Calling all coffee lovers in Chicago! Whether you’re a Chicago native or visiting the Windy City, this post is for you! I mean who doesn’t love a good coffee? It warms the soul and keeps you awake. It’s a win-win! Plus one of my favorite things to do during the weekends or when traveling is to visit a new coffee shop. I’ve been living on Chicago’s north side for awhile now (Go Cubs Go!) and I have found some of my favorite coffee shops that I frequently visit. Not only do these places have good coffee, but they also have a vibrant atmosphere making them the perfect places to have a relaxing morning, do work, or catch up with a loved one. Below are 12 of my favorite coffee places on Chicago’s north side:
Hurricane Coffee and Tea
Located in North Center, this adorable coffee shop has a variety of coffee drinks along with food options ranging from bagels to sandwiches to even empanadas! As many of you know, I love the beach, and this coffee shop’s decor reminds me of a surf shop so it gives me a little bit of ocean beach vibes while being in the middle of a city!
The Coffee Joint
Also located in the North Center neighborhood, this coffee shop is the perfect place to visit on a sunny afternoon as they have an outdoor patio to enjoy. They also have plenty of indoor space with wifi for those who want to go and do some work. They have both sweet and savory food options if you want to visit for breakfast or lunch.
Ritual Coffeehouse
I’ll give you one guess where this coffee shop is? Yup, once again in the beautiful neighborhood of North Center. I promise I have other neighborhoods for you to venture to. Ritual coffeehouse is a quaint coffee shop located right by a train stop, how convenient! I highly suggest going on a nice day and heading out back to their private secluded oasis where you can enjoy your coffee in peace.
Botanical Cafe
Sorry, last one in North Center, I promise! The Botanical Cafe is Chicago’s first plant shop and cafe. They serve coffee, tea, house-made specialty food and drinks, candles, and you guessed it, plants! Their whole shop is filled with luscious plants and greenery that are all for sale. Whether you have a green thumb or not, this coffee shop is worth a visit!
Coffee Lab Lakeview
Located in the Lakeview neighborhood, Coffee Lab Lakeview is a small, independently owned shop and is a must visit! They use Yama Cold Drip Towers to make some of their coffees, so it actually looks like you are in a science lab. You can tell they care about the quality of their coffee and take the time to make the perfect cup which will leave your taste buds feeling happy!
Bitterpops
This is one of my all time favorite spots in the city! They were a small bottle shop and taproom and over covid they expanded and are now becoming a well-known hot spot in West Lakeview! But why are they on my list of coffee places you ask? Well…. they now have a cafe in addition to their taproom, bottle shop, kitchen, and large outdoor patio. I love this place because they collaborate and support other local shops for their coffee and beer. Not only do they provide high quality food, coffee, and beer, they also provide high quality service and their staff is great!
Surge Coffee Bar and Billiards
Coffee bar by day and billiards and cocktail bar by night. This Albany Park location is one of the most unique coffee shops I’ve visited. Who doesn’t love great coffee in the morning then coming back with friends to socialize and shoot some pool? They have 14 pool tables to be exact, so there is plenty of space for all!
Beans and Bagels
A Lincoln Square staple since 1994, this local coffee shop is well known for its drinks and baked goods. I’m not lying when I tell you there is ALWAYS a long line here. I also really love this place as they try to be environmentally friendly and as zero-waste as they can be. When we got coffee “to go” we received a recyclable or reusable aluminum cup that I still use! Speaking of zero-waste they are right by a zero waste store – so you should grab a coffee and then hit up the zero waste store, the planet will thank you!
Hexe Coffee
This is the place to go if you want specialty coffee. Located in West Lakeview they create barrel aged coffees that allow them to make drinks with a variety of flavors and tastes. This coffee shop also has a huge adorable outdoor patio with string lights along with a chic indoor dining area. Go grab a coffee, a bite to eat or go there later in the day for an alcoholic beverage!
Pilates and Coffee
This coffee shop/fitness studio is a two for one as you can get a coffee and get your workout in for the day! The owners have created a great community at this local Roscoe Village shop as it is kid friendly and all the locals gladly support this business as there is often a group of families waiting outside for their coffees.
Red June
Nestled on a quiet street corner in Bucktown this cafe is a great place for working, brunch, or a break from your busy day. It has indoor and outdoor seating along with a walk-up window. So if you’re in a hurry or have a furry friend with you, there is still a way to get your coffee fix!
Kopi Cafe
Kopi cafe is located in the well-known Andersonville neighborhood and is known as the “traveler’s cafe”. And it indeed lives up to the name! There are globes, maps, currencies, and trinkets from all over the world. The coffee is delicious but the extensive food menu is also a plus. They probably have the most vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free options I’ve seen which is a huge win in my book.
Well there you have it, 12 must-visit coffee shops on the north side of Chicago. So go get your coffee and enjoy all that the city has to offer! Bottoms up!
