Best Coffee Shops in Chicago (2025)

A benchmark roaster-café where the roasting floor hums behind a minimalist bar. Frequently recommended by Eater Chicago and favored by coffee pros for exacting espresso and seasonal pours. Expect Lost Larson pastries and early closing hours.

An intimate Logan Square outpost of the Chicago–Istanbul roaster known for Turkish-style coffee, meticulous pour-overs, and limited hours. Time Out Chicago has long praised its focus and restraint; locals come for thoughtful roasting and rare origin lots.

Logan Square’s stalwart roaster serves clean, expressive coffees with a breezy, sunlit vibe. Regularly cited by local critics and guides, it pairs Aya Pastry bakes with careful pour-overs and balanced espresso standards.

Wicker Park’s ‘80s time-capsule remains a serious coffee bar beneath the nostalgia. Featured in Axios Chicago and covered by Block Club Chicago, it’s an essential stop for Halfwit-driven espresso, creative lattes, and neighborhood storylines.

A mission-driven café where 100% of proceeds support mental health education by Hope For The Day. Featured by local and national outlets, it’s a welcoming space with trained staff, community events, and solid, comforting drinks.

Latino-owned and deeply rooted on the South Side, this revived café roasts in-house and partners with neighborhood makers. Block Club Chicago reported its 2025 reopening; expect drinks inspired by Latin American flavors and community programming.

A Vietnamese American family-run hub on Argyle serving playful lattes, jasmine-scented teas, and bold cà phê sữa đá riffs. Beloved by Uptown regulars and highlighted by local outlets for its community events and creative flavor combos.

Independent and globally minded, Oromo blends Chicago sensibility with spices and superfood milks drawn from East African and Mediterranean traditions. Regularly noted by neighborhood groups for vegan pastries and Turkish-style touches.

Lakeview’s witchy café roasts its own beans and leans into late hours with snacks, cocktails, and a lively patio. Covered by industry press like Fresh Cup for adaptive hours; locals love the pastries and night-friendly coffee service.

A North Side pioneer that still sets the pace with dialed-in espresso and community energy. Recognized by Condé Nast Traveler and Eater; the Edgewater café remains a dependable stop for thoughtfully sourced, freshly roasted coffee.

New to Pilsen in 2025 and acclaimed by Eater Chicago and Daily Coffee News, this cultivo-to-cup café serves beans from the co-owner’s family farm. Expect café de olla notes, cardamom accents, and events that center farmworker voices.

Standing Passengers - Review - West Town - Chicago - The Infatuation

Standing Passengers in West Town is a great spot for getting work done, and for avoiding said work. There’s strong wifi, plenty of outlets, and a long menu of flavored coffee drinks (like a blueberry pancake latte) to fuel your inbox zero quest. Want to avoid all those Slack messages instead? There’s vintage Nintendo to play and old movies to watch while you lounge in worn leather couches. Or maybe you want to finish reading your book club pick without continually making eye contact with the giant crown-wearing skeleton that guards the entrance? Head to the quiet and secluded back patio. And if all that isn’t enough to keep you occupied, you can eat decent (if messy) freshly made sub sandwiches, plus snacks from Cafe Tola and Do-Rite. - Veda Kilaru

Since 1991, this Andersonville original has mixed Indonesian-inspired sensibilities with Chicago warmth. Frequently mentioned by local writers for its bohemian spirit, floor-cushion nook, and broad drink menu that goes well beyond the usual.