park event or looking for a late-night spot that serves coffee and cake, this café is a reliable go-to.

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TE’AMO Boba Bar - Millennium Park

Another fantastic option for bubble tea lovers, TE’AMO Boba Bar is known for its seasonal boba flavors, organic milk options, and photogenic drinks. They even have charging stations and cozy seating, making it a great spot to relax after a long walk around Millennium Park.

Espresso and Milk

If you’re looking for a sleek, minimalist coffee shop with a focus on high-quality espresso, Espresso and Milk is worth the stop. Located near the Civic Opera House, this café is known for its quick service and expertly crafted cortados. It’s an ideal place for commuters, travelers, or anyone needing a reliable caffeine boost before heading to Millennium Park.

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Happy Monday Coffee

If you need a cozy café with friendly baristas, Happy Monday Coffee is a great stop before heading into Millennium Park. The seating is spacious, the vibe is welcoming, and the cappuccinos and lattes are consistently delicious. It’s the kind of place where the baristas actually remember your order—perfect if you’re a local looking for a new go-to spot.

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Azez Omar

Chiya Chai

A cozy chai café right across from The Bean, Chiya Chai is perfect for those who want a break from traditional coffee. This spot serves authentic Indian-style chai, along with flavor-packed samosas, curries, and other Nepalese-inspired bites. If you’re in the mood for something warm and comforting before heading into the park, the Masala Chai Latte is a must-try.

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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.

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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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NaywriChi

Bubblelicious

For something a little different from your usual coffee order, Bubblelicious offers bubble tea, milk teas, and specialty lattes just a short walk from Michigan Avenue Bridge. If you want a fun and Instagram-worthy drink while watching the river turn green, this is the spot. Their Strawberry Jasmine Milk Tea is a popular choice, but they also have classic coffee drinks if you’re craving caffeine.

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jaideep sidhu

Leonidas Chocolate Café

If you’re looking for a coffee shop that feels like a European café, Leonidas Chocolate Café is the one. It serves rich Belgian hot chocolate, expertly made cappuccinos, and an assortment of croissants, pastries, and chocolates. The cozy indoor seating is perfect for warming up before the parade, and if you have a sweet tooth, their handmade chocolates are a must-try.

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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.

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scott fletcher

Overflow Coffee

A bit further from the bridge but worth the walk, Overflow Coffee is a great option if you want a quieter place to sit before the St. Patrick’s Day chaos begins. They serve excellent specialty lattes, iced teas, and locally made pastries. The seating is comfortable, making it a great spot to stop and recharge before heading back out into the city.

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.